06.14.13
According to a report by Frost & Sullivan, OEMs increasingly are turning to electronics manufacturing service (EMS) providers to better handle the escalating volumes of electronic content in the medical industry. With opportunities for high-level product assembly and complete build projects expected to increase, the potential for EMS in the medical industry will progress gradually over the next few years, the analyst firm predicted.
The report estimated the EMS to reach $34.38 billion in 2019. Last year, revenues were more than $16.43 billion.
“The challenge in maintaining certified, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and complex supply chain operations is that it strains OEMs’ profit margins, compelling them to adopt EMS,” said Frost & Sullivan Electronics and Manufacturing Equipment Research Analyst Lavanya Rammohan. “EMS providers, with their exposure to various verticals, are the ideal solution to manage the electronics boom in healthcare brought about by the use of wireless communications, robotics and software.”
The report found rising demand for engineering support as well as improving EMS competencies in product introduction, manufacture design and value-add services to be the main drivers behind EMS growth in the medical industry.
However, despite EMS providers’ growing expertise, the risk of liabilities prevents OEMs from outsourcing several services. Stringent regulations place medical OEMs under huge scrutiny, thereby limiting their outsourcing to tactical operations, such as printed circuit board assembly and sub-system assembly.
One of the main issues the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and OEMs currently face is cyber security of wireless electronic devices. Malicious hacking is a growing concern.
According to Frost & Sullivan, strict regulations also lengthen the outsourcing cycle, as OEMs are cautious in decision-making and favor EMS vendors with proven expertise. Manufacturers’ preference to retain intellectual property and strategic customer touch points reduces revenue possibilities for EMS dealers.
“EMS suppliers need to focus on developing strong relationships with original equipment manufacturers to build trust and capability, as OEM-EMS partnerships require long-term commitment in order for outsourcing to increase,” concluded Rammohan. “Service providers must be aware of industry trends, including financial models, long sales realization cycles, manufacturing challenges, supply chain complexities, certifications and audits, to offer all-round services.”
The report estimated the EMS to reach $34.38 billion in 2019. Last year, revenues were more than $16.43 billion.
“The challenge in maintaining certified, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and complex supply chain operations is that it strains OEMs’ profit margins, compelling them to adopt EMS,” said Frost & Sullivan Electronics and Manufacturing Equipment Research Analyst Lavanya Rammohan. “EMS providers, with their exposure to various verticals, are the ideal solution to manage the electronics boom in healthcare brought about by the use of wireless communications, robotics and software.”
The report found rising demand for engineering support as well as improving EMS competencies in product introduction, manufacture design and value-add services to be the main drivers behind EMS growth in the medical industry.
However, despite EMS providers’ growing expertise, the risk of liabilities prevents OEMs from outsourcing several services. Stringent regulations place medical OEMs under huge scrutiny, thereby limiting their outsourcing to tactical operations, such as printed circuit board assembly and sub-system assembly.
One of the main issues the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and OEMs currently face is cyber security of wireless electronic devices. Malicious hacking is a growing concern.
According to Frost & Sullivan, strict regulations also lengthen the outsourcing cycle, as OEMs are cautious in decision-making and favor EMS vendors with proven expertise. Manufacturers’ preference to retain intellectual property and strategic customer touch points reduces revenue possibilities for EMS dealers.
“EMS suppliers need to focus on developing strong relationships with original equipment manufacturers to build trust and capability, as OEM-EMS partnerships require long-term commitment in order for outsourcing to increase,” concluded Rammohan. “Service providers must be aware of industry trends, including financial models, long sales realization cycles, manufacturing challenges, supply chain complexities, certifications and audits, to offer all-round services.”