5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Manufacturing Facility
Manufacturing is a critical part of any operation, but it can also be one of the most challenging. That’s why it’s important to research and ask the right questions before choosing a manufacturing partner. A beneficial partnership for one company might not be the best fit for another.
The details of your supply chain will depend on your unique needs and circumstances, but some universal principles should be applied in any circumstance. Whether you’re looking to build a new relationship with a manufacturer or you need to vet potential partners to strengthen an existing relationship, asking the right questions will help you get off on the right foot. Here are five questions you should ask when choosing a manufacturing facility.
1. What is Their Manufacturing Process?
The first thing you should ask when looking at a potential partner is what kind of manufacturing they do. You’ll want to understand their process to make your product and their capabilities in other areas.
For example, if you’re looking for a manufacturer that can do some assembly on your behalf, you might want to ask about their capabilities in other areas, like the packaging. If you’re looking for a partner who can handle much of your manufacturing process, it’s important to know what they’re capable of and can’t do.
2. What are Their Production Capabilities?
When you talk to a potential manufacturing partner, you should ask about their production capabilities and what they can produce for you in terms of volume. You will want to know how much they can produce per day, week or month and how quickly that capacity can be reached. The more production-capable the manufacturer is, the more likely your product will be produced on time and within budget.
3. What is Your Quality Standard?
The quality standard is one of the most important aspects of a manufacturer. When talking to your potential manufacturing partner, asking questions about their quality standards is important.
You will want to understand what their processes are for quality control, as well as what measures they have in place for measuring the quality of the product. It’s also important to ensure that your product is produced with the same standards you will use in production.
4. How Big is Their Facility?
The size of the manufacturing facility is another important factor to consider. The higher the number of employees a manufacturer has, the more likely they are to have the capacity to produce your product on time. A higher number of employees also means that the manufacturer has the muscle to get things done quickly.
Alternatively, if a company has a small production facility, it will be much harder for them to meet your timelines. That’s why it’s important to ensure that your potential manufacturing partner can meet your timeframes.
5. How Long Have They Been in Business?
The longer a manufacturer has been in business, the more experience they have. The more experience a manufacturer has, the more likely they can meet your needs.
It’s important to ensure that your potential manufacturing partner is at least a few years of experience in the industry. If they’ve been in business for several years, you can be sure that they will have the expertise and experience necessary to work with you on your project.
