| It seems that USB memory sticks have been with us | | | | contracted to the factory that will purchase each of |
| forever and it's hard to imagine life without these | | | | the above three components and then assemble them. |
| ubiquitous devices for home, work and educational use. | | | | A reputable and experienced factory will typically |
| They have also become a leading promotional tool for | | | | follow this process: |
| many organizations, which in turn drives their | | | | |
| proliferation into the market. Anyone considering buying | | | | 1. They will purchase the Flash Memory Chips from |
| branded USB Memory sticks will typically deal with a | | | | companies such as Samsung, Hynix, Micron, Intel or |
| local specialist rather than deal with the manufacturers | | | | other OEM brands. Ensure they do not use B grade or |
| in the Far East. | | | | recycled flash memory (its common and worth |
| These organizations manage the entire end-to-end | | | | checking). |
| process, but more importantly most will ensure that the | | | | 2. All flash memory chips are QA tested before |
| manufacturing process is fully audited and of a high | | | | attaching into the PCBA |
| quality. So what should you be looking for when | | | | 3. Any data that needs to be pre-loaded (presentation |
| selecting a supplier? Of course price is important, but | | | | file, sales PDF's etc) onto the USB Branded Memory |
| this alone should not be the primary driver. A small | | | | Stick is typically loaded at this stage. |
| saving may be a false economy if end users start to | | | | 4. The assembled units are then once again QA |
| experience problems when using the Branded Memory | | | | tested and a "screen grab" of the data and how its |
| Sticks. Think of the reputation risk and the | | | | shown/structured on the memory stick will be sent to |
| inconvenience of getting these replaced. Whilst there is | | | | the client for sign-off. |
| no substitute to full due-diligence, there are some | | | | 5. The factory will purchase the housing from |
| simply things you can do to sort the wheat from the | | | | dedicated housing manufactures. Again whilst certain |
| chaff when selecting a supplier. | | | | models look the same from an image there are often |
| - First ensure there is a contact telephone number on | | | | difference in the type of material is used so it may be |
| the web site and speak to a representative. | | | | worth getting a physical sample |
| - Check they have a proven track record by | | | | 6. The next step is for the factory to screen print, |
| contacting previous clients. | | | | emboss or engrave logos onto the shell of the USB |
| - Ensure they only use new branded USB Flash | | | | Memory Stick. This can be a long and drawn out |
| Memory, e.g. Samsung. | | | | process if completed by hard, however most of the |
| - Ensure they are working from a business premises. | | | | larger factories have fully automated printing |
| There is a growing trend for individuals pertaining to be | | | | processes. A proof (often a photographic proof) will |
| companies, but working from home without the | | | | be sent to the client for signoff. |
| infrastructure to support you if things go wrong. An | | | | 7. The factory's production line is then responsible for |
| easy way to check this is by using Google Earth. | | | | inserting the PCBA into the housing. |
| - Finally do not pay for any part of the order until the | | | | 8. Once the units have been assembled a full QA is |
| goods are ready for despatch. Once you have | | | | again undertaken. |
| selected your supplier it's worth understanding the | | | | 9. Any accessories are added to the USB Branded |
| manufacturing process. On the face of it you would | | | | Memory sticks, e.g. key rings. |
| assume that the manufacturing process for Branded | | | | 10. Finally they are packing into gift boxes or bubble |
| USB Memory sticks would be simple. However, pulling | | | | bags. |
| back the veneer shows a complex and challenging | | | | 11. A courier picks up the goods, which need to be |
| process. The vast majority of Branded Memory Sticks | | | | cleared through the originator's and destination |
| are manufactured in China and Taiwan. There are 3 | | | | customs controls This entire process can take |
| hardware components that make up a Branded | | | | between 7-14 days |
| Memory Stick: | | | | The local "in-country" suppliers will then undertake their |
| | | | own QA process before dispatching these to you. |
| 1. The Flash Memory Chip, which comes in various | | | | Remember if you wish to purchase direct from the |
| memory sizes from 64Mb to 16Gb. | | | | Far East, manufacturers are desperate to secure new |
| 2. The PCBA Board which houses the Chip, | | | | business and will offer heavily discounted rates by |
| Electronics and USB Connector | | | | cutting many of the quality corners mentioned above. |
| 3. The casing that houses and protects the USB | | | | They will expect money upfront before production |
| Memory Stick. These come in a myriad of shapes, | | | | commences and some of them will not be that |
| materials and designs. Your local supplier will be | | | | forthcoming if things turn turtle...so buyers beware! |