AUTOMOTIVE
TIER 1 AUTOMOTIVE ASSEMBLY
OPTIMAS
OPTIMAS SETS THE COMPONENT SUPPLY STANDARD
FOR TIER 1 AUTOMOTIVE ASSEMBLY SUPPLIER
Simplifying the fastener requirements of a
multi-billion-dollar automotive assembly
supplier demands a consistency of approach
- a methodology that Optimas refers to as
a global component standard. Since 2009,
Optimas has been applying this standard
to the activities of a global manufacturer of
interiors, seating and emissions solutions
to some of the world’s most prestigious
car manufacturers. With the cooperation
between the two businesses providing
distinct advantages in the manufacturer’s
European interiors division, the standard is
now set to expand globally.
The customer initially enlisted the help of
Optimas to help generate efficiency gains
and cost savings within its fastener supply
network, which with operations in 35
countries, presented a sizable challenge.
Optimas gathers a vast wealth of experience
supporting Tier 1 automotive suppliers and
OEM manufacturers, so the customer was
confident that Optimas had the expertise
necessary to help streamline component
selection in its interiors division. Engineers
from both businesses began a series of
fastener implementation meetings to define
a unified approach to fasteners.
Eric Crassous, Development Director and
OEMS Global Account Director at Optimas,
explains: “The end goal was to standardise
the manufacturer’s fastener policy in Europe,
so that components and suppliers could
be effectively consolidated to simplify
component specification and delivery. To
this end, our engineers worked with the
interiors division to define a catalogue of
components - a global standard for fastener
selection. We recommended already existing
parts within its component portfolio that
met engineering requirements, while also
removing obsolete part numbers from the
manufacturer’s fastener usage. The end
result was a defined list of 17 standard
part numbers, which met 82% of fastener
requirements for the division.”
The global standard fastener catalogue
offered a number of advantages. First, it
consolidated the vast majority of fastener
supply activities within Optimas, providing
the Tier 1 supplier with one point of contact
for all fastener requirements. By maximising
order volume through limiting component
diversity, Optimas was also able to provide
parts at a more competitive cost point
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than the previous supply framework.
Furthermore, due to Optimas’ highly efficient
global network and localised fastener
warehouses, lead times on fastener orders
were also reduced.
“By consolidating and simplifying
component specification for the customer,
we effectively reduced decision time for
engineers on the ground,” Eric continues.
“Rather than specifying an entirely new
component for a certain application – which
requires designing it, creating samples and
working through sign-off protocol – the
customer’s engineers can now simply refer
to the catalogue for an existing solution.
For the interiors division, this delivered
immediate efficiency gains.
“For the future, we minimise obsolescence,
as fasteners that were used in a previous
project can be reapplied throughout the
manufacturer’s global operations in new
projects or designs. This approach provides
maximum usage and increased cost
effectiveness.”
For the customer as a whole, this conveys a
united and integrated approach. A defined
fastener catalogue can be an excellent tool
in displaying proficiency, as well as uniting
the company with regards to approaching
these issues. With a point of reference such
as this, decision making is streamlined and
efficiency boosted, providing the customer
with less challenges to overcome and an
increased ability to perform.
So what of the remaining 18% of fasteners?
These non-standard components are not
included in the catalogue, but instead of
enforcing a one size fits all policy, Optimas
adapts to the manufacturer’s specific
component requirements in real time. Due
to a close relationship between both sets
of engineers, the two teams collaborate to
originate custom parts to overcome specific
application challenges. A new design
outside the global standard can therefore
be accommodated for, with Optimas
utilising its network of independent test
laboratories and supply capacity to deliver
these custom components with increased
speed. Ultimately, it provides the best of
both worlds.
Eric concludes: “The proven success of
this fastener framework - a combination
of global standards and adaptability - has
grown a committed relationship between
both businesses. Now, together we are
starting the journey towards implementing
similar fastener solutions in the
manufacturer’s seating division, an initiative
that has been enabled due to prior success
and mutual trust. By actively supporting
this Tier 1 automotive supplier’s innovations
with quality, simplicity and reliability – we
try to overcome the role of a traditional
supplier, instead operating to the standard
of an integrated fastener partner.
About Optimas Solutions
Optimas is a global distributor of
fasteners and c-class products.
Optimas at its core is a provider of
integrated supply chain solutions
and engineering support focused
on delivering highly engineered
fasteners to world-class customers
around the world. Optimas has a
diverse, global team of approximate ly
1,600 individuals, over 60 distribution
centers, 9 quality labs and 2
manufacturing locations to support
the complexities of our customers’
industries, enabling them to achieve
their goals and be successful.
global.optimas.com