CASE STUDY
When a leading commercial refrigeration manufacturer lost its VMI partner, Endries stepped in to ensure a seamless transition. Despite minimal data and ongoing AP and invoicing issues, Endries rebuilt a 1,200-SKU system, resolved supply chain challenges, and restored operational continuity.
Industry: Commercial Refrigeration
Solution: Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Replacement, Custom Supply Chain Solutions, AP Issue Resolution
Customer: Manufacturer of Reach-in Coolers
Endries’ goal was to exccute a smooth transition without disrupting the client's operations and to improve AP processes.
When a leader in commercial refrigeration, needed a new Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) partner after their previous supplier exited the OEM market, they chose Endries. With over 50 years of experience, Endries ensured a seamless transition, maintaining continuity and driving key operational improvements. The client relied on their previous VMI supplier to manage over 1,200 SKUs but was left with minimal data when the supplier departed. This gap in information, along with ongoing issues in accounts payable (AP) and invoicing, presented challenges in forecasting, inventory management, and day-to-day operations. This case study shows how Endries’ expertise helped the client navigate a complex transition and establish a foundation for future success.
While the client had no pressing production issues,the transition presented complexities:
Endries utilized a highly collaborative approach to manage the transition. The solution was focused on recreating the prior supplier’s setup without interruption, and then incrementally improving the processes over time.
The Endries' team, led by two transition experts with more than 50 years of combined experience, meticulously gathered information from the client, conducted site visits, and created a detailed schematic of the existing system. Despite incomplete information, Endries' team relied on experience and problem-solving to replicate and improve the VMI setup.
Endries addressed the complexity of different shipping and tax setups (specific to taxable, non-taxable, blanket POs, Dispensing, and MRO). These unique supply chain requirements demanded custom solutions to ensure a seamless transition.
A key component of the transition was resolving the ongoing AP and invoicing problems that had been plaguingthe client. Endries' accounting team, along with the local Sales Team, worked closely with the client’s AP department, introducing a more customer focused AP product that resolved their issues, and significantly reduced administrative inefficiencies over time.
Endries leveraged the experienced Customer Transition Team, who managed communication with the customer every step of the way to ensure a smooth transition and mitigate risks.
Endries undertook data gathering and analysis to fill in knowledge gaps left by the previous supplier. The team developed a custom transition workbook to monitor progress, ensuring frequent communication and on-site support for real-time issue resolution.
Right Team: An experienced team was essential to managing the transition effectively.
Clear Communication: Regular updates and on-site visits minimized misunderstandings and kept the client informed.
Adaptability: Endries customized solutions for the client’s unique supply chain requirements.
Endries’ expertise enabled a seamless transition for a leading commercial refrigeration manufacturer, improving operational efficiency and setting the foundation for ongoing success.
For businesses looking for a reliable VMI partner, Endries offers a proven track record in managing complex transitions and enhancing supply chain performance.