parcels on conveyor belt in a warehouse. 3d render.
In this supply chain taxed environment, I thought I’d write a blog about how to keep your supply chain moving at the maximum speed possible- whatever that may be nowadays. In this blog, we will provide some tips, and tricks to keep your supply chain moving.
Tips/Tricks to Keep your Supply Chain Healthy:
Tip 1: Stick to high volume Die-Cutters
Converters, or die-cutters are who process the material that is listed on the build to print items. If you are using a small die-cutter, usually they do not stock as much material as a large die-cutter may. A larger die-cutter has many customers, and for that reason usually a lot of materials on the shelf. In addition, high volume die-cutters have more employees- and thus more cross training.
Tip 2: List Well Known Materials OR Verify with Smaller Manufacturers
This tip can go both ways. In the last 2 years, I’ve seen well known materials actually more taxed by the supply chain environment than smaller manufacturers of material. However, during a short-term supply chain disruption, the larger manufacturer usually has more people who have it in stock, or in the pipeline to withstand a small storm. Smaller manufacturers seem to have avoided severe allocation, and usually have less red tape to cross to staying whole.
Tip 3: “Just in Time” is dead.
The last few years have proven this. I’ll say it to your face… stop saying “Just in Time”. In a healthy supply chain- sure, it works. In a anemic, or insalubrious supply chain, its going literally cripple you, and your customers. There have been times in the last 2 years where one second, the leadtime is 2 weeks, 5 minutes later it’s totally unavailable, or 14 weeks. I’ve made phone calls in the last 2 years, where I call a manufacturer, and go “We good? No supply chain issues, nothing in the foreseeable future? – Yeah, Yeah, all clear. Keep the orders coming.. (5 minutes later- yeah sorry, don’t know what happened 30 weeks).
More Information
NEDC is a custom die-cutter/converter of thermal pads, gaskets, absorbers, and electrical insulators. For more information on supply chain, or you think you have an application that could be utilized please contact sales@nedc.com.