Get Me Outta Here! Racing to Full Production Somewhere Else

This recent webinar featured industry leaders who shared practical strategies for electronics teams facing factory moves due to rising tariffs and global uncertainty. Here are clear insights from each expert, with timestamps to help you quickly find the advice you need.

• Minimizing Risks During Factory Moves, with Andre Neumann-Loreck. Jump to section →
  
• Effective Engineering Team Management, with Bill Carter-Giannini. Jump to section →
  
• Managing Tariffs and Supply Chain with Jen McCabe. Jump to section →
  
• Using Technology for Faster Moves, with David Kalinowski and Zach Scott. Jump to section →
  

Minimizing Risks During Factory Moves – Andre Newman Loreck (OnTap Consulting)

Andre Newman Loreck focused on how to reduce operational risk during factory transitions:

• Keep Current Suppliers: Use existing suppliers, especially for "house parts," to simplify the move.
• Run Original Factories Longer: Do not close existing factories too soon to avoid costly interruptions.
• Avoid Excess Inventory: Excess inventory leads to hidden costs like storage fees and product damage.
• Form Tiger Teams: Hold daily meetings and nightly calls to quickly fix issues.

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Effective Engineering Team Management – Bill Carter Giannini (BrightLNK) 

Bill Carter Giannini explained how to manage engineering teams clearly during moves:

• Build Cross-Functional Teams: Include hardware engineers, program managers, quality engineers, and operations staff.
• Document Product States Clearly: Record the exact "last best state" to quickly fix issues at new factories.
• Plan Carefully: Clearly separate known issues from unknowns to reduce problems during execution.

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Managing Tariffs and Supply Chains – Jen McCabe (PwC) 

Jen McCabe shared straightforward supply chain strategies to handle tariffs:

• Redesign Packaging: Update packaging early to match potential De Minimis changes.
• Use U.S.-Based Rework: Set up local refurbishment to cut international shipping costs.
• Find Alternative Warehouses: Use bonded warehouses in Vietnam, India, or Germany to manage tariffs.
• Communicate Clearly: Be open with suppliers and your teams to manage uncertainty effectively.

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Using Technology for Faster Moves – Zach Scott (Backbone) and David Kalinowski (Sesame) 

Zach Scott and David Kalinowski described using technology to speed up factory moves:

• Real-Time Data: Use Instrumental data to quickly identify and solve production issues.
• Focus on Customer Needs: Prioritize product details that directly affect customer satisfaction.
• View Disruptions Positively: Use disruptions as opportunities to improve resilience.

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Interactive Q&A Highlights 

Experts answered practical audience questions:

Question 1: Which data points help engineers most, and how do you prevent burnout?

• Zach Scott: Provide quality data to reduce repetitive tasks.
• David Kalinowski: Offer real-time data for quick decisions.
• Bill Carter Giannini: Ensure continuous access to reliable data.
• Andre Newman Loreck: Support engineers with autonomy and flexible schedules.

Question 2: How can a small team using one factory in China start reducing risk without major disruption?

• Andre Newman Loreck: Talk to your current manufacturers about options outside China and start new products elsewhere.
• David Kalinowski: Use sub-suppliers to spread risk and simplify assembly moves.
• Bill Carter Giannini: Seek outside expertise and use industry networks before making major changes.

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