The Industrial Revolution, which took place from the 18th to 19th centuries, was a period during which predominantly agrarian, rural societies in Europe and America became industrial and urban. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 1700s, manufacturing was often done in people’s homes, using hand tools or basic machines. Industrialization marked a shift to powered, special-purpose machinery, factories and mass production. The iron and textile industries, along with the development of the steam engine, played central roles in the Industrial Revolution, which also saw improved systems of transportation, communication and banking. While industrialization brought about an increased volume and variety of manufactured goods along with an improved standard of living for some, it also resulted in often grim employment and living conditions for the poor and working classes.
We are a long way from the 1760’s when the first machines were being invented to reduce work loads and increase production. This was an amazing period in human history, and like all history, it had its dark periods which have since been rectified. Now, in the 21st century with technological advancements taking place at break-neck speed you might be asking yourself this question.
“How might a systems integrator and installer like us begin to take advantage of the technological advancements in manufacturing on a scale that’s affordable, yet simple to access?” This question gets asked more than you may realize and wanting to get involved with little or no capital investment is the major road block that often shields the answer from view.
For some of you this question might ring near and dear to your long nights searching the web for an answer. If that’s you, please read on. For those of you who are not quite there yet, the knowledge you will gain will open your eyes to new possibilities. Either way, you’ll quickly see how high volume time-consuming and mundane work can be industrialized at affordable rates. In addition, higher quality system components can be delivered at lower cost resulting in higher profit margins.
Barriers to Entry
Over the last two decades the majority of large-scale manufacturers of Fire, Access, Security and CCTV systems have all increased production to meet the growing market demand for these products. New factories were built, both in and outside the U.S. that capitalized on lower labor rates or geographic positioning. Automated processes were deployed in these new factories and older factories were upgraded using methods such as Lean Manufacturing, Cell Manufacturing, Six Sigma and a variety of other efficiency principles. In the short-term, these capital improvements along with the cultural transition did not come cheap or without a bad headline from time to time. However, in the long run, as volume increased, quality improved and costs dropped, these manufacturers had a windfall of profits and earnings never before experienced in modern history. It wasn’t only the manufacturers who benefited, the consumer, the retailer and the general public all experienced positive gains in a variety of ways which were easily measured.
Clearly, a small to medium-sized business is unlikely to make these kinds of investments primarily due to the huge risks involved. Not to mention the time horizon that would be needed in order to begin recouping the positive gains from this risky endeavor. But what if there was a way to partner with a manufacturer who has the resources and experience to make your large-scale manufacturing idea become a reality? What if you could tap into the decades of experience of a full fledged design and manufacturing team that have already made all the corrections and perfected the process?
Space Age Electronics is one of only a handful of custom manufacturers based in the US that caters to the life safety industry. Our ISO9001 certified processes are leveraged to serve every major fire alarm manufacturer in the industry. From simple cabinetry to the complex PC boards that use the latest surface mount technology. Our expertise and production capability is the answer for all the big boys and can be the same answer for wannabe manufacturers too.
If your Business is strapped for resources and there is more work than man hours to complete it, consider this alternate solution. By implementing a prefabrication processes you can begin saving installation time, reduce overall costs and improve quality while reducing failures or mistakes. As an added bonus, and the real value, you will have the capacity to meet tight project deadlines avoiding financial penalties or liquidated damages.
Don’t take our word for it, check it out yourself. Do a little research, as I have done, on large electrical contractors or developers who have embraced and perfected the art of prefabricated construction. Once satisfied, give us call and begin exploring how we can make your project more profitable and less stressful by doubling your production capability without hiring a single person. Check out this article at ECM: http://ecmweb.com/business-management/electrical-contractor-productivity-examined?page=1
Today’s competitive market place requires that you not only perform above and beyond the competition, you have to continue to bring new added value to your customers, as well as your employees. The old adage goes “Anything worth doing is worth doing well!” Now’s the time to seek out new ways to get more done in less time with the same amount of people. Space Age Electronics can help you do just that, its what we do each and every day.
Life Safety Blog | Space Age Electronics Blog 