Advantages in Quality Control When Using a Contract Manufacturer

Contract manufacturing is when an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) outsources part or all of its manufacturing process to an experienced third party. RiverSide Integrated Solutions (RIS) is an advanced contract manufacturing company that offers high-quality, full-service solutions.

Contract manufacturing has been around for decades, and many industries rely heavily on outsourcing to remain competitive. When people consider the benefits of using a contract manufacturer, cost reductions and improved productivity typically come to mind.

One benefit that often needs more emphasis is the advantage of using a contract manufacturer for quality control.

A contract manufacturer’s quality planning and assurance program is more than just meeting the requisite requirements. It represents their proven way of ensuring consistent, high-quality products.

Below are three advantages in quality control that OEMs realize when working with a proven contract manufacturer like RIS. Our team fosters a continuous improvement mindset, and we never rest regarding quality.

Experienced contract manufacturers adhere to strict quality control processes to meet or exceed standards. Contract manufacturing teams typically have rigorous quality training and dedicated professionals that ensure high-quality standards.

They apply their breadth and depth of knowledge across various industries to their quality management program. These measures lead to a higher level of quality control. A higher level of quality control results in more consistent and elevated product quality. It also results in a healthier bottom line and happier customers.

At RIS, we have a layered and proven approach to quality management. We are ISO 9001 registered by each of our entities. Our quality systems also meet national production procedures, product quality and customer service standards.

We don’t just check the boxes regarding quality control: quality is engrained in our culture and workplace.

Contract manufacturers support various companies across a wide range of industries. They typically have decades more collective experience and have solved many more production and quality problems than most OEMs. For this reason, contract manufacturers are often a wealth of knowledge.

When using a contract manufacturer, OEMs can tap into this expertise and leverage this knowledge. Contract manufacturers act as fresh eyes and often bring new and innovative ideas. This results in operations efficiencies that enable quicker speed to market and overall quality.

Additionally, contract manufacturers offer scalability and production flexibility that is often not feasible for OEMs without sacrificing quality.

At RIS, we empower our staff of professionals to take ownership of product quality. Ownership helps hold us accountable and makes every team member responsible for continuous improvement.

One of the advantages of using a contract manufacturer is access to advanced quality control processes and state-of-the-art technologies. Contract manufacturers often invest in cutting-edge automation and other advanced equipment. This helps them accelerate the pace of production and elevate product quality.

Proven contract manufacturers focus on continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing. These practices result in tighter quality control, saving OEMs time and money.

At RIS, we pride ourselves on utilizing cutting-edge technologies for our customers. For example, we are commissioning an advanced quality system to improve our quality management program further.

RIS is dedicated to providing advanced quality contract manufacturing services.

The backbone of this effort is our quality management system. This helps us ensure excellence in our printed circuit board, assemblies, supply chain management and distribution services.

Our quality management system’s primary goal is continually improving our processes and services’ effectiveness. We do so while continuing to comply with industry standards and meeting customer needs with every project.

We are ISO-9001 registered by each of our entities and adhere to quality systems that meet national standards.

Our quality management systems and processes include the following:

• IPC-A-610 quality standards
• American Society for Quality (ASQ)
• Safety Agency (UL, CSA, TUV, ETL)
• Quality Management Software
• Defects per Million Opportunities (DPMO)
• First pass yield and Pareto of defects at inspection and test gates
• Regular review of process quality and RMA data with customers
• Route control of serialized assemblies at inspection and test

As your one-stop shop, we have the capabilities, capacity, quality assurance standards and resources to support all your needs. We understand that supply chain management is complicated and time-consuming. That’s why we urge our customers to utilize our integrated solutions fully.