How To Choose Original Equipment Manufacturers

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can help a business with its production processes at a cost-effective price.

They can also be a reliable source that helps drive your business to the next level by taking care of some essential business tasks.

However, if you choose the wrong partner, this can cause production problems. Delivery delays could even result in your company losing customers.

Fortunately, there are several crucial aspects you can look for when deciding how to choose an original equipment manufacturer.

Read on to learn how to find the right OEM supplier for your business.

Original Equipment Manufacturers Quality Standards

Customers have more options than ever before, and if your products fall below their standards, they will simply buy from one of your competitors.

There are many stories about companies purchasing cheap goods that suffer from a severe lack of quality.

While you will want to keep your production costs affordable, it’s important to remember you may have to pay slightly more to obtain superior merchandise.

You should ask if the OEM service adheres to ISO standards throughout their manufacturing process. In addition, the company should train all their staff and ensure that employees are encouraged to report any potential issues.

When a company can identify potential problems early on, there is less likely to be a delivery delay. This can be a vital factor if you need a supply of high-demand products quickly to satisfy your customers’ needs.

A reliable OEM will be proactive and agree on the standards you require before they begin the production process. Then, they can examine their finished items in line with these terms.

By checking all products before they leave the factory, an OEM ensures you do not have to return items when they reach your premises.

OEM Transparency

When deciding how to choose an OEM, an open and honest line of communication is essential. To maintain your high standards, you can ask the company if they provide access to their site.

There is no need to have a physical presence on the premises because you can use technology to gain 24/7 access.

Whether you are at your desktop computer or using a mobile device, you can always get a live update on the production process.

If the OEM is happy to allow you to view their work through a secure video feed, this provides peace of mind that they will deliver what they promise. 

You can even request access to specific locations along the production process. For example, you could view their quality control area to ensure you are satisfied with the finished article.

Independent Testing

You may be wondering should you get an OEM if you are worried about the quality of their work. After all, if you haven’t worked with them before, you only have their word that they manufacture high-quality merchandise.

But, you can have more confidence when you partner with an OEM that uses independent third-party testing. When choosing your supplier, you can ask how you can communicate with the independent testers.

It’s best if you can discuss your product quality with them directly. This means you have the reassurance that the factory is working to the agreed standards. 

Although the factory should also have its own internal quality control team, an extra layer of testing is reassuring. There is a reduced chance of inferior products slipping through the net. 

OEM Analytics

It can be challenging to outsource your production needs to a company based in a different country. If companies don’t provide you with real-time information, then how do you follow the order progress?

You may also have to inform customers when they can inspect their goods. In this scenario, it’s important to have access to production analytics at all times. 

You may be in a different time zone from your OEM and don’t have time to wait for a manager to get to the office. 

Before partnering with an OEM service, you can query if they use a manufacturing software system. 

For example, you may want to know about the production output, so you know when your order will be ready for shipping. In addition, if deliveries are later than expected, you should be able to view production downtime.

If a supplier consistently has too much downtime, you can decide to move your business to a different OEM.

Access to analytics can also be important as you will expect your supplier to take corrective action when there are issues.

Business doesn’t always run smoothly, and your OEM needs to know how to fix any issues that could have a negative impact on your company.

If you can see this information through the analytics software, it can be reassuring that your products are in good hands.

OEM IP Protection

If other companies steal your Intellectual Property (IP), they could target your customer base. Therefore, when selecting your OEM service, it’s good practice to ask about IP protection measures.

You can query if they have designated zones for specific processes. Also, how do they protect your information? Your partner company should have robust hiring procedures and use the latest technology to protect your data.

It’s also a good idea to work with a company that helps you register your IP in China. This can make it easier to obtain the protection you need for your products without having to navigate the required steps on your own.

Partner with Shield Works Today

Shield Works is a British-owned and managed OEM based in China. We are one of the leading original equipment manufacturers and have been providing our services to satisfied clients for over 15 years.

We operate to the highest quality standards and use the latest technology to provide our clients with the products they need.

We work closely with our partners to ensure we meet delivery times and exceed expectations. 

Contact the Shield Works sales team to book a consultation today.