Parts Stocking by vendors

Nov 17, 2006 3 Replies
C

I met with the rep from Bowman Distribution (something like that) and was pleasantly surprised by what I learned. The way they work is to provide me with a catalog (big sum'bitch!) and I pick out from the catalog what we want stocked, usually starting out with prearranged setups in cabinets and such, and modify as we see fit. We purchase outright the storage containers (bins, cabinets, etc) as well as the parts. Then at an agreed schedule, they come around and restock. The cost? Parts only. No setup charges, no service fees, just paying for the parts. I was impressed, and I think this will be an easy sell. Any time we see something coming up, we just let them know, and they show up. And the prices on the parts are much better than direct purchases, plus the time saved is the big deal maker for us. They do a lot of automotive dealerships, some manufacturing facilities, and all sorts of service outfits. They stock fasteners, welding supplies, shop supplies, automotive standards, abrasives and cutting tools, chemicals, security supplies, safety stuff, fluid fittings and hose, and so on and so forth.



That's my plug before I crack open this catalog cutting off circulation to my legs as it sits in my lap.


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Carl McIver wrote in article ...

facilities,

circulation

Ask him about his "Appreciation Program".

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M

Got a couple of "vending machines" in one of our factories. The machines dispense TC bits, milling cutters etc. Once an hour or so, the machines talk over our network to the vendors website and tell them what stock has been dispensed, they get restocked when necessary. The guys in the office can log on to the site and check consumption and costs etc as well. Might not be cheaper than buying boxes of bits for the stores, but it's cheaper than paying a storeman.

Mark Rand RTFM

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C

I've seen those at the C17 plant in Long Beach. Works just great for them, too, I'm told, although the culture shift was pretty big. Even dispenses power and certified tools, and the certified tool part of it works like a charm. You can't get a tool out of it if the system finds that you aren't certified for the process that uses the tool, too, nor will it let an expired tool get checked out. That entire program is really dialed in on all the costs down to the penny, and every little bit helps. They had to get the cost down over a given number of airplanes or shut the plant down, which was the way their contract was written. All the folks I met down there were very cool, and totally committed to getting it right, both for them and the customer (the USAF and other countries) who count on a reliable airplane to get the job done. In our case, the engineers are the worst about managing stuff like tools and parts, but since I'm not a manager and come from a manufacturing background, I get it. All it took to convince the one manager whose approval I needed the most that it was a good idea to have stuff maintained for us was to merely mention the time savings, since the hourly costs are really high. Now the selection of hardware wanted begins....

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