Sub-assembly means that smaller components of a larger part are manufactured or assembled separately. These parts are then put together to create the final product. Deciding to do sub-assembly in house or outsource it is a big decision. There are several things to take into account when considering outsourcing sub-assembly manufacturing. In many cases, it can be beneficial to outsource subassembly.
What are the Advantages of Sub-Assembly?
First, it’s important to understand the benefits of sub-assembly itself. Sub-assembly results in more people handling each part. However, it is well worth the trade-off.
First, it cuts down on training time. Each person learns to assemble either a subpart, or the finished product, instead of every person learning to assemble the part from start to finish. This allows for faster training, because no one is required to learn the entire process.
It can improve speed and accuracy as well. It allows the worker to focus on one task instead of many. The task can be completed quickly, over and over. Forgetting steps or components is also much less likely.
Should You Outsource Sub-Assembly?
There are several advantages of outsourcing sub-assembly manufacturing.
They include:
- Lower equipment costs
- Improved production times
- Scalability
Lower Equipment Costs
The initial investment for creating a new product can be daunting. Outsourcing sub-assembly cuts down on this cost, because you don’t have to purchase the equipment to manufacture the subparts.
Improved Production Times
The subassembly process makes manufacturing more efficient. When subparts are already assembled, the final product can be assembled much more quickly. Outsourcing subassembly allows you to focus your production resources on the finished product, allowing you to create more product in a faster timeframe.
Scalability
Meeting demand in peak times can be challenging. Outsourcing subassembly aids in this by speeding up the manufacturing process. Lower equipment costs help as well, allowing businesses on the smaller end of the spectrum to be profitable. In addition, fewer laborers are required. Hiring and training new workers when demand increases is time-consuming and expensive. This is reduced somewhat when subparts are already assembled.
Improved Quality
Quality is just as important as quantity. When you outsource sub-assembly parts, they are manufactured by skilled workers that are trained in that specific process. They are then checked for quality before you receive them. It reduces the risk for error with the finished product as well. The manufacturer of the finished product has fewer tasks to focus on, and has quality parts to work with.
Outsourcing sub-assembly manufacturing makes sense for many businesses. It allows you and your workers to focus on making the final product effectively and efficiently.
