The phrase “electronics manufacturing services” (EMS) points to a whole industry and also to a certain type of subcontractor or business. Sometimes, people use EMS and the broader term “contract manufacturing (CM)” in the same way. Simply put, EMS companies offer a variety of helpful engineering and production support to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This lets OEMs boost their work efficiency and zero in on main tasks like research and development (R&D).

Electronics Manufacturing Services Overview and Applications
Electronics Manufacturing Industry Market Overview
The electronics manufacturing services (EMS) market is lively and active. There’s a rising need for electronic parts and outside production help. Studies show the industry is expected to grow at a steady yearly rate of 7.5% from 2018 to 2024.
A few major reasons are pushing this growth forward:
- More need for car electronics – this jump comes from the call for better safety tools.
- Bigger demand for everyday gadgets – fresh reports from Frost & Sullivan show that the need for consumer electronics will keep pushing the trend to outsource.
- Sharp skills and focus on main strengths – businesses are hunting for partners who bring deep know-how in their specific area or market.
- Spread of mobile gadgets – (The demand for Android devices, iPhones, and wearable tech just keeps climbing).
Electronics Manufacturing Applications
The uses in the electronics manufacturing field are wide and varied. Most methods can fit into any industry for the worldwide market.
Important areas include:
- Medical: Medical OEMs rely on their EMS partner not just for top-notch methods and strict quality rules, but also for the know-how and background to smoothly guide new products through creation.
- Industrial: The full product journey – from planning and details, through early models and checks, to final putting-together, these steps are needed to launch a new item.
- Aerospace & Defence: Vital safety answers are a must for top results and strong reliability in tough settings.
- Telecom: Help is needed for all kinds of devices and the network setup that supports the tech.

Comparing an OEM to an EMS Provider
An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) pays attention to designing products, building a brand, and selling. Meanwhile, an EMS provider takes care of the making process.
According to Wikipedia, electronics manufacturing services (EMS) is a label for “companies that plan, build, test, ship, and fix electronic parts and setups for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).”
Electronics Manufacturing Acronyms You Need to Know
Knowing short forms like OEM, EMS, SMT (Surface Mount Technology), DFM (Design For Manufacturability), NPI (New Product Introduction), BOM (Bill of Materials), and others is super important when dealing with this field.
Outsourcing Manufacturing: What You Need to Know
How to Begin the Process of Selecting an EMS Provider
Looking at outsourcing choices starts with understanding what you’re best at. Picking an EMS partner means checking their:
- Background in the industry
- Skills in design
- Investment in tech
- Official approvals
- Rules for testing
- Support after sales
- Clear ways of talking
- Ability to adjust designs
- Steps for new product launches
- Matching of values
- Reach around the world
- Systems for managing product life
- Ability to track items
- Fit with production types
- Ways to get customer feedback
- Chance for shared goals
Benefits of Outsourcing Your Electronics Manufacturing
One big reason companies outsource to solution providers is to cut down on expenses. Other pluses are:
Turning steady costs into flexible ones
Lowering risks
Getting to market quicker
Better work output
EMS providers bring more adaptability
Deeper know-how in making things
A wider and more worldwide supply chain (part of a bigger global web)
How to Determine the Right Fit and Business Partner
The EMS you pick should shape their help to match what you need. They ought to get your ideas and be ready to team up closely. A solid bond means shared aims, honest talks, common beliefs, tech help at every making stage, and proven skills in your key markets.
Challenges and Barriers – the Dark Side of Electronics Manufacturing
What are the Challenges Faced by Electronics Manufacturing?
Even with its upsides, EMS runs into a few bumps:
There’s a call for strong systems to manage product life.
Worker pay is going up.
Automation is a must.
Competition worldwide is tough.
Tracking and following rules can be tricky.
Getting rid of products (E-Waste) harms the planet.
Funds are needed for setup in strict markets like medical or aerospace.
What is High-Mix Low-Volume Manufacturing
A setup called “high-mix low-volume” means making lots of different products, often in tiny amounts. This way helps with custom orders while keeping stock costs low.
Making tricky items in small batches can be hard for OEMs. So, many decide to outsource high-mix low-volume work because it’s not easy.
Buyers now want more tailored items, which pushes makers to be more bendable.
Future Electronics Manufacturing Trends and Opportunities
Makers have seen huge jumps in growth over the last twenty years or so.
Big trends coming up include:
- We’ll keep looking for new ways to automate stuff.
- More need for everyday gadgets in both rich and growing countries.
- There’ll be a stronger push for earth-friendly making ways.
- As a field, we’ll find fresh ways to build devices that use less power.
FAQ
What does EMS stand for?
Electronics Manufacturing Services.
How does EMS differ from OEM?
OEM creates product ideas; EMS builds them.
Why outsource electronics manufacturing?
To save money, speed up market entry, and tap into skills.
What industries benefit from EMS?
Medical devices, aerospace/defense, telecoms, industrial automation.
Silkbridge provides turnkey EMS solutions, including PCB manufacturing, PCBA, plastic injection molding, and electronic assembly
At Silkbridge, we’re proud of blending British creativity with Chinese making speed.
Our Research & Development crew has grabbed several European design prizes, making sure new ideas shine at every step.
We churn out over 30 million plastic injection parts each year, backed by ISO-certified quality checks.
Silkbridge runs fully automatic PCB SMT lines with top-notch gear, promising quality for big runs or small batches alike.
Our setup lines put together hundreds of thousands of finished products monthly, under tight green controls.
We give a complete package that handles product growth all under one roof, turning tough jobs into a smooth ride.
contact Silkbridge for best offering
Our key markets are the USA, Western Europe, and Japan. Get in touch now on our business WhatsApp at https://wa.me/8618122838771 or call +86 8618122838771 if you’re after top-tier electronics manufacturing services made just for you.
