Many PCB manufacturers will ship circuit boards to a third party PCB assembler for the next stage in the process, but this can have a knock-on effect on tooling set-up times, on production times, costs and quality.
The benefits of single-site manufacture and assembly
There are many reasons why manufacturing and assembling a printed circuit board on one site makes sense:
1. One single point of contact
At Garner Osborne each client has their own account manager who oversees every stage of the process – from design submission and prototyping, through to manufacture, assembly and dispatch.
This means that each client is guaranteed continuity throughout the production process.
If there is an unavoidable delay to one part of the process outside of our control, it’s not game over for meeting timescales. Owning our own assembly facility means that later stages of the assembly process can be managed to ensure any resulting delays are recorded or kept to an absolute minimum.
2. A faster, more streamlined process
Not having to take time out of the production process to package boards safely for shipment and then transfer them to an alternative site saves time, labour and logistical headaches. Man-hours cost money, so it can also keep your budgets looking healthier too.
3. Enhanced quality control
With single-location manufacturing and assembly, quality control processes can be more tightly integrated and closely monitored. This allows for better oversight of the entire production steps, from raw materials to final results as finished products. Any issues or defects can be quickly identified and addressed without coordination between multiple parties. This results in higher-quality PCBs with fewer defects and a lower risk of costly rework or recalls.
4. Improved communication and collaboration
All manufacturing and assembly processes under one roof facilitate smooth communication and collaboration between different departments and teams. Design engineers can work closely with production staff to optimise designs for manufacturability and assembly, leading to more efficient production processes and better overall product quality. Any design changes or modifications can be implemented quickly and efficiently, minimising delays and meeting project timelines.
5. Cost savings
Companies can realise significant cost savings by consolidating manufacturing and assembly processes in a single location. Eliminating the need for shipping and handling between multiple locations reduces transportation costs and minimises the risk of damage or loss during transit. Additionally, streamlining production processes and decreasing the number of handoffs between different facilities can lead to lower labour costs and improved overall efficiency. These cost savings can ultimately translate into lower consumer prices and improved marketplace competitiveness.
6. Flexibility for customisation
With single-location manufacturing and assembly, companies have greater flexibility to accommodate custom requirements and special requests from customers. Whether incorporating unique design features, implementing specific assembly techniques, or meeting tight deadlines, having all production processes in-house allows for greater agility and responsiveness to customer needs. This flexibility can prove as a competitive advantage in industries where customisation and rapid turnaround times are essential for success.
Conclusion:
Hence, single-location manufacturing and assembly offer numerous benefits for companies seeking to produce high-quality printed circuit boards efficiently and cost-effectively. From improved quality control and communication to streamlined processes and cost savings, consolidating manufacturing and assembly operations in one facility can improve business and customer outcomes. Consider the advantages of single-location production if you're looking for a reliable partner for your PCB manufacturing and PCB assembly needs.
Contact us now to learn more about our comprehensive PCB manufacturing and assembly services and figure out how we can support your project from start to finish. Let's partner together to bring your PCB designs to life efficiently, cost-effectively, and with the highest quality standards.