Do You Prefer Self-Clinching Hardware or Bent Tabs?

When designing enclosures or brackets, there are often two approaches:

• Add PEM nuts / inserts
• Use bent tabs and slots
• Design interlocking features
• Combine welding + hardware

Each method affects strength, assembly time, and cost differently.

Self-clinching hardware increases durability but adds process steps.
Formed features reduce components but require precise bending control.

💬 Discussion:
In your projects, do you prefer adding hardware or designing more formed features?
What's been more reliable in your experience?