4 FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOUR NEXT PRODUCT ASSEMBLY

Complex assemblies can involve hundreds or thousands of parts and consume much of a company’s time. For this reason, many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are looking at product assembly for potential optimization.

The goal of any product assembly line is simple: efficiently assemble a product. It is important to keep this in mind when optimizing new or existing product assembly processes. To help with your evaluation, below are four factors to consider before your next product assembly.

1. IS YOUR PRODUCT DESIGNED FOR ASSEMBLY?

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) is a common practice. It is the process of designing a part for ease of manufacturing. It often results in a better, more cost-effective product.

DFM procedures often focus on production, but it is crucial that OEMs also consider product assembly. This way, they can ensure they optimize new or existing products for efficient assembly.

Whether you perform assembly in-house or outsource this activity, you must think it through. Thinking through detailed manufacturing steps and how the part design will impact this process is vital.

Companies should map out the physical flow of materials through each product assembly stage. This will help them identify areas for improvement and optimize the process.

Less is often more when it comes to product assembly. For instance, a best practice is to minimize the total parts and tools utilized. You should also attempt to optimize their placement, including orientation.

If performed properly, designing and optimizing for assembly will reduce manufacturing costs and avoid disruptions. However, the process should not sacrifice quality or performance.

2. DOES YOUR PRODUCT ASSEMBLY HAVE KEY METRICS?

Identifying key metrics for assessing and tracking manufacturing performance is crucial. These metrics should be easy for staff to measure. They should include quality assurance data based on inspections and other quality control practices.

This data, especially if available in real-time, will be invaluable to personnel making assembly decisions. Staff should also regularly analyze product assembly performance to identify areas for improvement.

3. HAVE YOU CONSIDERED DISASSEMBLY REQUIREMENTS?

Some products may need disassembly for inspections or repairs. When designing a product, disassembly needs are often disregarded. However, how a product disassembly significantly impacts the speed with which you complete support requests or tests.

Designers should consider disassembly requirements before every product assembly. For example, if there’s potential for maintenance in the future, consider your options. You may want to use flexible, temporary assembly methods rather than rigid, permanent fasteners, seals or other assembly methods.

4. DOES CONTRACT ASSEMBLY MAKE SENSE FOR YOUR PRODUCT?

If you are not already using contract assembly, it may be time to evaluate this option. Contract assembly has been around for decades, and many industries rely heavily on outsourcing product assembly to remain competitive.

Contract manufacturers, like RiverSide Integrated Solutions (RIS), can often complete assemblies faster than the OEM. At RIS, we provide OEMs with more rapid deliveries and increased speed to market. When outsourcing, OEMs are now unrestricted by in-house equipment or the number of personnel. They can operate in parallel with their contract manufacturer.

Additionally, contract manufacturers have the necessary tools and skilled workforce to complete complex assemblies. At RIS, we often have the capability of assembling at a  higher quality level than our customers.

Contract manufacturers are more nimble and able to readily slot in additional orders. This flexibility is crucial to OEMs wishing to capitalize on market conditions. We can help you grow your business and improve customer satisfaction.

About RiverSide Integrated Solutions

RIS is an advanced contract manufacturer providing robust solutions in circuit board assembly and product assembly. We employ more than 350 people and provide services to OEMs worldwide. We operate two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities within the US.

With all of the choices in contract manufacturers out there, we know it can be challenging to find someone who understands your business model and has your best intentions in mind. RIS has always proven to be a win-win-focused relationship.

As your one-stop shop, we have the capabilities, capacity, quality assurance standards and resources to support all of your manufacturing needs. We understand that supply chain management is complex and very time-consuming, so we urge our customers to utilize us in the fullest capacity.

Our total-package solutions include:

Contact us today at (507) 523-3220 to see how we can help with your manufacturing project, or click contact us for a quote.

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4 Factors to Consider Before Your Next Product Assembly
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4 Factors to Consider Before Your Next Product Assembly
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Four important factors to consider before your next product assembly: design, metrics, disassembly and wiring. Plus, is contract assembly right for you?
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RiverSide Integrated Solutions
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