Author: Jacky Humphries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choosing the right contract electronics manufacturing (CEM) partner is a crucial decision in the electronics manufacturing industry. Their technical expertise directly influences the quality, efficiency, and overall success of your project. To determine if an electronics manufacturer meets your business needs, consider these key factors:

1. Industry Experience and Expertise

Evaluate the potential partner’s experience. How long have they been operating and do they have a track record of handling projects similar to yours? A company with extensive industry experience brings valuable knowledge and insight, essential for managing complex or specialised projects.

2. Technological Capabilities

Review the manufacturer’s process capabilities. This should include their manufacturing equipment limitations, levels of assembly automation, process controls and  test and inspection knowhow.  Previous and near future planned investments into cutting-edge technology is a good indicator of their attitude towards continuous improvement.

3. Supply Chain Management

Assess their supply chain management abilities. You are looking for strong relationships with reliable suppliers, collective group spend and an efficient logistics system.  All of which are critical for timely and cost-effective material procurement.

4. Operational Flexibility and Scalability

Consider their capacity to scale and adapt to different project requirements. Can they handle a range of production needs, from low-volume, high-mix to large-scale production? Flexibility in operations is essential for a versatile and reliable manufacturing partner.

5. Communication and Customer Support

Look at how they will communicate with you.  Are their multiple lines of communication that will create and effective matrix, joining the relevant professionals within each organisation together.  A true partnership only happens when the traditional customer/supplier barriers are removed.  Openness, trust and transparency are fundamental to long term partnerships.

6. Regulatory Compliance

Confirm that the CEM adheres to all relevant industry standards and regulations, especially if you operate in highly regulated sectors such as medical or automotive.

7. Quality and Performance

Examine the company’s quality control practices and their results.  What does delivery performance look like for the last 12 months.  Does the manufacturer openly display key process indicators for all stakeholders to see?  Does the manufacturer go further than the usual ISO9001 requirements?  For example have they an integrated management system encompassing the environment (ISO14001) and health and safety (ISO45001)?

In conclusion, a thorough assessment of a CEM’s full capabilities is essential as your long-term success relies on you selecting the right partner.   Therefore, choose your manufacturing partner that has a strong strategic fit with your business and that makes good commercial sense.

As NOTE UK marks its 41st anniversary, it’s a great time to look back at how the Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry in the UK has evolved. Over the years, the EMS industry has seen significant changes, driven by new technologies and shifting market demands. Several key developments have occurred:

– Automation: We’ve moved from simple assembly lines to advanced automated systems, including robotics, which have greatly improved manufacturing efficiency.

– Globalisation: The ease of access to global supply chains has dramatically reduced the cost of materials available to the UK and helped reverse the decline of UK manufacturing.

– Internet of Things (IoT): IoT-enabled devices along with electric cars has created a surge in demand for electronics and the raw materials used within the components.

– Artificial Intelligence (AI): We have been talking about industry 4.0 for nearly ten years and how automation was the next major milestone in the worlds industrial journey.  However, it will be the addition of AI to our processes which will truly revolutionise manufacturing this century.

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of EMS

Several emerging trends are set to shape the future of the EMS industry:

– The Growing Importance of Cybersecurity: As manufacturing processes become more interconnected, cybersecurity becomes crucial.  Protecting customer’s intellectual property and ensuring data integrity are essential for maintaining trust.

– Supply Chain Dynamics: Recent global events and geopolitical changes have highlighted the vulnerability in supply.  There is an overreliance on raw material mining, silicone fabrication and some OEM component manufacturers.  Consequently, we should expect to see more countries, not just the USA, look closer to home for manufacturing and the supply of critical parts.

– Advancements in AI and Machine Learning: As mentioned, AI and machine learning will continue to transform the manufacturing industry.  This will include the whole value chain – i.e. design, production, test, delivery and customer service.  This will ultimately reduce the ratio of people required to achieve the same output.  This being true, this will also help countries manufacture locally as wage costs will be less significant in the overall cost.

– Sustainability and Green Manufacturing Practices: Environmental concerns are pushing some of the world toward greener practices.  There is clearly still a long way to go for everyone.  However, we should expect to see more accountability and customer buying decisions influenced by our ability to manufacture using only sustainable resources.

Why Choose NOTE UK as Your Electronics Manufacturing Partner

At NOTE UK, we focus on delivering excellence in everything we do. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes us the ideal partner for your electronic manufacturing needs. Here’s what we offer:

– Service: We put personalisation at the heart of our service. We tailor our solutions to fit your specific needs, guiding your projects smoothly from concept to completion. Our team works as an extension of yours, dedicated to bringing your vision to life.

– Quality: For us, quality isn’t just about meeting standards – it’s about setting them. With cutting-edge technology and attention to detail, we make sure every aspect of our work exceeds your expectations. The superior performance and reliability of our products reflect our commitment to quality.

 

The need for flexibility in manufacturing and supply chain management (SCM) has never been greater than it is today. SCM is a big deal. After all, a well-managed supply chain enables you to maintain a competitive advantage, tackle complex challenges, and capture new opportunities. With demand often unpredictable and the supply chain market highly volatile, maintaining a reliable product supply can be a significant challenge that demands substantial internal resources.

Collaboration is Essential

When we think about flexibility, we often focus solely on the flexibility of finished goods. However, a capable partner can provide flexibility across various areas, including engineering support, inbound logistics collaboration, and buffering component stocks – either directly with your partner or through negotiated agreements with suppliers. Effective planning and optimised supply chain scheduling are crucial in determining how adaptable you can be in meeting customer needs, so getting this right is essential.

A good manufacturing partner helps you minimise the impact on your ability to ship products. A great partner, however, goes further by offering multiple fulfilment options and tailoring a service model that aligns with your specific business requirements.

Building Long-Term Partnerships

At NOTE, we build long-term partnerships with our customers by deeply understanding their projects and priorities and considering every technical and commercial aspect. Our customer-focused approach, close collaboration, and holistic view of the business and market enable us to keep our customers’ inventory and lead times to a minimum.

Central to this success is our flexibility and responsiveness. With demand being unpredictable, it’s easy to fall into a ‘Just in Case’ mentality – ordering excess parts and manufacturing more goods than necessary to cover customer demand. Our Kanban system eliminates this mentality by using a pull, not push, model, ensuring products are manufactured only when needed. This self-regulating system adjusts production based on demand, helping you avoid wasting valuable resources.

We complement this with our Build to Order (BTO) and Configure to Order (CTO) services, where we Kanban at the sub-assembly level and manufacture the finished product to order. This approach shortens lead times from months to weeks, reduces inventory costs, and enhances flexibility throughout the supply chain.

Summary

In summary, NOTE offers a range of SCM services, designed to boost supply chain resilience and agility, so you can quickly adapt to new business models and evolving customer expectations. Discover why NOTE is the right partner for you and contact us today to discuss your needs.

NOTE UK has announced the appointment of Jacky Humphries as NOTE UK Group Marketing Director to lead the marketing strategy across the four existing Contract Electronics Manufacturing (CEM) sites, Stonehouse, Windsor, Haddenham and Basildon.

 

Humphries will bring her expertise and experience in growing brands to the competitive CEM market in the UK. She has over 20 years’ experience in International Marketing, Brand, Media, Corporate Communications, and Business Development across various industries specialising in Europe, Africa, Middle East, and South East Asia. Throughout her career, she has led integrated sales & marketing efforts from brand – to demand campaigns – to sales, using a combination of traditional, digital and social media tools and methodologies to engage customers and partners on their purchase journey. Humphries holds a few degrees including an MBA from one of Africa’s leading business schools, the Gordon Institute of Business Science and serves on 2 globally recognised marketing boards.

 

Neil Owen, NOTE UK Group Managing Director said: “We’re really excited to have Jacky on-board to lead our marketing and brand strategy for 2024 and beyond. Our focus is very much on looking ahead at how we can continue to wow our customers and marketing plays a crucial role in this. NOTE UK is celebrating more than 40 years of turning our customer’s product ideas into reality, and we’re thrilled to welcome Jacky to the team to help drive our brand forward into the next phase.”

 

Humphries commented: “Having worked part time for NOTE over the past 2 and a half years, I’m delighted to be joining NOTE UK full time at such an exciting time for the business. The opportunity to extend NOTE UK’s world-class reputation and build on the work already done in positioning NOTE as a leading CEM in the UK,  is huge and something I’m excited to help shape.”

 

*CMO Council European Advisory Board Member: Europe Advisory Board – Advisory Board – CMO Council™

*Senior Vice President of Finance at the International Institute of Marketing Professionals  IAMS Board Members – IIMP® – International Institute of Marketing Professionals (theiimp.org)

Manufacturing in 2050

Manufacturing in 2050 will look very different from today, and will be virtually unrecognisable from that of 30 years ago. Successful firms will be capable of rapidly adapting their physical and intellectual infrastructures to exploit changes in technology as manufacturing becomes faster, more responsive to changing global markets and closer to customers. Successful firms will also harness a wider skills base, with highly qualified leaders and managers whose expertise combines both commercial and technical acumen, typically in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

Predicting another year of increased opportunities

NOTE UK, a leading end-to-end contract electronics manufacturer, is predicting another year of increased opportunities for British-based producers of electronics. Recent supply chain issues and rising global costs have prompted a significant return of electronics manufacturing to the UK, as British and European companies seek to avoid the challenges associated with off-shore manufacturing.

“The repatriation of electronics manufacturing to the UK has been a common theme since the pandemic, Brexit, and subsequent global events. But it’s not just supply chain security that’s making businesses choose ‘Made in Britain’,” says Neil Owen, NOTE UK Group Managing Director.

State-of-the-art facilities

NOTE manufactures electronic products for various brands, including those used in Greentech, Medical, Industrial, Communication and Security sectors. With over 117,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art facilities located in Stonehouse, Windsor, Haddenham, and Basildon, NOTE employs over 300 skilled staff.

Over 40 years’ experience

With over 40 years of experience, NOTE produces both surface-mounted (on Printed Circuit Boards or PCBs) and conventionally assembled (through-the-hole) electronics for over 100 clients. NOTE’s focus on turning product ideas into reality by constantly developing skills and technology has made our manufacturing capabilities increasingly appealing to both British and international companies.

“We believe our partners are realising they can not only get great value in the UK but great flexibility – and the knowledge and support they need to make their products even better too,” adds Owen.

Investment

NOTE has invested significantly in training and equipment, increasing levels of automation and manufacturing capabilities, enabling greater efficiency and competitiveness. The design and engineering teams assist customers in developing and improving their electronics, providing a turnkey manufacturing solution.

In 2023, the UK market for manufacturing electronic systems for other companies was estimated to be worth 2.3 billion pounds. NOTE in the UK has grown year-on-year and have expectations to double their market share over the next 5 years.

UK contract electronics manufacturing is in fine health

“With the increasing importance of sustainability, long product life-spans, and short supply chains, UK contract electronics manufacturing is in fine health and more competitive and effective than ever,” concludes Owen.

The inaugural Subcon Manufacturing Solutions Show Awards, held on June 6, 2024, showcased and honoured exceptional accomplishments within the manufacturing sector. This event served as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable contributions and innovations driving the manufacturing sector forward.

 

NOTE emerged as the deserving winner for The International Manufacturing Partner of the Year award. Expressing his gratitude, Neil Owen, Group MD of NOTE UK, shared, “Winning this prestigious award and being acknowledged for our accomplishments is truly gratifying. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, whose collective efforts have propelled our company to success. Our achievements are a result of our employees, customers’ triumphs, and the unwavering support of our suppliers. While our focus may be on electronics, at the heart of it all, we are in the business of people. Without our exceptional team, we wouldn’t be where we are today, and for that, I am immensely proud.”

 

Rewilding

Rewilding takes a big picture, holistic approach to helping nature recover and flourish. Supporting initiatives like Rewilding Britain is crucial for creating a sustainable and harmonious relationship between people and the environment. As part of NOTE Windsor’s focus on sustainability, their recent Christmas Jumper Day, raised over £420 for Rewilding Britain.

Balance

Rewilding encourages a balance between people and the rest of nature so that we thrive together. It can provide opportunities for communities to diversify and create nature-based economies; for living systems to provide the ecological functions on which we all depend; and for people to reconnect with wild nature. The goal is to help nature, for us to live better with nature and take our place as part of nature.

More information

Should you be interested in joining the cause or learning more, additional information can be found on the Rewilding Britain website: Support | Rewilding Britain

 

It has been a challenging time for everyone over the last couple of years as the cost of living has made buying even the basic needs, quite difficult for many. Food banks have continued to provide for the most vulnerable in our communities and they needed our help again.

NOTE Windsor employees have previously supported the Trussell Trust, which was set up in 1997 to bring communities together, regardless of faith, to end hunger and poverty in the UK. Once again NOTE Windsor employees have been very generous in their donations, filling the boot of Brendon Jones, NOTE Windsor’s Logistics Manager, car – with tinned food, cereals, pasta and more.

The donations were gratefully received by Peter, a representative of the trust. Thank you to everyone who participated in this important initiative. Should you wish to join us in supporting the Trussel Trust, please go to Support Us – The Trussell Trust.