Why shipping can't be an after-thought for electro-mechanical assemblies

For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), finding a partner to expertly assemble mechatronic products is crucial. But beyond ensuring that the product is built to the highest standards you must also guarantee that it reaches its final destination intact. 

Often overlooked as selection criteria, shipping and logistics can significantly impact the success of an electromechanical assembly project - from cost management to customer satisfaction.

Here’s why shipping shouldn’t be an afterthought for electro-mechanical assemblies and what you should look for in a manufacturing partner:

Custom packaging for mechatronic protection

Mechatronic products, with their integration of delicate electronic components and mechanical systems can be especially vulnerable to damage.

They often come in unique shapes and sizes, making standard packaging unsuitable. 

An experienced assembly partner will offer more than just product assembly—they’ll ensure secure packaging by developing custom solutions designed to shield your specific product from transport risks.

Some of these solutions might include:

• Bespoke crates: Custom-built crates that are tailored to the specific dimensions and fragility of the product, offering protection against external impacts.
• Foam padding: Specialised foam that conforms to the product’s shape, providing a snug fit that absorbs shocks and minimises movement inside the packaging.
• Shock-absorbing materials: Advanced materials, like rubber or gel-based layers, can protect against vibrations, bumps, or drops that could otherwise damage sensitive components.

Without this attention to detail, even a perfectly assembled product can arrive at its final destination damaged and unusable, affecting both your reputation and bottom line.

Handling heavy and large-scale assemblies

Many mechatronic products such as industrial machinery are large, heavy and complex. 

These products can’t simply be shipped like a standard item in a box, so will need to be given bespoke loading treatment. Specialised logistics handling, such as the use of forklifts, cranes, or oversized transport vehicles, are often necessary. 

In some cases it may be more cost effective to break single, larger units down into subassemblies, enabling them to fit into standard shipping containers for reassembly later.  

Mechatronic experts, ESCATEC often take this approach for the larger products they build - requiring input at the design stage to ensure assemblies are easy to dismantle and put together on site.  

Your assembly partner should have experience managing these logistical challenges, ensuring that your product reaches its destination without damage or delays.

Reducing costs through more efficient logistics

Effective logistics planning can significantly reduce costs while maintaining quality standards. By avoiding common logistics problems—such as damaged goods or lost shipments—your partner can help you avoid costly rework, returns, or claims. 

Your chosen partner should always be looking to optimise shipping routes and consolidate shipments when possible. This kind of management can lower your total logistics burden, reducing the need for expensive last-minute or expedited shipping.

They should also be able to choose the most cost-effective transportation methods for the scale and vulnerability of the load. 

A knowledgeable assembly partner should be able to perform Value Analysis on the entire delivery chain, identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or product integrity. For instance, they might evaluate the type of wood used in their delivery pallets to achieve the necessary safety performance at the lowest possible cost

Navigating global markets

For OEMs shipping mechatronic products globally, logistics becomes even more complex. 

Products crossing borders need to adhere to local standards, such as safety certifications, environmental regulations, or industry-specific guidelines. Failing to meet these standards can result in products being delayed, returned, or even banned from entering a market.

A capable assembly partner will not only build your product but also ensure it is shipped in compliance with international standards and delivered efficiently, no matter where it’s headed.

Ensuring compliance in medical device transportation

During the transportation of medical devices such as ventilators and surgical robotics, manufacturers must also adhere to standards and regulations such as ISO 13485, EU MDR, and FDA QSR.

These quality frameworks require that devices are packaged and shipped in ways that prevent damage, contamination, or degradation. This includes using appropriate packaging materials, monitoring environmental conditions, and maintaining traceability throughout the supply chain to ensure the integrity and safety of the devices.

Supporting scalability, flexibility and eco-conscious growth

As your business grows, so do your logistics needs. Whether you’re increasing production volume, entering new markets, or launching new product variants, your logistics must flex with your needs. 

A forward-thinking partner will work with you to ensure that your products are delivered efficiently, regardless of the complexity or volume, wherever you need in the world. 

You should consider manufacturers with global footprints and local supply chains who can ensure products are assembled as close as possible to destination markets to avoid racking up large carbon footprints and transportation bills.

Conclusion

When choosing an assembly partner for your mechatronic products, logistics should be a key consideration — not an afterthought. Getting the product built is not where your complexities end. Ensuring it reaches its destination safely, on time, and within budget, should be part of your calculations.

For more information on Why shipping can't be an after-thought for electro-mechanical assemblies talk to ESCATEC Mechatronics Ltd