MacroFab Blog
The Benefits of a Digital Manufacturing Partnership
New opportunities through rapid prototyping, elastic manufacturing, and operational efficiency.
MacroFab Blog
New opportunities through rapid prototyping, elastic manufacturing, and operational efficiency.
Rapid PCBA prototyping helps move designs quickly through this process and on to full production. MacroFab can expedite this process in several ways.
We highlight two cases where companies used our factory network distribution to manage the challenges surrounding manufacturing in a global pandemic.
In this uneasy business environment, companies must look to innovation to stay ahead of the competition. Working with a digital manufacturing partner offers new business opportunities through rapid prototyping, elastic manufacturing capabilities, and enhanced operational efficiency.
Digital manufacturing, also known as cloud manufacturing or Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS), optimizes the manufacturing process using a hardware-and-software combination, beginning with design and concept development. These systems marry together the best of contract manufacturing with 21st century AI algorithms that provide users with a better overall experience while providing additional value through increased data creation and retention.
For end-users, digital manufacturing works in much the same way as digital platforms like Amazon or Grubhub. Using digital spaces to purchase tangible products is commonplace now as consumers are attracted by wider choices supported by simple, intuitive interfaces.
Digital manufacturing is no different. Just as Amazon’s algorithm learns a user’s buying patterns and provides a more customized user experience over time, so too can a digital manufacturing algorithm learn the needs of an OEM and better provide services to match.
Additionally, digital manufacturing optimizes every part of the order process, from receiving interactive quotes, managing purchasing and parts acquisition, and tracking changes and approvals. Cost modeling and part acquisition are connected to real-time supply chain data, allowing for quick responses as information changes. The same quick response follows through as orders move on to shipping and inventory management, where digital manufacturing provides opportunities for drop- shipment and order fulfillment.
OEMs can partner with an already- digitized supplier to benefit from additional data within their valuable supply chain.
Manufacturing as an industry has been slow to modernize. But as consumers demand ever faster product iterations at lower prices, more and more businesses have turned to technological advancements to meet changing customer needs.
However, change has its costs and risks. The factory floor, filled with industrial components designed for decades of use, cannot be replaced cheaply or easily. Meanwhile, it can take time to marry legacy systems to retrofitted solutions. OEMs may not have the time or resources to implement full-scale internal digitization.
Companies may decide to take a middle-appropriate approach by partnering with an already-digitized supplier, thus minimizing their risks and costs while still benefiting from additional data within their valuable supply chain.
Such a symbiotic relationship is beneficial for several reasons, not the least is the continuous information flow to the OEM from their partner. As additional manufacturing systems join the already-connected world, having and building upon this library of process data becomes invaluable to making better business decisions.
Digital manufacturing offers OEMs advantages at every step of the order process.
This includes:
Digital manufacturing platforms offer rapid deployment, lower capital expenditures, and unlimited complexity while maintaining the quality you need in your PCB assemblies.
Are you struggling with communication, scheduling, or factory capacity with your traditional contract manufacturing partner? Would you like to learn more about how MacroFab’s Digital Manufacturing platform can improve your efficiency? If so, download this guide.
MacroFab offers comprehensive manufacturing solutions, from your smallest prototyping orders to your largest production needs. Our factory network locations are strategically located across North America, ensuring that we have the flexibility to provide capacity when and where you need it most.
Experience the future of EMS manufacturing with our state-of-the-art technology platform and cutting-edge digital supply chain solutions. At MacroFab, we ensure that your electronics are produced faster, more efficiently, and with fewer logistic problems than ever before.
Take advantage of AI-enabled sourcing opportunities and employ expert teams who are connected through a user-friendly technology platform. Discover how streamlined electronics manufacturing can benefit your business by contacting us today.
Rapid PCBA prototyping helps move designs quickly through this process and on to full production. MacroFab can expedite this process in several ways.
We highlight two cases where companies used our factory network distribution to manage the challenges surrounding manufacturing in a global pandemic.