A key client of SureSource with an annual turnover of over $1 billion was developing a new product and needed Asia-based Engineering resources to convert a tight tolerance part concept to a design that could be repeatably manufactured. Even though the client had Asia-based resources they turned to SureSource because of the challenges they were having with their engineer workload. They chose SureSource because of our in-house Engineering and the relationships we have with factories.
The Problem
- The part had tight tolerances.
- The client was being quoted 24–26-week lead time for tooling development. Product introduction would be late.
- The client’s internal team was unable to locate the needed raw material in Asia.
- The part was fragile. Special packaging needed to be designed.
The Solution
- SureSource had experience in locating difficult raw materials because of the team’s experience in Asia Sourcing. After locating the material, we provided material certifications that met the client’s requirements.
- SureSource already had experience with similar parts and had a factory partner that had experience with part type.
- SureSource shared tooling solution that met client specifications.
- SureSource Project Management coordinated scheduled meetings among all to keep the project on track.
The Results:
- Reduced Tooling Leadtime: SureSource tooling lead time was 8 weeks versus client quoted lead time of 24-26 weeks.
- Quality Part: SureSource managed suppliers process with in-process quality and outgoing quality steps that ensured a part meeting the tight tolerances. SureSource’s in-house QC team, performed outgoing quality checks and provided test results to client prior to product shipping.
- Reduced Lead Time: SureSource total lead time (tooling order to product ship date) was shorter than lead time that client had been quoted for tooling only.
- On-time Product Introduction: SureSource Project Manager kept the project on schedule to meet customer introduction date.
Additionally, SureSource worked with the clients engineers to design and produce the manufacturing equipment used on the clients line to assemble the sourced part with mated parts.
Conclusion
Another example of SureSource’s engineering, project management and sourcing capability solving our client’s problems to quality, on cost, and with expedited lead-times.
SureSource: Your Safe Pair of Hands in Asia. Let’s see what we can do for your company.
