No more manufacturing downtimes
Get started with your project07 February 2025
3 Risks of Contract Manufacturing
Collaborating with contract manufacturers can offer businesses cost efficiencies, specialized expertise, and scalability. However, this partnership is not without its pitfalls. Below, we explore 3 recurring challenges companies face when outsourcing production - and how to mitigate them.
1. Quality Control Issues
Differences in quality standards between brands and CMs often lead to defects, recalls, or customer dissatisfaction. For example, a manufacturer might prioritize speed over precision, resulting in subpar products that damage the brand’s reputation. Implementing rigorous quality assurance protocols, conducting regular audits, and aligning expectations upfront are critical to avoiding these risks.
2. Production Delays
CMs may cut corners to avoid overtime labor costs, causing missed deadlines. Seasonal demand spikes or equipment breakdowns exacerbate delays. Include liquidated damages clauses in contracts and maintain open channels for progress updates to hold CMs accountable.
3. Lack of Transparency
Some CMs fail to report production deviations promptly, making it difficult to trace defects. A food brand, for instance, might discover contamination only after products reach retailers. Demand access to real-time production data and insist on incident reporting protocols.
While partnering with contract manufacturers unlocks growth opportunities, businesses must proactively address these challenges. Strategies like thorough due diligence, clear contracts, robust communication, and contingency planning can turn potential risks into competitive advantages. By fostering collaborative relationships and maintaining oversight, companies can ensure their outsourcing partnerships drive long-term success
Are you a contract manufacturer yourself?
Take this advice and explore new possibilities with MDCplus. What you get - capacitiy from the thin air, along with more efficiency from the same equipment.
Ready to increase your OEE, get clearer vision of your shop floor, and predict sustainably?
Other articles
16.01.2026
Top Okuma OSP CNC Error Codes Explained & How To Fix
Below is a consolidated list of real, commonly encountered Okuma OSP alarm codes, what they mean in practice, and how they are typically resolved on the shop floor
Read more
15.01.2026
Top Heidenhain CNC Error Codes Explained & How To Fix
In this article we've gathered real Heidenhain error identifiers you will see in the field, plus the fastest checks that usually resolve them
Read more
14.01.2026
Top FANUC CNC Error Codes Explained and How To Fix
This guide focuses on the most common FANUC CNC alarms, what they actually mean in practice, and what you should check first on the shop floor
Read more
13.01.2026
Malaysia National Semiconductor Strategy: Phases, Targets, Incentives
This article explains Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy, including its phases, targets, and incentives shaping the country’s semiconductor growth plan
Read more
12.01.2026
National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) Explained
National Semiconductor Strategy is the blueprint for securing chip supply, scaling homegrown innovation, and keeping critical industries competitive. This article explains the basics for understanding NSS
