One of the most important parts of electronic contract manufacturing services is the level of quality control and assurance that the manufacturer offers. Good contract manufacturers should have well-documented quality control procedures, as well as any necessary certifications for their field, such as the general ISO 9001 certification for quality management. 

The importance of quality management 

Quality is a vital part of electronic manufacturing–and any type of product manufacturing. Good quality management not only leads to better product quality and performance, but can also lead to improved production costs in the long run, as well as improved safety.

Understanding the difference between quality control and quality assurance

Quality management includes elements of both quality control and quality assurance processes. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually different things altogether. 

Quality Assurance is a series of activities done to confirm that the product meets predetermined quality standards. This is a pre-planned process that sets out standards for the product throughout its development to ensure that it meets the requirements. This is a proactive approach to quality, focusing on the production process itself in order to prevent defects.

Quality Control is a series of operational techniques and tasks that are required to meet the product’s quality standards. These methods help to ensure that the final product is safe and performs effectively after production is complete. This is a reactive approach to quality that focuses on the product itself, identifying and correcting potential defects. 

From inspection to detection

Inspection and detection are two important aspects of a quality management system that also tend to be used interchangeably. Inspection is a manual or automated process, a preventive measure that ensures all products or production techniques are meeting quality standards. Detection is the process of identifying errors or defects that have already occurred in order to correct them and minimize the potential for future errors.

Compliance vs. Certification

Compliance and certification are quite different but excellent ways to confirm that an electronics manufacturer has a good quality management system. Compliance is usually a self-claim and doesn’t always guarantee that the company is following the standards they claim. Certification is awarded after extensive processes and often requires regular, on-site audits. Companies that go through certification are provided with a document proving their compliance with the standards indicated.

Quality Control and Assurance at Cypress Technologies

Cypress Technologies takes quality management seriously. We have been ISO 9001:2015 certified since 1999 through BSI auditing, and all of our work is inspected to IPC-610C and 620C standards. One of the ways that we incorporate quality into our facility is by empowering our employees with the training, knowledge, and equipment they need to judge their work. We have a dedicated trainer to help aid operators in quality assurance and control skills. We also have refined our data acquisition and problem solving (5 Why & 8-D) process for more efficient and cost effective production processes. 

If you’re looking for quality electronic contract manufacturing services, check out our website today!

Electronic contract manufacturing is a specialized field of manufacturing for PCB design and assembly, complete electronic assemblies, electronic component sourcing and procurement, system integration, and electronic product quality testing. They play a vital role in many different industries today, with the exponential growth of integrated electronics in systems across the board. 

The right electronic CM has much to offer your project, from faster time-to-market to improved quality assurance, and even the ability to scale production up or down, accommodating fluctuations in market demand. When you’re looking for a new CM for your electronics products or components, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Expertise and Specialization

Most electronic manufacturers are experienced in a set group of industries or applications, specializing in particular components or services. Make sure to match your product’s needs to the manufacturer’s specialization and examine their expertise as well. They should know the quality standards your product will need to meet and have the certifications and manufacturing capabilities to make that product. 

A good electronic contract manufacturer can also use their expertise to offer design assistance at the very least, finding ways to improve your product’s performance and the project’s overall costs. They’ll have a good understanding not just of the ways a design can improve manufacturability, but also the supply chain needed to build the product. 

Another important factor to consider is how long the company has been in business and how much experience they have in the industry. A company that has been around for several decades has proven its staying power, being able to navigate economic fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. A long-standing company also is more likely to have a more experienced and well-rounded workforce to offer, and more insight into their industry specializations. 

Capabilities and Collaboration

Another key thing to consider when you’re looking into electronic contract manufacturing is the capabilities of the company. They should have a well-maintained and well-equipped facility with the technology necessary to meet your standards of quality, as well as the ability to scale production up or down as needs require. 

A good partner should also collaborate with your team and communicate with transparency throughout the manufacturing process. They should be willing to work with you to find the best possible design and be responsive to your feedback and your standards as well. A good way to examine a company’s capabilities and collaboration is to see if they have any testimonies from previous or current customers–the company’s history is often found on their website or other resources–or contact others that have worked with them in the past and see what that company’s reputation is like.

Looking for a supplier of electronic contract manufacturing services?

Cypress Technologies has been a leader in electronic contract manufacturing since 1987, with a history of integrity, long-term relationships, and superior manufacturing. Check out our website to learn more about how we can serve you.