Home Resources Case Studies Streamlining Vendor Management and Implementing VMI Solutions

CASE STUDY

Streamlining Vendor Management and Implementing VMI Solutions

A leading stamping and contract manufacturer faced rising costs, inefficiencies, and quality risks from a fragmented vendor model and heavy internal inventory labor. Endries entered the engagement through a hardware package quote, uncovering deeper challenges. The solution centered on vendor consolidation and the PULSE VMI Fulfillment program to streamline operations, improve quality, and optimize processes.

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Overview

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Industry: Metal Parts Manufacturing

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Solution: PULSE VMI Program and Vendor Consolidation

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Customer: Leader in Manufactured Metal Stampings and Fabrications

metal parts manufacturer case study:

Endries’ goal was to streamline vendor management and inventory processes to reduce manual intervention, lower labor costs, and improve quality assurance, thereby enhancing production schedules and overall profitability.

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Challenge

The customer was struggling with an overloaded vendor model, relying on 15 separate fastener suppliers. This led to inefficiencies in order processing, receiving, and remittance.

Despite having service agreements in place, the internal team was still responsible for tasks such as inventory stocking, which increased labor costs. Quality assurance was a recurring concern,
particularly for high-priority SKUs. The fragmented supplier structure also prevented the business from capturing operational efficiencies.

Through customer feedback and a detailed process review, we identified the following core issues:

  • Excessive manual labor
  • Uncoordinated inventory management
  • Disjointed vendor management
  • Inconsistent product quality

endries pulse vmi fulfillment solution was tailored to address the customer's challenges.

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solution

We proposed the Endries PULSE VMI Fulfillment Solution, tailored to address the customer’s challenges.

Seamless Transition Planning

Streamlined the supplier base and established Endries as the primary partner.

Customized Supply Chain Solutions

Implementation of the PULSE Digital Dashboard, enabling real-time consumption tracking and enhanced inventory control.

Resolving AP and Invoicing Solutions

Customer-specific part approvals are managed through the Initial Sample Inspection Report (ISIR) process to ensure compliance with quality standards and to verify adherence to customer-specified part requirements.

Transition and Implementation

Transition Process
  • A systematic approach using the Endries VMI Transition Checklist (People/Process/Program) ensured a smooth changeover.
  • Weekly transition meetings were held with key customer stakeholder and the experienced Endries Transition Team.
  • Quality assurance requirements were reviewed across SKUs to ensure compliance with established performance and reliability standards.
Overcoming Challenges
  • Inventory quality concerns were addressed by offering pricing options for additional sorting services to help mitigate the risk of non-conformance in critical application parts.
  • Resolved inventory buyback issues through clear communication and flexible pricing strategies.
Implementation Results
  • Reduced the customer’s labor involvement in inventory put-away.
  • Enhanced product organization and real-time consumption visibility.
  • Improved communication and operational efficiency during service intervals.

results

Key Metrics:

  • 30% reduction in labor costs related to inventory management.
  • 15% improvement in vendor efficiency.
  • Enhanced QA documentation processes with ISIRs for Level 2 PPAP and revision tracking.

The customer shared positive feedback, highlighting the improved quality assurance processes. Also, enhanced visibility through real-time inventory tracking and streamlined operations with fewer vendors and better communication.

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RESULTS

The implementation of our solution yielded significant benefits, including:

$50K Reduction

in inventory carrying costs

Labor Efficiency

Savings through automated inventory processes and better communication.

Vendor Consolidation

Simplified procurement and operations by reducing the vendor count from 15 to 10.

conclusion

Key Insights

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Customized Approaches Matter:
Tailoring QA requirements per SKU and utilizing ISIRs ensured seamless transitions and longterm satisfaction.

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Structured Transitions: Weekly meetings and a detailed transition checklist were critical for maintaining alignment and minimizing disruptions.

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Visibility Drives Success: The PULSE Digital Dashboard enabled real-time decision-making, leading to sustained efficiency gains.

The successful implementation of Endries’ PULSE VMI Fulfillment Solution transformed the customer’s inventory management and vendor operations. By addressing critical challenges such as vendor overload, labor inefficiencies, and quality assurance gaps, the tailored solution delivered measurable benefits, including significant cost savings, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced quality control.

Consolidating vendors, streamlining inventory processes, and leveraging real-time visibility tools enabled the customer to reduce inventory carrying costs by $50K and achieve a 30% labor cost reduction. Positive feedback from the customer underscores the value of the partnership and the long-term impact of our
solutions on their business growth and operational excellence.