Assembly — the constantly evolving challenge in electronics

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Assembly is an integral part of the electronics industry and all industries that depend on it (automotive, industrial equipment/hardware, computing, and many others). This is not news to anyone who’s had to deal with production and manufacturing. The vital point, however, is that assembly changes along with the industries it supports, as we are now facing an unprecedented level of innovation across global economies.

It is difficult to pinpoint which exact sector of trade or manufacturing is driving this wave of change. Automotive manufacturing, for example, is facing a huge shift towards Electric Vehicles and engines. Companies of varying sizes (from low-volume “boutique” firms to global giants like BMW) are reconsidering how they assemble their components for cars. This is doubly important when it comes to the electronics required for their vehicles.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly developing area as well and has to deal with constantly changing standards for its hardware. This also defines the need to review how the assembly of parts and devices is done. OEMs involved in consumer electronics (including phones, gadgets, and various computing hardware) have been facing a global shortage of semiconductors and have had to re-evaluate what materials they use and how they source them.

All of these factors (and more) drive the need for better, more powerful, and flexible assembly lines, procedures, and equipment (backed by human expertise). And while transcontinental corporations like Ford, BMW, Apple, IBM, and Volvo can afford to reinvigorate huge production and assembly facilities (and have been doing so since 2017-2018), not every OEM or electronics firm can do so.

In fact, over 50 CEOs of IPC, a U.S. electronics manufacturing association see the current situation in America as a looming crisis, with a need to re-evaluate how manufacturing and sourcing are done in the industry. In a letter to president Biden and in meetings with the State Secretary of Commerce, they outlined that electronics is an ecosystem that has serious flaws in North America.

The question is: how can this ecosystem be bolstered when not every OEM has the possibility of creating their own assembly or manufacturing lines?

An assembly partner is probably one of the most logical, pragmatic, and cost-effective solutions for any company that isn’t ready to invest in its own brand-new assembly powerhouses. The key factors to assembly outsourcing is flexibility, experience, and equipment. ABC Assembly has been on the market for more than 20 years, supporting our clients in saving their costs while providing stellar results with our assembly services. With fully automated high-speed SMT lines, Box Builds, custom process development, complete system integration, and every electronics-related need and specification met – we offer a top-level support package for any OEM.