Sourcing Managers: Stop Asking for an EMS Provider’s Client List.

Ask These 3 Questions Instead.

Let’s be honest:
A flashy client list tells you nothing about capability.
It tells you one thing only — that their sales team is great at PowerPoint.

If you really want to know whether an EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) provider can deliver for you, stop chasing logos.
Start asking questions that reveal their discipline, maturity, and mindset.

Here are three that separate the talkers from the performers 👇

💡 1️⃣ “Show me your process for New Product Introduction (NPI). Who is on the team, and what are the stage gates?”
Why it matters:
This question reveals whether they have a structured, cross-functional system — or if they’re just “winging it” and hoping for the best.
If they can’t walk you through an NPI flow, from DFM review to pilot build, it’s not a process — it’s chaos.

💡 2️⃣ “What is your formal process for supplier qualification and ongoing performance monitoring?”
Why it matters:
An EMS provider is only as strong as its weakest supplier.
This question exposes how they manage supply chain resilience — quality, traceability, delivery, and risk mitigation.
If they give you vague answers like “we evaluate vendors regularly,” that’s code for “we don’t.”

💡 3️⃣ “Can I speak directly with your Head of Quality?”
Why it matters:
This bypasses the sales script.
Ask them to explain their training methodology, process controls, and internal audit system.
If they hesitate, delay, or divert… 🚩 you’ve found a red flag.

✅ Good manufacturing partners welcome scrutiny.
They don’t hide behind marketing slides.
They’re proud to show their systems, data, and people.

At Zenaca Consulting, we help OEMs and Defence clients across Israel, the US, and Europe cut through the noise — identifying suppliers truly built for excellence.
We’ve sat on both sides of the table. We know how to spot genuine operational strength… and how to see through the polish.

So next time you’re vetting a supplier, remember:
Don’t be impressed by their logo wall.
Be impressed by their process wall.