The term “electronics manufacturing services” (EMS) refers to an overall industry and also to a specific class of subcontractor or company. EMS is also often used interchangeably with the more generic term “contract manufacturing (CM)”. In short, EMS companies provide a wide range of value-added engineering and manufacturing outsourcing services to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), allowing them to improve operational efficiencies and focus on core activities like research and development (R&D).
The core of any electronics manufacturing service offering stems from design, manufacture, test and distribution. An EMS provider will perform these functions which may also include full systems assembly for original equipment manufacturers.
For example, offering systems integration or "box build" services - manufacturers can use a process to combine printed circuit board assemblies, wire harnesses, fabrication of enclosures, testing and more.