Dealing with supply and demand imbalance continues to disrupt business across the globe. Indeed, the pressure is real. Therefore, we need to evolve to drive change to find fastener solutions to resolve old issues. In our previous blog article, “Demand shortages & tailor-made fastener solutions’, we addressed our solutions to challenges. In short, this is not the time to become complacent. The result will open doors to competition.
To demonstrate, Woodlam is an ideal example of how we have found new solutions to resolve real production challenges. They are an established local manufacturer and supplier of moulded plywood and solid wood furniture to the hospitality and contract industry since 1991. And while aesthetics and innovative design are cornerstones of the Woodlam product range, as important is the strength and durability of their components. We launched our process to assist as follows:
- Identify fastener solutions challenges.
- Fastener solutions assessment.
- Solutions.
- Woodlam’s measurable benefits.
Fastener Solutions Challenges
First, we evaluated Woodlam’s challenges, and one pertinent issue featured. On this account it was a contract with another furniture manufacturer. That manufacturer had imported a Scandinavian machine to insert t-nuts. In short, supplying the seat bases to them with t-nuts installed became too expensive to continue with.
“With this in mind, we as the sole supplier to Woodlam started exploring solutions with them. Ultimately, to improve efficiency and find new ways to solve real challenges,” says Francois Roux.
Fastener Solutions Assessment
As a result we attentively assessed the machine and t-nuts that Woodlam was implementing. Consequently, we consulted with one of our current t-nut manufacturers. Although it did take various flights of samples for testing, our manufacturers subsequently designed a flawless option. And comparatively, we were able to offer this alternative at a quarter of the previous cost.
Our objective in our tailor-made solution ensured:
- Consistent supply.
- Superior prices versus the previous supplier.
- Zero variation from the approved standard.
- Increase in efficiency while using our solution.
Francois explains, “Had we not successfully implemented this solution, a machine worth at least R200k would have been decommissioned. In addition, it would have forced Woodlam to install the t-nuts by hand and hammer at 10 times the man hours versus the machine.
Woodlam measurable benefits
As a result Woodlam has achieved measurable increased productivity on the range they produce for the furniture manufacturer. Plus, a substantial increase in their order value! Finally, they utilised the machine in manufacturing their own range. Again, this saved an enormous amount of time and money from after production cost and lead time point of view.
“The process did not come without its reservations and roadblocks. We had to change the spec on the test sample 6 times. Secondly, the time delay from testing to receiving the follow-up batch of samples was considerable. Thirdly, communication with our manufacturing partners is a challenge,” says Francois. But Fastener Agencies are pioneering with purpose, and embracing a new era of productivity through tailor-made solutions. We can help you drive the change you need.
