The success or failure of modern Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) heavily relies upon their strategic management under rapidly changing industry 4.0 environments. Therefore, hiring an specialized strategy consultant is the best way to ensure your project will move on the right path and strive in the long term.
When hiring a consultant, you may be looking to hire one from big consulting companies like Bain, McKinsey, BCG, etc., widely used by the world's largest companies and governments. These big consulting companies claim to have consultants with "expert" opinions and services. Nevertheless, as Mazzucato stated in a recent post, “These are private companies, the McKinseys, and the Deloittes, that have no expertise in the areas they’re advising in” their consultants are generalized than specialized with skills and knowledge that really help solve your needs.
Therefore, hiring a consultant organization that speaks the manufacturing industry language, understands your problems, and offers suggestions targeted toward your specific needs is critical. In this article, let’s see why you should hire a specialized consulting company rather than a generalized consulting company for your MES projects.
Why choose specialized consultants?
Ability to provide targeted solutions tailored to solve challenges in the manufacturing industry.
Many of the manufacturing industry challenges can only be learned through experience. For example, consider the challenges you face in equipment integration and component attrition or line balancing of SMT lines. A general consultant with no experience in such areas will be unable to assist you in selecting the correct MES that will actually be the best solution to solve these challenges. On the other hand, specialist consultants have an in-depth understanding and truly experience specific challenges and problems in the electronic manufacturing industry. Thus, can provide more practical, intuitive, and thorough input on solving these challenges based on their true learning experience.
Also, a general consultant would not understand things like solder slump or the advantages of inline x-ray of BGAs vs. batch Xray according to a well-built quality plan. They'd have to "look up" the difference between AOI/SPI/AXI and probably not be aware of advances in CFX (let alone what it means…). Only an Electronics Industry 4.0 specialized consultant with experience in implementing several Industry 4.0 projects or evaluating an industry-specific MES solution can offer the right suggestions to improve your processes.
Specialized consultants know the trends.
Specialized consultants in manufacturing work closely with relevant companies, including global manufacturing corporations and software solutions vendors. Therefore, they have opportunities to build skills and knowledge faster than generalist consultants. They stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements, innovations, market developments, and regulations so that they deeply understand the industry and where it is heading. Also, they are well-informed on industry news and understand the opportunities for manufacturing businesses and competitive pressures.
Since they know the current trends specific to the manufacturing industry, they are generally better at providing industry-specific insights. Their solutions are tailored to future developments in the manufacturing industry. This can help manufacturers make better-informed decisions and gain a competitive advantage.
On the other hand, general consulting companies focus more on broader areas. Therefore, they can be slower than specialized consultants when it comes to keeping up with the latest trends specific to the manufacturing industry.
Provide real and innovative solutions faster.
Specialized consultants have the necessary industry knowledge and may know how things work in the MES from A to Z. They are familiar with industry-specific jargon, technical terminology, tools and technologies, and best practices, which can help them quickly dig into the problem without spending too much time on background work. This deep knowledge enables them to start the work from day one.
In addition, specialized consultants often have a strong network of contacts and access to specialized resources that may not be available to generalized consultants. For instance, a specialized consultant can access industry-specific research databases to quickly identify a more innovative solution. Some specialized consultants may even provide services using AI/ML Advanced Analytics, IoT, and other innovative technologies, helping their clients to make the best decisions for their organizations.
Generalized consultants may take weeks to months before they offer solutions. However, due to a lack of expertise, you cannot guarantee the solution will fit your challenges in the first place. This could waste time and money and yield results that do not fit your needs.
Help reduce unnecessary costs.
Generalized consultants have a wider range of knowledge and expertise across multiple industries. However, they may not have the same depth or understanding of the challenges and problems unique to the manufacturing space. Therefore, their problem-solving process may be more expensive and time-consuming. They may need to spend more time researching and familiarizing themselves with the industry before they can provide effective solutions.
With specialized knowledge, specialized consultants in the manufacturing industry can help identify inefficiencies in the manufacturing processes. For example, an MES consultant for electronics assembly knows how to streamline operations and reduce waste on an assembly line leading to significant cost savings. They also can guide you on industry standards and best practices specific to electronic manufacturing, which can help reduce costs associated with production delays and equipment failures and prevent other potential future problems.
Considering the above-discussed important points, you may realize that hiring a specialized consultant is more advantageous than hiring a consultant from a big company who provides general solutions to the challenges in the manufacturing space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important that companies in the electronics manufacturing industry should partner with specialized consultants who completely understand their space. Large consultants and companies focus more on general manufacturing or several different disciplines. they don't have the exact knowledge companies in electronics manufacturing are looking for. This article discussed key points on why you should hire a consulting company that can provide you with consultancy specialized for the manufacturing industry. In brief, specialized consultants can provide targeted solutions; they know where the industry is heading, can provide insightful, innovative, and real solutions faster, and reduce the costs associated with consulting.
