Learn how this quality control certification will help you ensure a successful product launch.

Our advanced procedures, primary memberships, registrations, and certifications, such as ISO 9001:2015, demonstrate our commitment to developing and producing superior electronics. In this article, we’ll learn more about this qualification and what it means for your Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) investment with the help of Quality Manager Andrew Ehrsam.

“Pro-Active Engineering’s philosophy of quality and continuous improvement expresses our loyalty to our customers,” Ehrsam says. “One way we can show this is through our ISO 9001:2015 certification,” he adds, “which Pro-Active has retained since 2010.”

Continue reading to learn more about ISO 9001:2015 certification and the advantages of choosing an EMS that has it.

Overview of the ISO 9001:2015 Certification

The ISO 9001:2015 certification is an international standard that outlines certain criteria that a company’s quality management system must meet (QMS). This qualification is based on the iterative four-step management approach Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA), which is used in business to control and develop processes and products. Our certification supports our structure, roles, and processes in order to meet high quality management standards.

How does a business become ISO 9001:2015 certified?

To earn the ISO 9001:2015 certification, electronics manufacturers must satisfy the following criteria:

• Our management is committed, involved, focused and responsive
• Our company meets customer requirements, along with statutory and regulatory requirements
• Our processes are visible, traceable, consistent, repeatable, measurable, and documentable
• Our documents are appropriate, relevant, simple, understandable, and consistent with processes in use

To prove alignment with ISO 9001 standards, we demonstrated that we met these and other requirements related to our commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and our customers.

How does your company benefit from our ISO 9001:2015 certification?

“Our ISO certification means that we are constantly improving our processes to better satisfy the needs and demands of our customers,” says Ehrsam. “As a result, when you choose ISO-certified electronics manufacturers for all of your printed circuit board needs, you should expect high levels of customer satisfaction,” he adds.

“Because of our certification – and because we genuinely care,” Ehrsam continues, “you should expect the following benefits from working with us”:

• Efficiency and productivity in our processes help us complete projects on-time and within budget
• Our documentation is digitized and streamlined to ensure timely and accurate communications with our customer at every step of the production process
• Design for manufacturability is top of mind as we provide a fully staffed engineering team in-house.
• Providing a great place to work is a part of our mission, this philosophy promotes a positive corporate culture which translates into accessible, friendly and engaged employees who are ready to help our customers.
• We respect our customers and are proud of their accomplishments. To put it another way, when you succeed, we succeed.

Is ISO certification a must-have in the electronics industry?

We think so, but not all electronics contract manufacturers are ISO 9001:2015 certified. Do your homework and find an ISO 9001:2015 certified electronics contract manufacturer. This standard can be used to quickly and easily evaluate an EMS provider’s commitment to customer loyalty and product quality. Choosing the best EMS for your company’s brand and product investment is crucial!

We have a track record of meeting and exceeding our customers’ needs. You can count on us to provide your business with the printed circuit board assembly and design services it requires to succeed. Contact our sales team today by email or phone at 608-837-7838, and we’ll help you get started.

Supply chain disruptions are being reported in the electronics component market due to current demand for components in various applications such as smart devices, automotive, IoT, medical devices, unmanned devices and others. Our suppliers and market watch sources are reporting supply chain disruptions including shortages and cost increases. We asked our lead supply chain analyst, Ross Bilodeau to give our customers advice on how to manage these supply chain disruptions within the PCBA market. He advises that “In a global economy, these types of changes happen almost in real-time and having a strategically reasonable plan is key for large and small businesses to pivot quickly and navigate successfully through an inclement market.”

Bilodeau offers the following 6 strategies to incorporate and take control of your supply chain in every type of market landscape, especially one in high-demand like we are experiencing today.

1. Order Placement Strategy

It may seem counterintuitive to order smaller batches more frequently rather than ordering one large batch, but often times our customers are able to save money this way. A good partner can help you with a cost analysis to determine if this method could be helpful to your bottom line in any market. This is usually based upon component specifics.

2. Consider Supplier Location

Lead time for stateside suppliers can often be shorter than their foreign counterparts. Mainly due to the actual shipping time, which is can be several weeks or more, depending on the circumstance of external occurrences. Furthermore, using a trusted supplier and contract manufacturer is paramount when it comes to avoiding and managing supply chain disruptions.

3. Commit to Transparency in Sales Forecasts

The fulfillment process is always at peak performance when there is two-way communication in place with your suppliers. Sharing your sales forecast can act as a road map and help your trusted supplier plan ahead to ensure your product is ready to ship when you need it. This is also necessary when specific raw materials are required, along with value-add and logistic needs within your end product.

4. Standardize Design

Using standard components in your design can save both money and time for your engineers and downstream in the production process. If you require custom component capabilities, use a trusted contract manufacturer to effectively manage prototyping and testing. Working alongside supply chain will strengthen the knowledge base of overall success of your design as well.

5. Look for Value Added Services

Some manufacturers and suppliers offer services like BOM conditioning and continuous monitoring which focus on detecting issues early and providing solutions proactively to avoid supply chain disruptions. This essential value add service can predict problems and help manage your time to market.

6. Vet Your Supplier

The last strategy is easy. Make sure you are using contract manufacturers and suppliers that are accredited and incorporate quality assurance procedures, including open communication and documentation protocols. This will increase the likelihood for a long-term solid partnership that will provide on time and on budget products. Strong relationships prove to be key, time over time.

Pro-Active Engineering, located near Madison, Wisconsin has been providing professional electronic design, quick-turn prototyping, PCB layout, board assembly, and box build assembly services for a wide range of industries including energy systems, industrial equipment, military/defense, medical devices, underwater autonomous vehicles (UAV) and scientific/research equipment for 25 years. Reach out to our experts today to learn how we can Pro-Actively serve you.