Shorter product lifecycles creating more losses for OEMs. Engineering change orders can define IP ownership. ODM vendor selection transparency is vital. IT integration can offer significant savings for OEMs.
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Contracts & Agreements
Inside ODM contract service agreements
Ways OEMs avoid electronics NPI mistakes
Excess inventory is a liability to both the EMS provider and OEM. This exposure must be watched closely by both since the EMS provider will undoubtedly come back to the OEM looking for payment for exposed material left over. If OEMs feel the EMS provider is not practicing proper procurement practices, OEMs should push …
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How to select EMS providers: Factory tours, smoke, mirrors
Parking lots reveal a lot about EMS company management execution. EMS performance metrics don’t mean a thing but understanding geographic value added revenue (VAR) models can help OEMs get the best price.
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Chasing EMS value with low-volume / high-mix
Well-done high-mix, low-cost EMS work requires strong process engineering, good systems and infrastructure, and experienced management talent. Many EMS companies, particularly in low-volume / high-mix are continuing to lose money …
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Electronics manufacturing services value is not cost reductions
Real problem with EMS industry is inability to effectively communicate its value proposition. Pressure on EMS firms relates to the mistaken belief the core value proposition of outsourced manufacturing is cost reductions.
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Playbook for IP patent competitive intelligence and better business decisions
Many executives mistakenly do not treat intellectual property (IP) as an asset. Value such as insight into trade secrets and potential competing products can be extracted from competitors when executives …
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China’s risk: Bubbles burst, that’s what they do
Combined, all of these issues, and many others are becoming fault lines in the foundation that has allowed China to recover from the economic …
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Foreign IP strategy for electronics manufacturing
Know where your competitors are filing IP. Companies may consider filing patents in foreign jurisdictions where competitors are active, in an effort to gain market space and / or leverage IP assets during future negotiations. Manufacturers in emerging jurisdictions such as Brazil, India, China, and Vietnam become more active in presenting opportunities for joint manufacturing ventures …
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China: How to negotiate and other Chinese business practices
You’ve got the meeting set up in Shanghai. Congratulations. With visa and bilingual business cards in hand, a Mandarin phrase book with a practiced toast, and appropriate gift for your Chinese host, what’s next to seal the deal in China?
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