5 Questions to Ask When Selecting a Contract Manufacturer

Choosing the best contract manufacturer may seem daunting since there are many options. Below are five key questions to ask when selecting a contract manufacturer.

Companies must do their homework to understand better the background of each contract manufacturer they are evaluating. For example, how long have they been in business, who were their previous clients and have they won any awards or been recognized within the industry?

You want an established partner with a proven history and repeat customers. Additionally, ensure potential partners have ample experience working with a company of your size and in your industry.

Not all manufacturing partners offer the same range of solutions. You need to be clear on the requirements for your application and if a potential partner provides solutions that meet your needs. Partners with a variety of offerings may be in a better position to provide support as your business grows over time.

For this reason, companies must partner with an experienced manufacturer like RiverSide Integrated Solutions (RIS), which offers a broad range of integrated solutions.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) need an experienced manufacturing partner familiar with the production planning required to meet all of the regulatory and quality standards. Additionally, OEMs need to ensure that a partner is providing them with a dependable process.

A supplier’s quality planning and assurance program is more than just meeting the requisite ISO and FDA requirements. Instead, it represents their proven way of ensuring consistent, high-quality products.

Most OEMs have unique and specific product specifications, and it is crucial that you find a contract manufacturer that understands and can comply with those specifications.

Additionally, it is essential to identify any extra services and customer support that a potential partner provides. For example, is it easy to contact the partner with technical support questions? You will want to discuss these topics to understand the level of customer support provided once manufacturing is underway.

It is crucial to understand if the potential partner offers value-add services such as supply chain management, kitting and other secondary operations to complete your project. These secondary operations provide significant value for OEMs, such as streamlining production schedules, improving the consistency and reliability of the final product and minimizing the number of vendors involved in the manufacturing process. All of these steps improve efficiency, which saves OEMs time, resources and money.

In the end, you are not simply looking for a supplier; you are looking for a trusted partner that can help your business grow. A true manufacturing partner asks for input and listens to customers, offering solutions that ensure both parties are aligned and satisfied.

Also, every manufacturer has unique company culture and relationships with its customers, so ensure you mesh well with any potential partners. You will need an atmosphere of good communication and a spirit of collaboration from the start. Do not ignore any red flags you note during the evaluation process – they will not go away after the partner is selected.