At SigmaTron International we see these support requirements involving both engineering and business elements, and have adapted our business model to support both sides of this equation. This paper focuses on some of the critical elements that should be evaluated in both areas.

On the technical side, requirements can include:
• Ability to provide a “real world” engineering perspective during product design that addresses component availability, manufacturability, testability and quality considerations
• Ability to support any regulatory requirements related to product or production qualification, plus ongoing requirements for component or process change approvals dictated by the product’s regulatory environment
• Ability to team with each customer on quality initiatives and cost reduction activities over the life of the product
• Ability to address obsolescence issues over time, either through redesign or approved procurement practices
• Ability to support troubleshooting and testing associated with repair depot operations, if product cost and lifecycle length makes repair depot a viable support service.

From the business side, the equation can be far more complex:
• Ability to provide cost effective solutions for varying demand levels over the life of the product, that maximize responsiveness while minimizing inventory pipeline as much as possible
• Ability to provide continuous visibility into product status and quality trends
• Ability to offer a choice in manufacturing locations to support issues such as proximity to product development team, proximity to end markets or access to lower cost labor markets.