3 Advantages of Subassembly Manufacturing

There is always pressure on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to reduce costs and increase operations efficiency to remain competitive. To achieve these objectives, many companies utilize subassemblies as part of the product assembly process.

Manufacturing projects often have numerous individual components. They can easily reach into the hundreds or thousands. To help manage some of the labor needed for these assemblies, a process called subassembly is employed. Subassembly is the process of assembling components into a part for future use in the final product assembly.

INCREASING EFFICIENCY AND SAVING COSTS

Utilizing subassemblies for final product assembly increases productivity and increases speed to market, saving OEMs significant time and money.

Subassemblies continue to increase in complexity over time. They often require intricate builds with specialized equipment that demand skilled technicians.

Many OEMs simply do not have the in-house equipment and skill sets to complete complex, high-quality assemblies. Outsourcing subassemblies and final assembly to a third party often makes good business sense.

Contract manufacturers, like RiverSide Integrated Solutions (RIS), have the necessary tools and skilled workforce to complete complex assemblies. In fact, we are often able to complete them at a higher level of quality than the OEM.

Additionally, we have a broad range of experience in product inspection and testing duties. We can take these responsibilities off of our customers’ shoulders as well. OEMs can rest assured the subassembly and final assembly will arrive on time and be fully functional.

When partnering with an integrated provider, like RIS, customers receive a complete manufacturing solution that strengthens their supply chain. Every step in the manufacturing process builds upon the next. For this reason, it is cost-effective to partner with a supplier that can start and end the project with you.

We can do it all for our customers. From the concept and design phase through production, subassembly and final assembly operations. We even do testing and product distribution!

Below are three of the advantages of integrating subassemblies into your manufacturing process. The benefits below contribute to lower manufacturing costs, higher quality, and a competitive edge for OEMs.

1. OPTIMIZE INVENTORY

One area for improvement often identified during manufacturing assessments is surplus inventory. Subassembly manufacturing is an opportunity to reduce this form of waste. The key is to have the right subassemblies at the right quantity where and when staff needs them.

Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing and assembly is one such approach. It is applicable whether OEMs perform subassembly in-house or outsource this service. The JIT approach reduces the level of subassembly inventory required.

With JIT, the inventory also spends less time on shelves before staff incorporate them into the final product. This leads to less inventory sitting on shelves, not adding value. Eventually, it translates to more organized and efficient manufacturing and lower OEM costs.

2. INCREASE PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY

The use of subassemblies streamlines manufacturing by improving the efficiency of the assembly line. This productivity gain results in lower build times and faster time in production for the final product. Assembly line personnel do not waste time locating a single component among hundreds needed to complete the final product.

When subassemblies are pre-built and readily available when needed, assembly lines operate more smoothly. This means manufacturers can assemble final products more rapidly and send to market faster.

3. ENHANCE FINAL PRODUCT QUALITY

With subassembly manufacturing, personnel have shorter instructions to learn than the numerous steps required to assemble the final product. This approach enables personnel to focus on fewer assembly tasks. It also means subassembly tasks are completed more frequently with higher expertise and fewer errors.

Subassembly manufacturing reduces the risk of erroneous assembly, enhancing the quality of the final product.

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: