Checklist for Choosing a Manufacturing Partner

When choosing the right manufacturing partner, many companies struggle to realise what questions to ask. With the war in Ukraine, Brexit, the global pandemic, and constant regulatory changes – it’s easy to struggle with where to begin. After all, this partner will play a crucial role in the production of your product, so it’s important to choose wisely.
At Pivot UK, we have over 50 years of manufacturing expertise and own our own facilities throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. Here we have provided a checklist to help you navigate through choosing the right manufacturing partner.

Capacity and Capabilities

First, you want to make certain the manufacturing partner has the capacity and capabilities to produce your product. This means they should have the necessary equipment, workforce, and expertise to handle your specific product. It’s also a good idea to cheque if they have experience producing similar products, as this can be a good indication of their capabilities.
At Pivot, we specialise in electronic manufacturing. We know the materials, circuitry, and engineering design that goes into making a PCBA. We wouldn’t take on manufacturing clothing, as this is not in our realm of expertise, and we lack the materials and machinery needed.

Quality Control

The quality of your product is paramount, therefore you want to choose a manufacturing partner that has robust quality control measures already in place. This could include things like regular inspections, testing, and quality assurance processes. It’s also a good idea to ask for references from previous clients to get an idea of the quality of their work.
Since Pivot manufactures products in the medical, rail and transportation, and defence industries, it’s imperative we have strict processes in place. Many of these products require certifications, which we’re highly experienced in helping our clients achieve.

Cost and Pricing

Certainly, cost is always a factor when it comes to manufacturing. You want to choose a partner that offers competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. It’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple manufacturers and compare them to find the best value. However, keep in mind the cheapest option may not always be the best – it’s important to balance cost with other factors like quality and reliability.

At Pivot, we have supply chain teams and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. This lends itself to customer savings through competitive pricing and scalable manufacturing of your product needs.

Location and Logistics

The location of the manufacturing partner can impact things like shipping costs, lead times, and communication. If you’re looking to reduce costs and improve efficiency, choosing a partner that’s located near your business or your target market can be wise. However, if you’re looking to access a specific skill set or technology, you may need to look further afield.

Communication and Collaboration

Choosing a manufacturing partner is a collaboration. It’s vital to find a partner whom you can work well with. This means that they should communicate with you easily and quickly and be willing to listen to your ideas and concerns. It’s also a good idea to visit their facilities in person to get a better sense of their operations and see if you’re a good fit.

Flexibility and Scalability

Your business is likely to evolve over time, so you want to choose a manufacturing partner that can adapt and grow with you. They should be able to handle changes in demand, production runs, and product specifications. It’s also a good idea to look for a partner that offers a range of services, such as design support and prototyping, so you can take advantage of their expertise.

Pivot owns seven manufacturing facilities spread across three continents. We provide scalability to take your product from prototype through large-volume manufacturing. We also provide mirrored SMT lines at our facilities in the Philippines and the US. This allows for the transfer of design files and production from one location to the other in the case of a natural disaster.

To conclude, choosing the right manufacturing partner is essential for the success of your business. By considering factors like capacity, capabilities, quality control, cost and pricing, location, logistics, communication, collaboration, flexibility and scalability, you can make an informed decision and find a partner that’s the right fit for your business. If you’d like to learn more about Pivot International and our global capabilities, contact us today.