Strategic Briefs on

EMS & Supply Chain - Part 3

Strategic analyses for hardware developers, OEMs and electronics
decision-makers — from PCB supply chains and manufacturing
strategies to global production networks. Each brief provides
practical insights to support better development, sourcing
and production decisions.

Strategic Briefs Page 3

Brazilian EMS Providers in Focus

11 September 2026

Zona Franca de Manaus or the São Paulo cluster — Brazilian EMS providers reach internationally competitive quality, from large corporate plants to specialized high-mix manufacturers. The Strategic Brief breaks down which tax incentives favor local manufacturing over importing, and at what production volume the shift actually pays off.

Electronics Manufacturing in the UAE

14 September 2026

Incentives, financing, free zones and international logistics create attractive conditions for EMS and electronics manufacturing in the UAE. This Strategic Brief examines the location advantages, tax and customs opportunities, and key considerations when planning a manufacturing site.

Brazil as an EMS Location for Latin America

20 September 2026

Which markets European OEMs can serve through Brazilian EMS manufacturing – from Brazil and the Mercosur countries to Chile, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, as well as additional markets covered by existing trade preference agreements.

Europe’s Industrial Electronics Base

24 September 2026

Europe does not need to replicate China’s entire industrial base. The focus should be on rebuilding critical capacity in semiconductors, PCBs and EMS manufacturing, using Europe’s existing technology, companies, skilled workforce and industrial infrastructure.

TCO in EMS Outsourcing

29 September 2026

Why the lowest unit price from an EMS partner does not necessarily result in the lowest total cost. This Strategic Brief explains which costs should be included in a robust TCO assessment, from logistics, quality and production transfer to inventory, internal resources and supply-chain risks.

From Idea to Series Production

2 October 2026

What hardware start-ups should consider when moving from prototype development to series production – from selecting the right EMS partner and Design for Manufacturing through supply chain planning, quality and certification to production volumes and the capital required for a reliable production ramp-up.

EMS Partner Selection and Qualification

6 October 2026

Learn how OEMs assess the capabilities of potential EMS partners through targeted pilot projects under real manufacturing conditions. The article explains what these projects reveal about technical expertise, process stability, problem-solving and day-to-day collaboration, and how the results support informed decisions when selecting and qualifying suitable EMS partners.

The EMS Industry and Material Supply

12 October 2026

Europe’s EMS industry is recovering, but material supply remains under pressure. Find out why sourcing capability, alternative supply channels and forward-looking material planning are becoming increasingly important for OEMs and EMS partners.

Defence Opportunities for EMS: Entry & Risks

17 October 2026

The defence boom opens up new markets for small EMS providers, but demands clear processes around security and AQAP standards. Our Strategic Brief analyzes market entry routes, barriers, and commercial risks. Check if entering the defence market is viable for your company.

Counteracting Decline in EMS

20 October 2026

Routine and tunnel vision allow margins and quality to quietly erode in electronics manufacturing. Our Strategic Brief analyzes process drift, hidden quality costs (COPQ), and blind spots. Discover how to uncover unexploited potential in your operations.

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