Seamless Transition: 100% Ready Day One

Supply Technologies' programs launch with no learning curve, 100% complete and ready to serve the customer fully on the first day of operation. Here are some of the methods we use to hit the ground running:

Implementation Team

The process of ensuring a seamless transition to a Supply Technologies program requires an in-depth understanding of the operations of each customer facility. One of the first steps is a floor audit where we record each item, its location, container type and quantity, key ergonomic considerations, movement of product through the plant, and the unique requirements of the plant. The team then designs a program that makes optimal use of both customer and supplier resources and executes a plan that ensures a successful on-time implementation.

Resources & Conversion Speed

Because of our extensive resource base, we’re able to implement multiple plant conversions concurrently. The speed of a conversion is based on the number and type of parts involved; the conversion of parts is determined largely by lead-time. Lead-time is impacted by sourcing strategies (import or domestic), quality requirements, commitments to incumbent’s inventory, and logistics requirements. 

Components of A Successful Transition

Contract Review

A contract review is an extensive review of the details of each product quoted that ensures the correct product is purchased at the correct quality level from the correct source.

Part Qualification

We work with each customer’s unique part preapproval/certification methods and requirements. Possible qualification methods include:

1. Supply Technologies inspects product and ships to each plant (we are self-certified). Benchmark implementations have utilized this method to streamline the qualification and approval process, which can be customized per plant location.
2. Supply Technologies inspects, forwards a Warrant Page with first shipment to plant.
3. Supply Technologies inspects, forwards to each plant for approval, proceeds with purchase upon approval (this process can add a significant amount of time to the implementation process).
   
   

Contact List, Plant Visits, Floor Audit

Depending on a plant’s requirements, a contact list is created. A visit to a plant typically includes an initial meeting with the key personnel and a floor audit. A floor audit consists of a detailed recording of each item, item location, container type, container quantity, key ergonomic considerations, movement of product through the plant, and any unique characteristics that each plant requires.

Branch Check List

This communication tool lists action items, key responsibilities, resources required, and a completion date for each department. The branch checklist is updated continually and reviewed regularly with the customer.

Gap Analysis     

The Gap Analysis is used to determine a practical per-plant start date for the program and takes into account the customer’s current on-hand and inventory commitments, lead-times and estimated usage.

We then create a purchasing buy schedule and place initial buys to meet a mutually agreed-upon startup date.

Progress Reports and Risk Management

We’re sensitive to concerns of new customers during transition and proactively ensure its success using risk management practices related to quality, purchasing, and packaging to accurately communicate the status of program components in a timely fashion. Some of these practices include: