OPTIMAS SETS THE COMPONENT SUPPLY STANDARD FOR TIER 1 AUTOMOTIVE ASSEMBLY SUPPLIER
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 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 approximately 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 .
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Issue 34 PECM 73