As an exporter in Hong Kong, I had to handle a range of products, including electronic calculators. During my trade missions to South America, I had the opportunity to assist manufacturers of electronic calculators. This sector continues to fascinate me. Hong Kong exporters continue to be leaders in this sector, extended to calculators with organizers, such as electronic dictionaries, digital diaries, translators, databanks and organizers for executives. Hong Kong exporters have relocated their factories to China to take advantage of cheaper labor costs and large number of laborers. I remember suppliers producing in quantities ranging 10,000 units to 1,000,000 units monthly, with delivery times reduced to a mere 30 to 60 days.
ISO standards:
Hong Kong manufacturers and exporters are quick to make changes to meet with fast changing trends. The suppliers constantly monitor changing trends and are mindful of buyers' growing concern over quality. This aspect is well covered, though, as many suppliers comply with the stringent ISO 9000 standards, which is the internationally recognized standard for quality management system.
Innovation to enhance functionality of calculators:
You might have noticed that the latest calculators in the market have innovative cosmetics built in, with functional designs put in to stimulate buyers' interest. The calculators are incorporated into pens, rulers, calendars, name card holders, key chains, you name it, and there is a calculator included. Some of the more sophisticated calculators include features as electronic dictionaries and electronic translators to attract buyers' interest.
Parts and components used in calculators:
Many of the manufacturing facilities in China are equipped with Surface Mount Device (SMD) and Chip-on-Board (COB) which serves to mount and solder in the components and wire binding. Even though the calculators are made in China, suppliers still order the ICs from Japan, using Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) produced locally.
Custom designing calculators:
The suppliers now design their own Integrated Circuits (IC) and software, permitting them to custom produce designs that have specific features and functions that meet buyers' requirements. Such is the success that many suppliers are even marketing their own brands.
Vertical integration in production:
Contrary to the late 1960s and early 1970s when I sold calculators, suppliers now have vertical integration manufacturing facilities in place. Many suppliers now have everything under one roof, as, product design, manufacture of production tools, production of parts and components and quality control.
评论