Good VMI lives and breathes your business. It should be dynamic and intuitive, because that’s how manufacturing operates.
Yes, repetition is a good thing – once a great product has been found and a production method established, repeating the process is the utopia of mass production, serving a large addressable market and leading to rapid growth. But, markets change, they move up and down and needs aren’t constant, so they require innovative solutions. A VMI system that doesn’t move with you can very quickly become the opposite of what it was intended to be.
That’s why, at TFC, their systems are not simply inanimate racks, bins and labels. Yes they do of course position physical assets in your facility to manage component supply and inventory, but it is made dynamic by their people (and quite a bit of data collection and analysis). It is the care and attention of TFC’s people that makes the difference and brings VMI to life.
What does “Great VMI” look like on a day to day basis?
TFC prides itself on being global but local. Historically a UK business born into the world of fasteners supply, TFC has grown to be a major provider of component supply, specialist sourcing and inventory management with branches throughout the UK and Europe. Through this network of facilities, the people at TFC are the magical VMI ingredient. Positioned close to customers, working on site every day to support the needs and demands of manufacturing.
This is the customer experience and the source of not only removing distractions but adding value from complex supply chains. Observing, monitoring, questioning, challenging and constantly working to make sure the component supply base is ready to support the needs of production.
Since becoming part of AFC Industries, a USA based global power in the field of VMI and supply chain management, this approach to serving customers has been reinforced and expanded. AFC Industries is one of the biggest providers of Vendor Managed Inventory solutions worldwide with over 100 locations in more than 7 countries and revenues exceeding $650 million annually. With that scale comes an extensive and global network of partnerships with manufacturing companies, meaning TFC can source virtually anything on your behalf, achieving high quality standards and competitive costs.
Accessing that level of global capability can deliver a great service to your business but it is not just about scale. The local attentiveness that comes from regionally positioned warehouses and branch teams, means that there is a lot of emphasis on listening and learning and this is key to making VMI work for you.
VMI Racks and Bins – can they Listen and Learn?
In some ways, actually yes, they do! Not in the literal sense of course, but in the way they capture data about usage and handling, they are passively listening to your changing needs. If connected to a strong, reliable ERP system, the barcode technology not only enables direct data transfer to kick off the replenishment cycle, but it also stores a record of usage, allowing for a precise illustration of peaks and troughs in your production schedule. Add to that real human interface and intelligent interpretation of data over time, and you get an intuitive system that can adapt to your requirements.
It takes constant effort coupled with care and a relentless interest in creating value and that’s the TFC difference. Strong, robust, proven systems and technology carefully managed by people who care about your business and creating value from your supply chain.
5 Key Benefits of TFC’s VMI
If you’re already using VMI and wondering how to get more from it or are exploring whether VMI could be right for your business, here are 5 key benefits to keep in mind…
Efficiency Gain
TFC’s VMI system reduces administrative overheads by eliminating the need for frequent purchase orders and supplier interaction. This streamlined approach minimises errors, shortens lead times, and allows teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than firefighting.
Enhanced Visibility and Control
By providing real-time insights into inventory levels and usage trends, TFC empowers manufacturers to make informed decisions. This transparency reduces uncertainty and enhances planning accuracy, which is especially critical in today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Cost Reduction
Effective inventory management directly impacts the bottom line. TFC’s VMI solutions optimise stock levels, reducing carrying costs and freeing up capital that would otherwise be tied up in excess inventory. Furthermore, the reduction in stockouts minimises costly production disruptions.
Scalability and Flexibility
As businesses grow and product lines expand, managing inventory across multiple sites and suppliers becomes increasingly complex. TFC’s scalable VMI systems adapt to evolving needs, providing manufacturers with the flexibility to innovate without being constrained by supply chain limitations.
Fostering Innovation
By outsourcing inventory management to a reliable partner, manufacturers can dedicate more resources to research, development, and production innovation. This shift not only enhances competitive advantage but also ensures a faster time-to-market for new products.
TFC’s reputation for delivering excellence in VMI is built on its commitment to understanding the unique challenges of its customers. By working closely with manufacturers, TFC develops bespoke solutions tailored to specific needs, ensuring that every component is delivered reliably and on time. This personalised approach positions TFC as more than a supplier; it makes them a strategic partner in achieving business objectives.
For regular news updates, follow us on LinkedIn and for more information email us at: enquiries@tfc.eu.com or call TFC on +44(0)1435866011.
