A Complete Resource on Outsourced Manufacturing

Outsourced manufacturing (also known as contract manufacturing and business process outsourcing) is the strategic approach of transitioning production responsibilities to a third-party manufacturer. While implementing outsourced manufacturing can prove to be a competitive advantage for many companies, it’s not a decision to be made lightly. 

At Tapecon, we’ve compiled a variety of resources on outsourced manufacturing. If you have any questions about what this model may look like for your company, contact our team. 

Trends in outsourced manufacturing

Outsource manufacturing is on the rise globally and across several industries. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the need for cost-effective production, shorter product lifecycles, faster speed to market, demand for custom products, and the ever-changing business landscape.

Another contributor to the rise of outsourced manufacturing is the recent reshoring movement. Companies are returning their foreign production to the United States for improved supply chain management, intellectual property protection, shorter lead times, quality control, and many other reasons.

Recently, Tapecon implemented an outsourcing strategy with an active packaging manufacturer seeking to improve their facility usage and operations. We started with a feasibility study, then developed an outsourced manufacturing plan that helped the company achieve several strategic objectives.

Read the complete case study to learn how we transitioned the company’s converting and printing operations (including labor and equipment) in just ten months while helping our customer realize several benefits related to supply chain, costs, and business growth.

Read our latest articles and best practices on outsourced manufacturing.

Cellular manufacturing (also called work cell or small group manufacturing) is a production model in which different processes are consolidated and performed in a logical sequence within a single area. Compared to a traditional assembly line – where each stage performs a single, repetitive task – cellular manufacturing enables a component or full product to be assembled in a continuous flow.

This guide covers the benefits and limitations of organized manufacturing cells, typical implementation and techniques, and the difference between in-house and outsourced manufacturing.