Beschaffung der Produktion im Ausland: Wichtige Aspekte im Hinblick auf die Arbeitskräfte

Offshore manufacturing has become a cornerstone of global supply chains, offering companies the opportunity to reduce production costs and access skilled labor in diverse markets. However, labor-related factors are among the most critical aspects to consider when sourcing offshore manufacturing. A comprehensive understanding of these considerations can significantly impact your company’s long-term success.

What is Offshore Sourcing?

Offshore sourcing involves relocating production or procurement processes to a foreign country, typically to benefit from cost savings, specialized skills, or proximity to emerging markets. Traditionally, offshore sourcing has predominantly been to China, however this has changed in recent years due to geopolitical tensions. Hence other manufacturing hubs are being talked about much more these days.

Countries like Vietnam, Mexico, India, and Malaysia have become popular destinations for offshore manufacturing due to their competitive labor costs and growing industrial infrastructure. However, choosing the right destination involves balancing cost efficiency with quality, stability, and operational ease when sourcing offshore manufacturing.

The Importance of Labor Cost Analysis when sourcing offshore manufacturing

Labor costs are often the primary driver behind offshore sourcing. Understanding how wages vary across countries is crucial to maximizing cost savings. For instance, while countries like Vietnam and India offer low entry-level wages, factors such as rising inflation, wage growth, and social benefits can erode these advantages over time. Conducting a detailed labor cost analysis, including indirect costs such as training and turnover, ensures your cost projections are realistic and sustainable. This analysis is vital when considering sourcing offshore manufacturing.

Regional Differences in Labor Costs

Different regions offer unique challenges and benefits when it comes to labor costs:

Vietnam: While labor costs remain competitive, wage inflation is becoming a concern as demand for skilled workers outpaces supply.

Mexiko: Competitive wages and proximity to the U.S. make it attractive, but issues like political instability and security concerns add risks when sourcing offshore manufacturing.

India: Labor costs are low, but challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles and uneven workforce skills can complicate operations.

Malaysia: This emerging hub offers a balance of skilled labor and moderate costs, making it a reliable option for electronics and high-tech manufacturing.

Country	Minimum Wage (Monthly)	Productivity Index	Risk of Forced Labour / ILO Compliance Index	Source
China	¥2,480 (Approx. $340 USD)	100 (baseline)	Moderate risk of forced labor; Compliance with ILO standards varies by region	China Briefing, OECD Productivity Statistics, US Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report
Vietnam	₫4,680,000 (Approx. $195 USD)	65	Moderate risk of forced labor; Improving ILO compliance, especially in formal sectors	Vietnam Briefing, US Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report
Thailand	฿328/day (Approx. $10 USD/day, monthly varies)	53	High risk of forced labor, particularly in the informal sector	Thai Labor Ministry, US Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report
Indonesia	Rp4,300,000 (Approx. $280 USD)	53	Moderate risk of forced labor, with ongoing improvements in labor rights compliance	Indonesia Ministry of Manpower, US Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report
Mexiko	MXN 207.44/day (Approx. $130 USD/month)	55	Low risk of forced labor, improving compliance with ILO standards in formal sectors	Mexico Government, US Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report
Malaysia	RM1,500 (Approx. $320 USD)	86	Moderate risk of forced labor; Malaysia has been addressing labor issues but concerns persist, especially in migrant labor sectors	Malaysia Ministry of Human Resources, US Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report
Philippines	₱570/day (Approx. $320 USD/month)	40	Moderate risk of forced labor; Active efforts to comply with ILO standards	Philippines Department of Labor and Employment, US Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report

Note:

The Productivity Index is a measure of output per hour worked (GDP per hour worked), where China is set as the baseline (100). The lower the index, the lower the productivity per hour worked, which typically correlates with higher labor costs required to meet output expectations.

Sources:

• OECD Productivity Statistics: Provides data on GDP per hour worked across countries.
• Country-specific government or reputable publications: For minimum wage data.

The Productivity Index helps to compare how efficiently labor is utilized across different countries, which is crucial when considering sourcing decisions, as it impacts overall production costs and output efficiency.

Risk of Forced Labour refers to the likelihood of forced or child labor occurring within a country. This risk is often higher in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and domestic work, and is assessed through government reports, NGO findings, and international trade relations.

ILO Compliance Index assesses a country’s alignment with the International Labour Organization’s standards on workers’ rights, including fair wages, working conditions, and freedom from forced labor. The compliance varies widely across sectors and regions.

Workforce Stability, Skills, and Productivity

A stable and skilled workforce is essential for maintaining quality and meeting production deadlines. While low wages may seem appealing, they often correlate with higher turnover rates and lower productivity. Investing in workforce training and retention strategies can mitigate these issues. Malaysia, for example, is known for its highly skilled labor force in electronics manufacturing, making it an ideal choice for industries requiring precision and expertise in offshore manufacturing.

Balancing Cost Savings and Operational Challenges

Cost savings from offshore sourcing often come with hidden challenges:

Training and Onboarding: New hires may require significant training to meet your quality standards.

Cultural and Language Barriers: Miscommunication can lead to delays and quality issues.

Turnover Rates: High turnover disrupts operations and increases recruitment costs.

Selecting a location that aligns with your operational goals can reduce these risks. Malaysia’s strong infrastructure and ease of doing business often outweigh initial labor cost savings in other regions when considering sourcing offshore manufacturing.

Abschluss

Offshore sourcing offers significant advantages, but labor considerations can make or break your strategy. By analyzing labor costs, evaluating workforce stability and skills, and accounting for operational challenges, you can make informed decisions that maximize efficiency and minimize risks. Malaysia’s unique combination of affordability, stability, and skilled labor positions it as a compelling option for sourcing offshore manufacturing in the electronics and IoT sectors.