We have typically saved 50% on
factory cost by transferring production from Western Europe to
the Far East. Freight charges and import duty (where applicable)
erode this benefit somewhat, but overall cost reductions of 30%
or so are still very valuable. To achieve this has often
required re-design for different assembly methods and materials,
without sacrificing the quality of the product.
Only competent electrical and
mechanical designers can understand, predict and verify the
effects of all modifications necessary to minimize cost under
various scenarios. See our section on
typical pitfalls when
taking outsourcing shortcuts.
As competent design engineers
ourselves, comfortable dealing with suppliers in written and
spoken Chinese, we ensure that any designs are safely modified
for use with materials sourced in the Far East, and
manufacturing practices there. Any proposals from an offshore
supplier must satisfy us before we can ‘sign off’ on them. In
this way only the right type of design compromises can be made –
those that reduce cost without sacrificing quality.
Whether you have a set of
drawings, a working sample or a design specification, we will
work with you to establish a full specification, including,
where necessary, an understanding or analysis of your circuit,
to ensure that all important design aspects and criteria are
established and can be met.
