Your company can’t operate without access to components that are high in quality, reasonably priced, and available when you need them. That means partnering with a precision machining service that is capable of providing what you need. Since any shop is likely to claim to be a perfect fit, you have to dig a little below the surface. Here are a few tips that will help you determine if a particular partner is really someone you want to do business with.
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Range of Machining Options
It pays to work with a shop that employs more than one approach to the production of different kinds of parts. This is because some methods work better for manufacturing bulk quantities versus smaller ones. If your partner can look at your order and determine that one of several different manufacturing approaches will result in producing the quantity you want in the time frame needed, that’s great. If that same partner can use a different method for another part and still get it to you on time, that’s even better.
Expertise With Your Industry
Some shops focus on a narrow range of industries while others seem to be set up to handle projects from just about any industry. When you are considering an alliance with a specific service, always make sure there is a solid track record of past projects with companies in your particular industry. For example, if your company happens to focus on auto restoration, it’s nice to know that a certain shop has quite a bit of expertise when it comes to making custom automotive parts that follow the same quality standards as the original components.
Dedication to Quality
Most people will affirm they believe in quality, but not everyone will go to the lengths necessary to live up to that statement. Before you sign any deal with a machining shop, you want to know their commitment to producing quality parts is more than just empty words.
There are several ways to confirm that dedication to quality. One is to talk with other customers and find out what they think of the components produced for them. Did they meet or exceed expectations or were those clients less than happy with the outcome?
Another approach is to ask for details about the quality checks in place during and after the manufacturing process. When there seems to be some confusion about what constitutes quality assurance and control, that’s a sign you should take your business elsewhere.
Cost Matters
While the expense should not overshadow quality, it is a concern you must face. Ultimately, your goal is to invest in quality parts that come with a lower cost per produced unit. That in turn allows you to keep the pricing to your clients more competitive. Rest assured that if they can go elsewhere for electronic components that are similar and quality and cost less, your efforts at electrical parts manufacturing with a certain supplier will not be successful.
Take your time and make sure the partnership is a good fit for your company. The right shop will be one of your greatest assets and lead to a relationship that benefits everyone concerned for years to come.
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