The Growing Demand for Customization
In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for products that are tailor-made to meet specific customer needs is rising. From medical devices designed to fit the exact specifications of a patient to industrial equipment customized to perform in extreme environments. The ability to offer tailored solutions is increasingly critical for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
But what is driving this shift toward custom builds? There are several key factors:
1. Advancements in Technology:
Along with advancements in traditional manufacturing technologies, cutting-edge tech like 3D printing and digital design tools are now popular integrations in manufacturing. Such advancements make creating custom products on a massive scale more accessible and affordable than ever.
2. Efficiency in Production:
These advances and improved manufacturing processes mean companies can switch between different product variations with less costly downtime. In turn, the increased adaptability allows manufacturers to respond more to changing market demands. All of this makes custom builds more feasible.
3. Consumer Expectations:
The growing prevalence of custom builds means that consumer expectations are changing. People increasingly value personalized products that cater to their unique needs. Often, they are willing to pay more upfront for solutions that save time and money in the long run. To stay ahead in this competitive landscape, more OEMs are meeting this demand by offering customizable options.
4. Regulatory and Compliance Needs:
In many industries, it’s crucial to develop tailored solutions that meet rigorous industry standards and fulfill unique customer needs. This is especially true when designing specialized medical devices in the healthcare industry.
At RiverSide Integrated Solutions (RIS), we recognize the importance of customization. We are an electronic manufacturing service (EMS) provider with over 40 years of experience across the changing technology landscape. We have the expertise to help OEMs thrive in this growing market. Whether delivering highly individualized products or managing complex, built-to-order projects, RIS has the know-how to ensure success.
What Are Custom Electronic Assemblies?
Custom electronic assemblies refer to products tailored to meet the configurations or features required by end-users. These assemblies are often more complex than standard products. They require high precision and customization to deliver precisely what the customer needs.
For example, consider the process of buying a personal computer. A customer chooses a base model computer that they want. Then, they customize it by selecting specific features to fit their needs. This includes the amount of RAM, storage capacity, color or processor type.
In many industries, similar customization options are available, but the level of complexity varies. In some cases, each variation is pre-assembled and ready for shipment as soon as a customer places an order. In others, the customization is so intricate that the product must be built to order. This requires a more agile and responsive manufacturing process.
At RIS, we excel in both scenarios. We can pre-build common product variations to keep them in stock, ensuring quick turnaround on orders. Simultaneously, we maintain the ability to pivot when custom orders come in.
Delivering Customized Solutions: How We Work
When it comes to custom assemblies, our approach is all about collaboration and flexibility. We work closely with our customers to understand their unique requirements, whatever they are.
For instance, we manage a product line for one customer that includes over 200 variations. To meet their needs, we forecast which builds are likely to sell in the coming months and proactively keep those stocked. Our continuous production ensures that we have most, if not all, of the necessary parts on hand, even for highly customized orders. This approach allows us to “hit the ground running” when a new order comes through.
The Value of Customization with RiverSide
When you partner with RIS for custom electronic assemblies, you open the door to a world of possibilities. We tailor our specialized expertise and customized solutions to meet your unique needs. We can help you increase flexibility and consistency across a wide range of product variations.
Experience Managing Complex Builds:
We’ve mastered the art of handling complex assignments with precision and skill. We’re dedicated to consistently delivering top-quality results that satisfy our clients and drive project success. We use proven, science-based practices like Lean manufacturing and Kanban to achieve this.
By focusing on continuous improvement, we optimize every process for maximum efficiency, while our carefully managed workflow ensures that every stage of production is perfectly timed and executed. These methods streamline our operations, minimize waste and keep our workspace organized and efficient.
Flexibility in Production:
Our ability to effortlessly transition between product variations allows us to address a wide range of customer requests while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. We’ve made strategic investments in cutting-edge technology that enable us to adapt quickly to changing demands. By implementing time-saving efficiencies across our operations, we ensure that every project runs smoothly from start to finish.
Consistency Across Multiple Variations:
We ensure that every product variation meets the highest standards of quality, tailored perfectly to the end-user’s needs.
One of our OEM customers was so impressed with our quality and efficiency that they chose to consolidate their manufacturing with us. They moved from using two EMS providers to working exclusively with RIS. Now, they benefit from a single point of contact overseeing everything—from parts procurement to final shipment. This not only simplifies their operations but boosts their overall product quality.
Choose RIS for Your Custom Builds
As the demand for customized solutions grows, OEMs need a manufacturing partner experienced in delivering complex, highly individualized assemblies with precision and efficiency. At RIS, we are committed to helping OEMs meet this challenge head-on.
If you’re looking for a partner for your complex build, look no further than RIS! Contact us today to learn how we can support your needs and help you deliver products that meet the specific demands of your customers.
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:
- Dedicated Program Team
- Extensive supply-chain network for efficient parts procurement and kitting
- Subassembly and full box-build
- Warehousing and drop-shipping capabilities
- Reverse logistics
- Flexible order fulfillment
- Scalability to meet your needs
Contact us today at (507) 523-3220 to see how we can help with your manufacturing project, or click contact us for a quote.
