How to Overcome Multiple Supply Bases For A Streamlined Process
Navigating through a multitude of suppliers can be daunting, especially when it comes to manufacturing complex products. This was the challenge faced by a leading U.S. manufacturer of infrastructure and flow control products. With the ultimate goal of improving product offering of residential meters for their utility customers, they needed a contract manufacturing solution that could take the product from design through production and final packaging.
The Challenge:
The water service company was struggling to coordinate the combination of materials and processes required to produce a new water meter with an antenna that increased both range and durability. The various manufacturing disciplines that had to be considered included:
- Plastic injection moldings
- Precision stampings
- Exotic materials
- Machining
- Robotic welding
- Packaging
- Prototype development
- Testing
The Solution:
With Leonhardt’s experience as a tier one supplier, the company was able to utilize both internal processes and supply base to develop a complete product shipped from the Hanover, Pennsylvania facility. Not only did Leonhardt manage the external suppliers, both the customer’s engineering lead and the RF engineering subcontractor reported through Leonhardt. As a contract manufacturer, Leonhardt knows how to take charge of a program and push it through the finish line.
One company executive commented that it set a new paradigm for how products would be developed in the future.
Result:
With Leonhardt’s commitment and dedication, the product surpassed all performance goals. Over 20,000 of these advanced meters now grace water pits across the United States, setting a new standard for product development.
How can you overcome a situation like this?
- Early involvement in design support is crucial for developing a specific product.
- Leonhardt’s coordination of diverse suppliers in multiple processes facilitates “design for manufacturability.”
- Investment in capital for new dedicated technology ensures global competitiveness in both quality and cost.
- Partnering with Leonhardt streamlines the supply base, reducing it from half a dozen companies to one.
For further insights on better managing your supply chain, reach out to Leonhardt Manufacturing today. Let us help you streamline your processes and drive success. Manage your supply chain today.