As technology continues to advance, consumers are increasingly interested in purchasing 
electronic gadgets that are dense, compact, fast, and above all, affordable. In order to meet these demands, many electronics companies are searching for ways to scale down their production costs, enabling them to lower customer price points while still earning a significant profit. Unfortunately, some of these companies are making the mistake of setting their sights offshore, in search of cheap labor in the construction of their PC boards.
After shopping around for a contact manufacturer, you may notice that foreign manufacturers are, indeed, often cheaper than American companies. It's important to understand, though, that if the price seems too good to be true, it almost always is. Shoddy craftsmanship and counterfeit parts can all cause harm to your reputation, and to end-users. This post will explore why it's in the best interest of you and your customers that the manufacture of PC boards remains on American soil.
Industry Standards
In America, we have established a set of standards for the production of electronics and all of their components. These standards were put into effect as a means of ensuring that equipment will operate safely, efficiently, and effectively. All of these regulations are strictly enforced and are closely monitored by higher authorities. When you take your business offshore, though, there is no guarantee that these standards are being upheld. This can cause problems for several reasons. First, a sub-standard board can compromise the integrity of your product's ability to function properly. Secondly, the board may create safety issues. Finally, should the device be scrutinized, your business could be penalized for a lack of standards compliance.
Labor Standards
Another staple in American businesses is the ethical and fair treatment of all laborers. Contract manufacturing companies are required by law to guarantee a safe work environment for all staff at all times. Strict safety measures must be adhered to, including specialized training, and regular assessments, amongst other things. In addition to this, all workers must be compensated fairly. Minimum wage standards have been set by the state and federal governments to ensure that this is always the case. In foreign countries, though, many laborers are not treated with this level of dignity and respect. Workers are often subject to conditions that are not safe, and can negatively impact both short-term and long-term health and well-being. In many cases, these individuals are paid the bare minimum in order to complete their jobs, and it's often not enough to live a quality life. Knowingly giving your business to these types of manufacturers is a matter of integrity, and can damage your company's reputation. 
Parts Standards
When assembling PC boards in the United States, contract manufacturers are required to carefully select parts and components that adhere to industry regulations and that will work safely and effectively in electronic devices. One of the biggest problems associated with giving your business to offshore manufacturers is that they have a tendency to make use of counterfeit parts. While this may not seem like a big deal at first glance, it can actually be very harmful. Counterfeit items are often not safe for use in electronics, and can cause harm to the end-user. They can also reduce the quality of your products. In either event, your customers will not be satisfied. Ultimately, this may result in big losses in warranty replacements, total product recalls, and major harm to the reputation of your business.
Although you may initially be tempted to partner with an offshore contract manufacturer, it's very easy to see that this is not a good idea. The risk of compromising your product, your business, or the safety and happiness of your customers is simply too high. By having a reputable American company take responsibility for producing your PC boards, you can rest assured that you will enjoy the highest quality at the most competitive rates possible.
