“Listen first,” says Devon Hendrikse, Fastener Agencies, sales manager. “This is the most important undertaking with any customer. “Your customer generally gives you all the information you require to structure a suitable solution for them.” Moreover, the supply chain revolution in specialist production lines, or demands is crucial. Therefore, as challenges and competition intensifies the need for creative thinking has become our forefront.
Keeping up with demands means to lead the industry with purpose. To demonstrate, we were introduced to Advanced Product Technology (APTSA). They are currently a leading supplier of specialised industrial products, with 2 distinct and different challenges. And, because they have two separate entities to the business, we had to use our tailor-made solutions to devise a plan of action.
The challenges of APTSA specialist production lines:
- Trade counter
- Manufacturing operation
1. Trade Counter
Devon explains, ” APTSA has a trade counter where contractors visit the store daily to purchase their materials.Their idea is to create a 1-stop shop that offers contractors the most relevant fasteners required to complete their work. As a result, this will save their contractors time and money! Ultimately, their contractors will not need to pay a further visit to a hardware to obtain the fasteners.
“For the trade counter we wanted to ensure that the fastest moving items relevant to their industry are on the shelf to increase sales. The trade counter isn’t a traditional set-up that we have installed in the past. But, we successfully installed two iFasten merchandising units with their fastest moving fasteners. What sets us apart from the competition is iFasten’s ability to adapt and customise solutions.
Our objective is to make fastening and fixing easy. And our superior performing range at highly competitive prices has assisted in improving APTSA sales. Multiple products sold out within the first four weeks.
2. Specialist production lines manufacturing operation
Following our investigation into the manufacturing operation where APTSA assembles their products, we suggested alternative fastener solutions. In essence, our suggestion came to enhance the effectiveness of their end products.
For example, where they use standard hex nuts and flat washers, we suggested nyloc nuts and external star washers. Both these items provide a locking feature, keeping the nut locked in position and resistant to vibration. The Nyloc nut is an economic locking nut and ideal in applications where vibration or motion could loosen or undo the nut.
Managing risk of specialist production lines
- Diversify your risk
- Forecasting – using historical data as inputs to make informed estimates in determining your future requirements
- Increase your buffer stock levels
With over 30 years’ experience and in-depth knowledge in various manufacturing industries, Fastener Agencies has developed a reputation as a trusted and credible partner and supplier. We would not be the preferred supplier to the manufacturing industries today if it wasn’t for the innovation and creativity that we bring to the table, the exceptional customer service, and highly competitive pricing we promise but more importantly, the superior performing products we offer. And by providing alternative solutions to real production challenges we play a key role in assisting our customers to maintain their high levels of productivity and output.
