Let’s be honest: many companies stay with the same manufacturing partner far longer than they should.
Why?
Because switching vendors can feel risky, time-consuming, or uncertain—especially when production timelines are tight and change feels like disruption.
But here’s the reality: sticking with the wrong EMS partner is often more expensive than finding the right one. If your current manufacturer is slowing you down instead of helping you grow, it’s time to take a closer look.
Here are 3 signs it’s time to reevaluate your EMS relationship:
1. You’re Always Chasing Clarity
If you have to constantly follow up to get project updates, shipping estimates, or answers to technical questions, your partner isn’t being proactive. That lack of transparency can derail schedules, stress your team, and leave you scrambling.
🚩 A strong EMS partner keeps you informed—not the other way around.
2. Your Lead Times Keep Slipping
Occasional delays happen. But if extended timelines are becoming the norm—especially without clear communication or recovery plans—it may indicate poor planning or overextended capacity on your partner’s end.
🚩 Your EMS provider should have systems in place to hit deadlines consistently, not excuses on repeat.
3. You’re Spending More Fixing Problems Than Building Momentum
Reworks. Scrapped boards. Misaligned builds. If you’re spending significant time and money fixing quality issues or revisiting previously “approved” work, your EMS partner is no longer saving you time—they’re costing you more of it.
🚩 Your EMS partner should accelerate your product’s success, not stall it.
The Bottom Line:
If any of this feels familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.
At Futaba EMS, we believe your manufacturing partner should feel like a strategic extension of your team: communicative, accountable, and quality-obsessed.
If you’re ready for a relationship that helps you build smarter, let’s talk.
Contact us today!