The right manufacturing model for your situation

Quantity, maturity of the documents and available capacities determine how Gross Schaltschrankbau supports your project. Four cooperation models cover the path from the first prototype to ongoing repeat production.

Which manufacturing model suits my project?

Three questions decide: How many units are needed, how far have the documents been approved, and who bears technical responsibility? One-off production suits prototypes and custom solutions with a high need for coordination. Series production requires approved documents and delivers repeatable results. Contract manufacturing is the extended workbench when responsibility stays with you. Retrofit applies to existing systems. The models are not mutually exclusive – an approved prototype becomes a series, a retrofit becomes re-production.

One-off

Prototype, special-purpose machine, test setup

Series

Identical cabinets and assemblies

Partial service

Extended workbench to your specifications

Existing systems

Retrofit and modernisation

Four cooperation models

Which model suits your project?

The models can be combined: an approved prototype can become a series, an existing system can become a retrofit project followed by re-production.

01 · Developing something new

One-off Production & Prototyping

For custom solutions, test setups and early project phases with an increased need for coordination.

Suitable when: requirements are still project-specific and findings from the first build are to be incorporated into subsequent versions.

02 · Repeating

Series Production & Assemblies

For recurring requirements, variants and reproducible production on an approved basis.

Suitable when: documents are approved and consistent results are required across many units.

03 · Securing capacity

Contract Manufacturing

For defined work packages, extended workbench capacity and predictable relief of in-house capacities.

Suitable when: technical responsibility lies with you and individual manufacturing steps are to be outsourced.

04 · Renewing existing systems

Retrofit & Modernisation

For existing systems, changed requirements and the technical renewal of existing solutions.

Suitable when: components have been discontinued, availability is declining or new requirements have to be implemented.

Decision guide

How to identify the right model

Talk to us about one-off production if …

you need a custom control cabinet or a first functional build,
changes need to be incorporated in a controlled manner during the project,
later repeat production is to be prepared already,
engineering, manufacturing or testing are to be combined flexibly.

Talk to us about series or contract manufacturing if …

Common basis

What stays the same in all four models

The cooperation model governs quantities, responsibility and delivery rhythm – not the way manufacturing and testing are carried out. These three points apply to a one-off unit just as much as to ongoing series production.

Approved status

Manufacturing is carried out against an unambiguous revision. Changes are assessed and introduced at a defined point in time.

Agreed testing

Scope and depth of testing are defined before production starts, and the results are documented.

One contact person

Technical clarification, schedules and queries are handled by one person – regardless of the model chosen.

Service areas

What we take on for industrial customers

The three areas build on one another but can be commissioned individually. Which scope makes sense depends on the status of your documents and your own capacities.

Planning & Engineering

Technical clarification, design and engineering, schematic design and component selection.

Manufacturing

Mechanical machining, assembly and component mounting, professional wiring and cable assembly.

Testing & Quality Assurance

Visual, wiring and functional tests as well as measurements and traceable test reports.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the manufacturing models

Can I switch models during an ongoing project?

Yes, that is the norm. An approved prototype becomes a series, a retrofit becomes re-production. The prerequisite is that the documentation reflects the as-built state – otherwise the series starts with an unknown.

From what quantity does series production pay off?

It depends less on quantity than on repetition: a version that is called off several times over a longer period justifies a series ramp-up even for small batches.

What distinguishes contract manufacturing from series production?

Responsibility. In contract manufacturing, technical decisions and approval lie with you; Gross Schaltschrankbau manufactures to your documents and partly with customer-supplied material. Series production can also include the series ramp-up with first-article and approval process.

Can documents and material be supplied by the customer?

Yes. Customer-supplied documents are standard; customer-supplied material is possible. Incoming inspection, storage and liability for supplied parts are agreed in advance.

Which model fits if no documents are available yet?

Then one-off production is the starting point – or technical consulting first. The first build generates the documentation on which later repeats are based.

Are framework agreements and call-offs available?

Forecast, call-off rhythm, safety stock and delivery dates can be agreed. Which models are offered specifically is clarified on a project basis.

Request manufacturing services for your project

Send us your documents, quantities and schedule. Gross Schaltschrankbau reviews the data, clarifies open points and agrees the appropriate manufacturing scope with you.