Designer’s Notebook: What Designers Need to Know About Manufacturing, Part 2
The Pulse: Drilling Down on Documentation
Connect the Dots: Designing for Reality: Prioritizing ManufacturabilityDetermining the Value-add of Box Build
April 24, 2024 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
At a strategic level, adding box-building services makes sense for customer loyalty. But is it really that simple? Jon Schmitz, who manages customer engagement at RiverSide Integrated Solutions, talks about what it really takes to be successful in offering EMS and final assembly services under the same company banner.
Nolan Johnson: Jon, “box build” could mean anything from taking the next step into a larger subassembly to delivering a finished good or even drop shipping from the EMS house. Where does RiverSide Integrated Solutions fit?
Jon Schmitz: In our arena, we do it all. We started with printed circuit board assembly; all our standard EMS provider business is printed circuit board assembly. Then we moved up to product assembly work, and that’s where box build comes in. It may mean putting a circuit board assembly into a housing, like you described, which is a subassembly for our end customer. We send those completed subassemblies to an end customer, which turns it into the finished product. We also have many cases of completing the entire product and shipping it directly into the field. It could be straight to a dealer, or an end consumer.
Johnson: What are some examples of compelling events, trigger events, or crises for a customer that might cause them to go deeper into box-build services with you?
Schmitz: We start with a customer’s need, and ultimately, we offer three main solutions to their needs. First, we have certain customers that want to be virtual. They are not interested in doing any manufacturing themselves and want a manufacturer to do everything for them. That is one of the main reasons we started doing box build and product assembly. Second, we have customers that don't have the internal resources to do this. They may have a labor shortage, or a certain constraint on their business that motivates them to outsource. Third, it may be a core competency issue. We have customers specializing in the final finished product, but they don't want to do any subassembly work outside their core competency. In that case, they may need a contract manufacturer or EMS provider to do that portion for them.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the April 2024 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Summit Interconnect Acquires Royal Circuit Solutions and Affiliates
05/07/2024 | Summit Interconnect, Inc.The combination solidifies Summit’s position as one of the largest privately owned printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturers in North America with a footprint that will now encompass eight manufacturing facilities.
The Knowledge Base: A CM’s Perspective on Box Build Practices
04/30/2024 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseIn the ever-evolving landscape of electronics manufacturing, the box-build process stands out as a critical phase that bridges the gap between individual component manufacturing and the delivery of a fully functional electronic system. This intricate procedure, encompassing the assembly of everything from PCBs to wire harnesses and mechanical enclosures, demands a high level of precision, efficiency, and innovation. As the electronics assembly industry expands and diversifies, understanding the best practices within box-build assembly has become paramount for manufacturers aiming to stay ahead in a competitive market.
Latest Test and Inspection Solutions from GOEPEL electronic at SMTconnect 2024
04/29/2024 | GOEPEL electronicGOEPEL electronic will be demonstrating automated test and inspection equipment at SMTconnect, taking place in Nuremberg from June 11 to 13, 2024.
IMAPS & IPC to Host Onshoring Workshop
04/16/2024 | IPCThe International Microelectronics Assembly and Packaging Society (IMAPS) and IPC will host an Onshoring Workshop to discuss ongoing progress and forward-looking strategies to drive the Onshoring Advanced Packaging and Assembly, April 29 – May 1, 2024, in Arlington, Virginia.
IPC WinterCom 2024 Through the Eyes of One Dedicated Student
04/12/2024 | Sanjay Huprikar, IPCLauriane Testuz stands as a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her story serves as a reminder that the path to success is often paved by an unwavering commitment to one's dreams.