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Hello from HETECH |
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Hello,
What a year it’s been so far…full blown recession with all the bells and whistles. It’s been difficult for most industries and customers, both locally and globally.
As the manufacturing sector closely follows trends, it has been challenging for HETECH too. Fortunately, the trend has reversed itself since April, and we are again full steam ahead.
In this newsletter, I’ve included a few brief articles about managing electronics manufacturing and design in challenging times, I hope you find these helpful.
As always, please give me a call on (07)
3847 1400 or email me sales@hetech.com.au if you’d like to talk about these topics, or how we can help you manage your electronic manufacturing or design needs.
Regards
HETECH General Manager
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Tips: Electronics Manufacturing in Tough Times
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Manufacturing in Tough Times…what to do?
In recessions and market down turns it often comes down to tightly managing finances: cash flow, stock levels, forecasting etc. So what can be done to minimise exposure? Here are a few tips which may assist you with your daily business concerns.
Managing Stock Levels
As soon as the “R” word is mentioned, many companies put the brake on ordering new products and run current stock levels down.
This is a prudent approach and it certainly helps the cash flow. However, it must be monitored carefully. If stock levels are tight, response time could increase drastically from say 2 weeks
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So what can be done?
Firstly, stay in close contact with your customers and their business demands. As you are closer to the “action” you should know much faster when things pick up again.
Secondly, make sure you stay in contact with your suppliers, because they may do exactly the same and run their stock levels down. Accumulated shortages in the supply chain can seriously damage your business and reputation for fast and good service.
Conclusion: Stay tuned to your customers and suppliers.
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Forecasting
Beside managing your stock levels, it is also recommend you consider the long term aspect with forecasting. In general, we are looking at time frames of 3 – 6 months, if possible even up to 12 months, depending on the industry you are in.
This will give you a better idea what you think the industry will do.
Conclusion: Invest time in keeping an updated forecast to avoid surprises.
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New Product Development
If sales are down, staff may have some spare time at hand. Now may be the time to start the project / product you always wanted in your market, and you were just too busy getting things done.
Being pro-active rather than reactive in tough times can see your business surge ahead while others flounder when things pick up. Use the ‘down time’ to start new product development. It will pay dividends in the long run. |
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| Conclusion: Get your new product ideas started! HETECH is the perfect partner to help you here.
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Electronics Outsourcing Benefits
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Outsourcing…How Can It Benefit You?
In tough times many companies look to reduce costs and overheads. In most cases new product development (design) is the first to be axed. So, how can you still develop new products without all these overheads? Outsourcing may be your answer.
Assess what can be outsourced and when: core competencies and tasks critical to your business are not the best candidates. For example, non-core electronics manufacturing processes or new electronics design projects are ideal for outsourcing.
Outsourcing electronics design and electronics manufacturing is cost effective and frees valuable resources so you can peruse what you are really meant to be doing.
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Outsourcing Electronic Design
In house Electronics Design can be costly if you have to recruit highly qualified staff, time consuming to manage, and risky if one staff knows all your new product innovations.
Take the cost, risk and headaches out of electronics design by outsourcing. HETECH has many years of industry experience in electronics design and a pool of qualified, experienced electronics engineers who design to manufacture.
Outsourcing Electronic Manufacture
Contract Electronic Manufacturing with HETECH allows your technicians to concentrate on core activities, while our staff can carry out non-core activities such as PCB assembly, cabling, potting, programming and testing in a QA monitored environment. It’s a cost effective and reliable way to get the job done.
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High volume/Low Cost Off Shore manufacturing in China & Hong Kong has become a popular trend in recent times. However, it is not without risk. Language difficulties, both cultural and technical, can cause big headaches and can result in projects running behind schedule. Consistent quality and longer lead times are the main concerns we hear from customers who have been burnt going directly to Asia for electronics manufacturing.
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 Mark Steiner (4th left), HETECH, visits a electronics manufacturer in Beijing, China, (August 2009) | If you are concerned about giving your Intellectual Property (drawings, etc) to overseas suppliers HETECH can offer you a split service by outsourcing simpler non-critical tasks to China and retaining the programming, testing, QA and final assembly here in Australia.
HETECH has the experience and connections to establish and monitor high volume offshore electronics manufacturing on your behalf. Access the benefits and greatly reduce the risk of off shore electronic manufacturing.
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| Conclusion: Assess your needs and outsource non-crucial processes to a reliable electronics design & manufacturer.
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| HETECH's driving commitment to QA ensures the highest electronics design and manufacturing procedures and standards.
In addition to ISO9001:2000 certification and IPC electronic manufacturing
standards, HETECH's
QA programme also includes the latest ISO certification: ISO 9001/2008.
HETECH's GM, Mark Steiner, says QA has always been an important part of the company's
infrastructure and processes, and is even more important in the light of the company's rapid growth.
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