Electronic Component Sourcing
A Sonic Differentiator – Electronic Component Sourcing
Conventional wisdom is rarely wise. Nowhere in business is this truer than the manufacturing supply chain. Bloated processes, patched software solutions, and erroneous data distribution create longer lead times, embarrassing demand forecasts, and higher purchase price variances.
An Agile Approach Breaks the Cycle of Repeated Defeat
Sonic Manufacturing Technologies has addressed each of these pain points over the last twenty years. Developing innovative and truly agile solutions that turn historical problems into modern production opportunities is how we consistently manage to beat our competitors.
By taking a sledgehammer to conventional wisdom, Sonic Manufacturing Technologies has built a product assembly line that extends way beyond the factory floor. In fact, it spans the globe.
Sonic Shifts the Paradigm in Electronic Manufacturing Processes
What sets us apart is consistent innovation. Although the terms we use are familiar, the approaches we employ aren’t. We’ve managed to develop an electronic component sourcing and manufacturing system that’s adaptable to change, long thought of as a fallacy in supply chain logistics.
How Sonic Automated Adapting to Change during Manufacturing
We have embraced technology from the start. However, rather than following suit with other electronic component manufacturers, we understood early on that data integration with all upstream and downstream channels could positively influence every aspect of the process.
By adopting application programming interfaces (APIs) early, we developed HAL. This self-correcting database provides autonomous change control and order processing. As the information that informs the manufacturing process and delivery cycles changes, HAL takes control and keeps our facility processes up to date.
HAL enables Sonic to place a million parts per week. It does 70% of our material purchasing while key resources remain informed of changes and updates to schedules. It routes key decisions to the role players while taking the brunt of the necessary process control labor required.
Covering the Four Key Elements of Agile Manufacturing at Sonic
In order to leverage the agile capabilities that drive their rapid and adaptable processes, Sonic delivers a service that includes:
1. Modularization of Products and Processes
At Sonic, eight surface-mount lines operate at the same speed indiscriminately of whether they are doing prototyping or assembling production units. Our ability to adjust the design with accurate data and manufacturing process instructions allows us to implement changes quickly and in accordance with any demand cycle updates.
2. Using Technology Wisely
Technology provides many opportunities for automation, but knowing what remains foundational to delivering consistently quality-checked products is what defines a successful agile operation. Using HAL to free up key resources means we solve problems quickly, enabling 50% shorter lead times on half of the components we produce.
3. Informed and Capable Partnerships
Material sourcing from a capable pool of partners means any assembly, repair, or prototype run is possible. Using the proximity benefits of vetted OEMs, we source our material according to demand and can maintain a continuous delivery pipeline.
4. Leveraging Knowledge
By speeding up the dissemination of the information that drives the manufacturing process, you gain an advantage against any offshore competitor. Lead times, notwithstanding a leaner sourcing and adaptive assembly approach, lower the total cost of your product.
Real Agility Is Doing Everything Differently
At Sonic, we work with both small engineering teams looking to launch a device as well as large assemblies with BOMs that run in the hundreds (and our shipments that span the globe).
We serve the Bay Area, San Jose and Silicon Valley, as well as Sacramento and Salt Lake City from our head offices in Fremont, California. Contact us today for a quote to manufacture your next creative EMS solution.