Maximize Leverage of Your Partner.

Take full advantage of the strengths of the CM such as: purchasing power, new sources for fabricated items (which will need your approval), production engineering jigs and fixtures, test engineering capabilities, fulfillment and other value added services.

Get full buy-in and involvement from your management and production staff. As you take advantage of more services from the CM, groups within your organization may feel a loss of control or ownership. Turn this around by putting them in charge of qualifying or managing the service.

As a final word on getting and staying "Fit", an ongoing win-win relationship is essential. Don't force fit the relationship; compromise may be inevitable, and it may take some time to work out all the kinks, but there is too much at stake for your business if the "Fit" is simply not there. Withdrawing from the partnership downstream can be a costly and painful exercise.

Yes, the CM should behave like an extension of your company; a good if not perfect fit with your business objectives, culture and company's way of doing business. Choose your CM wisely by making sure the right degree of "Fit" is there at the beginning. Keep the relationship strong by maintaining that "Fit" between the two companies, and enjoy the benefits of the partnership and increased flexibility in your business.


The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only and do not represent the views of the Techman/Kanata or of any of its directors, officers or employees. The author, Harvey Ikeman, can be reached at hikem01@yahoo.com