Inventory control is a means of optimising the supply chain, whereby the supplier becomes responsible for maintaining the customers inventory levels and can be achieved using the IN4MA system from PowTechnology. This means the supplier needs access to the customers stock levels and the use of vendor managed inventory software allows this. This means the manufacturer generates the order, not the customer. For example, the METRON is used to monitor the level of chemical within a storage tank on a customer’s site. This information is then available to the supplier via the data acquisition software, normally by using the internet. An alarm is sent when the product level goes below a ‘re-order’ point, and sent directly to the relevant department by fax or email, who are then able to respond and send a tanker as required. VMI improves customer service, reducing the need for the customer to monitor the level and then place an order. It also reduces errors in ordering and ensures there are no part loads or returned tankers and therefore reducing logistic and transportation costs.
- Reduced distribution costs
- Lower carbon emissions
- Improved customer satisfaction
- Longer term & single source supply contracts
- Fewer panics & run outs
- Long term production scheduling, helping manufacturing and purchasing