Outsourcing - A New Concept?

Outsourcing is a new term for something that manufacturers have been doing and continue to do since the beginning of time. No matter what anyone says every manufacturer out sources products, parts or components of its products. If you manufacture garments, you probably purchase fabric, buttons, thread, and zippers. If you manufacture a piece of electronic equipment, you outsource the manufacture of the wire, connectors, electronic components, and cabinetry. If you make signs, you buy paint and/or media material. Any time you contract with another company to provide you with a part, component or labor that will allow you to complete your product you are outsourcing. The key to successful outsourcing is to have the appropriate procedures in place to deal with product made in someone else's facilities. This includes: