At a glance:

Client: Zoom Systems

Product: Best Buy Vending Machine

Sector: Commercial Electronics

Services: Domestic Vendor Sourcing, Production Validation, and Regulatory Compliance

Suppliers involved: Metal Forming, Printed Circuit Board, Electronics, and Final Assembly

Summary:

Challenge: Zoom Systems was having supply challenges with their existing vender base and were losing business opportunities due to major delays. RDS was asked to quickly source and set-up a new supply chain in the United States to minimize the business impact. The process required finding electronics, plastics, and metal suppliers plus final assembly of the components as well as oversight of regulatory compliance to obtain UL certification.

Approach: Using our broad manufacturing knowledge in multiple materials and processes, RDS quickly put together a detailed checklist for the ideal supplier base to handle the complexities of the vending machine. The list included design, manufacturing, and regulatory expertise as well as other critical factors to help to accelerate the process.

Outcome: Within three months, RDS had validated all suppliers and built one unit which successfully obtained UL certification. Once the green light from UL had been awarded, we immediately moved into production and Zoom Systems was able to begin shipping orders to customers within four and a half months from project kickoff.