Supply Chain Solutions: Create a Plan for Supplier Partnerships

A supply chain is a fragile ecosystem that is the lifeblood of any manufacturing organization.  The larger a company becomes the more complex and important that supply chain becomes as well.  A supply chain partner that can rise to the challenge makes the difference between becoming a trusted brand and another empty spot on the shelf.

Very few of the most important and recognizable brands in the modern economy produce their product from raw material to the finished good that makes it to the consumer’s home.  Behind every product is an interconnected web of manufacturers that come together to create the products that make our lives possible.  Any break in the supply chain can cause a ripple effect that leads to the consumer not being able to access the products they desire.  Preventing these breaks in the chain are where companies that engineer supply chain solutions excel.

The best solution is one that is universally adopted by the best brands.  It’s as simple as making sure that your suppliers understand the importance of consistency in your supply chain, and can demonstrate the steps they have taken to make sure that even when unforeseen circumstances arise no interruptions occur.  Engineered Profiles does more than just make sure that it is a leading supplier in custom profile plastic extrusion parts to its customers.  It forges the same type of partnerships with vendors that customers demand from Engineered Profiles.  These partnerships are more efficient and cost effective than simply building up inventory.  Tight integration between the purchasing, shipping, and production departments on both sides of the vendor equation produce the best partnerships.

When putting together your supply chain ask yourself three questions:

1. What’s the plan to get parts to my facility on time?
2. What’s the plan to prevent stock outs at our facility?
3. What’s the plan to prevent stock outs at our supplier’s facility?