Is Configure to Order Manufacturing the Right Strategy for Me?

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Once you have things up and running, it’s important to ensure regular communication is maintained between you and your EMS partner. Dedicated account managers within the EMS help ensure that this communication is managed appropriately and that there is always someone on hand with an in-depth knowledge of your product and account.

It is recommended that regular business reviews are held to ensure that the terms outlined in the original SLA are still suitable and upholding the needs of your business. For example, you may find that replenishment levels are too low once your product is established within the marketplace and adjustments need to be made. These would need to be discussed with the EMS provider in order for them to make the necessary arrangements to the supply chain and production line and accommodate the increase in demand.

Outsourcing your manufacturing and implementing a CTO strategy to an EMS provider is not something to be taken lightly. It takes time to set up and robust supply chains and manufacturing capabilities are imperative to its success. Which means it’s vital when you're looking to partner with an Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider that you challenge them on their past experience in this area. How many of their customers are running a CTO strategy? What level of complexity exists in these products? If the answer is 'one, and not much', then you will need to decide whether or not they are the right solution for you.

Some OEMs will never have the need to implement a CTO strategy, while others will struggle to respond to the demands of their changing market without it in place. If, however, you can find the right EMS provider for your CTO needs, it can be hugely beneficial to both your organization, and to your customers.

This article originally appeared on the JJS Manufacturing blog, which can be found here.

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