Raw Materials - The Real Cost of Supply

There is an old saying in the metal stockholding industry that the most expensive raw material is the one that you do not have.

We reside in a world where price dictates everything we buy. We all keep an eye out for that potential saving, no matter how small it might be. We are educated to accept this is value for money and this is no different in materials supply.

Even a small drop in price per kilo can have a substantial impact, especially on large tonnages. However, it can be reasoned that such a purchasing practice could be flawed. You may decide to purchase materials which are a few pence per kilo cheaper believing you have got a better deal, but have you really?

Quality Supply Reduces Costs

Any savings made on raw material costs can be quickly exhausted if you have chosen the wrong supplier: an obvious example is late delivery but there are many areas of the supply chain process to contemplate.

Is the product consistent? Does the machine setup need to be altered each time you receive new batches of the same material? Does the quality vary from batch to batch? These are all instances where potential costs could be added to your business – costs need to be effectively managed.

Adopting a supply partner with a repeatedly consistent approach to material supply is essential to any supply chain. Cost performance is less important at the point of purchase in comparison to the costs you may incur due to late delivery, reduced product quality or lack of stock certainty.

Smiths High Performance is not only a market leader in providing the uppermost quality alloys and plastics to the motorsport market. The company’s accomplishment is a direct consequence of the hard work to streamline the supply process resulting in a highly efficient, precise and cost-effective service.

Their customers work to the highest technological standards and require the highest levels of service and performance to sustain their business. Smiths High Performance repeatedly meets these demands time and time again.

Image Credit: Smiths High Performance Metals

What Makes Smiths Different?

Examples of how their services can cut the expenses of supply:

  • Comprehensive supply chain visibility via our 24/7 online portal
  • Precise stock forecasting using a blend of demand analysis, algorithms and real-world experience by employing our bespoke systems
  • High certainty of stock accessibility including ‘live’ stock data
  • Streamlined systems that feed into lean manufacturing ops
  • Consolidated billing and electronic manufacturing certificates
  • Acting as your materials store Smiths can provide JIT delivery with lineside distribution option
  • Inclusive metallurgical support through their own UKAS Accredited Testing Laboratory
  • All products are barcoded for total traceability
  • Live data at the design stage guaranteeing material availability to meet customer potentials

Image Credit: Smiths High Performance Metals

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Smiths High Performance.

For more information on this source, please visit Smiths High Performance.

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