Preventing Delays During Your PCB Fabrication

Delays in your printed circuit board fabrication can be costly and time-consuming.

Delays in your printed circuit board fabrication can be costly and time-consuming.  In today’s world, they are a commodity that there is never enough of.  Believe it or not, there are steps you can take to avoid those dreaded delays during your fabrication process.  We are going to discuss how you can take an active role in ensuring your printed circuit board fabrication runs smoothly and on schedule.

 

Communication

Follow up is an extremely important factor during the fabrication process.  Placing your project at the top of your “things to do list” is a must.  If you are communicating with your fabricator through email, or phone, you must be sure to answer any messages left in a timely manner.  Not answering them promptly can cause an interruption of the manufacturing, especially if a question is being asked or your guidance is needed.

 

Identify Long Lead-Time Parts

You may not realize it, however, some of the parts that are necessary for your project may take up to six months or longer to receive.  Working closely with your manufacturer as soon as you can will help them determine what they order and how quickly they can get it.  Printed circuit board manufacturing is not like shopping at your favorite grocery store, they will not always have the products in stock.

Also Read: Uses of Printed Circuit Board Components & Technology

 

Correct Documentation

You should always keep your product documentation up to date with the correct information.  Speaking with the manufacturer candidly to find out what their specific requirements are is the best way to understand what they need, this way there will not be any confusion.  This will also help eliminate any unnecessary mistakes that will inevitably cause delays in the manufacturing process.

Product Demand Information

Never wait until you are out of (or almost out of) your product.  This only increases stress, time, and cost.  The cost of shipping overnight is much higher than normal shipping methods.  Come up with a way to order your supplies before you run out to avoid additional cost, stress, and time.

Consider a Domestic Manufacturer

Although the cost may be less expensive, you may end up paying a higher cost in the end.  You want to consider the following;

• Shipping prices will be higher with overseas manufacturers
• Communication may become more difficult due to time differences
• The difference in time may also result in the delay of delivery

Find a Manufacturer Who Can Handle the Entire

Manufacturing Process

A manufacturer who can provide their services from start to finish is the most beneficial option for your project.  This saves time because it cuts down on the amount of time it takes to get from one manufacturer to another, be worked on, and then shipped back to the original fabricator.  It makes smarter business sense to keep your product in one place from beginning to end so it can be shipped directly to you.  It also will stop the “blame game” if something is defective you know who is responsible.

Also Read: PCB Fabrication Making a World of Possibilities a Realty