The Evolution of Efficiency – Print and Apply Label Systems in Modern Industry

Print and Apply

The Emergence of Print and Apply Label Systems

In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. This is where Print and Apply Label Systems come into play, revolutionizing the way businesses handle product labeling. These systems combine the processes of printing and applying labels into one seamless operation, significantly saving floor space and improving control over variable data on each product.

Print and Apply

Introduction to Lafayette Engineering

Lafayette Engineering, a dynamic player in the industrial automation sector, has been at the forefront of providing innovative solutions to streamline production processes. With a focus on conveyor systems and controls, their expertise lies in enhancing operational efficiency and productivity for various industries. Their commitment to delivering high-quality, customized solutions makes them an ideal subject for discussing the integration and benefits of Print and Apply Label Systems in modern manufacturing and distribution environments.

Understanding Print and Apply Label Systems

A Print and Apply Labeling System is an amalgamation of a label printer and a label applicator. This system is particularly beneficial for products or cartons requiring specific information like lot numbers, expiration dates, and shipping addresses. The key components of these systems include:

  1. Print Engine: A robust, high-speed printing module designed for industrial use, capable of enduring harsh production environments.
  2. Label Applicator: This component accurately places labels on containers.
  3. Programmable Logic Controller (PLC): It controls both the printer and applicator, interfacing with the operating technology system to manage label formatting and data generation.

Print engines in these systems are not your average office printers. They are designed for continuous operation in challenging environments. Brands like Zebra and Sato offer engines with varying specifications to suit different label sizes and print quality requirements. The printing technologies used are primarily:

  • Direct Thermal Printing: Ideal for short-term applications like shipping labels, using heat-sensitive paper.
  • Thermal Transfer Printing: Suitable for long-term legibility requirements, this method uses a heated print head to melt ink from a ribbon onto the label.

Label Application Techniques

The label applicator typically employs a tamp/blow method, where the label is held by a vacuum on a tamp and then applied to the container using a blast of air. This method adapts well to varying product loading speeds. Other methods like merge or air blow are also used depending on specific requirements.

Addressing Industrial Needs

Print and Apply Label Systems are designed to address two primary industrial challenges:

  1. Balancing Printing Speed with Product Loading Variations: A loose loop system creates a buffer for labels, allowing for consistent application despite varying product speeds.
  2. Flexibility in Label Usage: A web bypass feature enables the use of pre-printed labels without passing them through the print engine, maintaining high throughput.

Connectivity and Control

Modern Print and Apply Systems offer diverse connectivity options, including serial, parallel, Ethernet, USB, and wireless communications. This versatility ensures seamless integration into existing production lines, allowing for efficient control and data transmission.

Conclusion: The Role of Lafayette Engineering

Incorporating Print and Apply Label Systems aligns perfectly with Lafayette Engineering’s ethos of enhancing efficiency and productivity in industrial settings. Their expertise in conveyor systems and controls can be leveraged to integrate these labeling systems into existing production lines, offering clients a streamlined, efficient, and error-free labeling process. As industries evolve, the collaboration between innovative solutions like Print and Apply Label Systems and industry leaders like Lafayette Engineering will continue to drive the future of manufacturing efficiency.

What does a Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) do?

Warehouse Control Systems

In today’s fast-paced and technologically advanced logistics landscape, Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) have emerged as critical tools for optimizing warehouse operations. These systems serve as the technological backbone that coordinates and streamlines various activities within a warehouse, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

What is a Warehouse Control Systems?

A Warehouse Control System is a sophisticated software application designed to manage and optimize the flow of materials within a warehouse. It ensures efficient utilization of resources while maintaining high levels of inventory accuracy. The primary role of a WCS is to act as a bridge between higher-level Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and various automated equipment and systems on the warehouse floor​.

Functions of WCS

Real-Time Inventory Tracking and Visibility: WCS maintains accurate inventory records by tracking material movements and updating stock levels in real-time​.

Order Fulfillment Management: Efficiently manages order processing, ensuring accurate order picking, packing, and shipping​​.Integration with Material Handling Equipment: WCS is designed to seamlessly interact with material handling equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)​

Labor Management and Performance Tracking: WCS helps optimize labor utilization by coordinating warehouse workers with automation systems​​.Data Analysis and Reporting: Offers valuable insights into warehouse operations, identifying bottlenecks and enabling data-driven decision-making​.

Warehouse Control Systems

How WCS Improves Warehouse Operations

Operational Efficiency: By providing real-time monitoring and data-driven insights, WCS identifies bottlenecks, optimizes workflows, and dynamically adjusts task priorities​.

Real-Time Visibility: Offers real-time insights into inventory levels, locations, and demand patterns, enabling accurate demand forecasting and efficient stock rotation​​. Improved Accuracy: Reduces errors in order fulfillment, enhancing customer satisfaction​​. Optimized Resource Utilization: Maximizes the efficiency of labor, equipment, and space, automating routine tasks and assigning work based on real-time demands​​. Scalability and Flexibility: Adapts to changing business needs and accommodates growth​.

Integration with Automation Systems

A key strength of WCS is its ability to integrate with various automated systems and equipment. Through standardized communication protocols, the WCS establishes a bi-directional data exchange with these systems. It receives real-time data information, such as equipment status and capabilities, and sends commands and instructions to direct their movements, speeds, and actions. This integration facilitates efficient coordination and control, ensuring synchronized operations within the warehouse​.

The Role of Machine Learning and AI

Modern WCS solutions often incorporate advanced technologies like machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). These capabilities enable the WCS to learn from historical data, make intelligent decisions, and optimize operations based on predictive models, further enhancing efficiencies and improving decision-making for warehouse managers​.

Conclusion

Warehouse Control Systems are indispensable in modern warehousing operations. By leveraging WCS, businesses can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and achieve greater accuracy in their operations. This leads to cost savings, increased productivity, and improved customer satisfaction, positioning businesses competitively in today’s dynamic supply chain landscape.

FAQs

What does a WCS do?

Optimizes warehouse operations, coordinates tasks, and controls material handling equipment to improve efficiency and productivity​.

Difference between WMS and WCS?

WMS focuses on higher-level inventory management and overall warehouse optimization, while WCS specializes in real-time control and coordination of material handling equipment within the warehouse​.

Difference between WCS and WES?

WES includes planning functionality not found in WCS, which develops an Optimal Execution Plan based on current conditions within the operation​.

For those looking to delve deeper into the world of Warehouse Control Systems, understanding their functionalities, benefits, and integration capabilities is crucial for maximizing efficiency in warehouse operations.

Lafayette Engineering: A Leader Among Top Conveyor Companies

In the realm of top conveyor companies, Lafayette Engineering Inc. (LEI) stands out as a prime example of innovation and efficiency. This Kentucky-based company has carved out a niche for itself in the conveyor industry, offering an array of services and products that cater to the complex needs of modern warehouses and distribution centers.

The Lafayette Engineering Edge: Top Conveyor Companies

LEI specializes in control systems engineering, focusing on advanced conveyor systems and controls engineering to enhance efficiency (LEI Homepage). Their unique approach to warehouse control systems (WCS) exemplifies this focus. Just like a traffic cop ensures smooth flow in busy intersections, LEI’s WCS acts as a central command, directing the real-time activities within warehouses, ensuring that all components like conveyors and sorters operate seamlessly (Conveyor Works – LaFayette Engineering).

Top Conveyor Companies

Diverse Range of Services

One of LEI’s strengths lies in its comprehensive service offerings. These include mechanical and electrical installation, project management, and control panel design, ensuring a holistic solution for material handling systems (Mechanical Install – LaFayette Engineering). Moreover, their controls engineering services encompass the entire process from need assessment, concept development, AutoCAD electrical control drawings, to PLC programming and launch assistance (Controls Engineering – LaFayette Engineering).

Innovations and Solutions

LEI’s ‘Conveyor Works’ software application is a testament to their innovative spirit. It’s designed to integrate all moving parts in a warehouse or distribution center, thereby optimizing operations (Conveyor Works – A Warehouse Control System To Manage Your Operations). From batch picking to printing sortation, LEI’s solutions are tailored to improve efficiency and productivity.

Reconditioned Systems: A Smart Choice

An intriguing aspect of LEI’s offerings is their reconditioned conveyor systems. These systems provide a high ROI and quick turnaround, which can be crucial for businesses operating under tight schedules and budgets (Conveyor Systems: New or Reconditioned – LaFayette Engineering). While there are some trade-offs, like the absence of a warranty and the potential need for retrofitting, the cost savings and immediacy of availability make reconditioned systems an attractive option for many.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lafayette Engineering exemplifies the qualities of top conveyor companies through their comprehensive services, innovative solutions, and customer-centric approach. Whether it’s a new installation or a reconditioned system, LEI offers expertise and quality that sets them apart in the conveyor industry. With their commitment to efficiency and technological advancement, they are not just a provider but a partner in the growth and success of businesses requiring advanced conveyor solutions.

Your #1 Conveyor Systems Source: LaFayette Engineering Inc.

Conveyor Systems

LaFayette Engineering, Inc. (LEI), located in Danville, Kentucky, is a renowned electrical controls company with a specialized focus on Conveyor Systems. They excel in designing and installing control systems specifically for Conveyor Systems, including sophisticated high-speed case sortation. LEI’s services cover a wide array of control engineering solutions, meticulously crafted to support the diverse needs of the material handling and warehouse control sectors.

Overview of Services:

1. Conveyor Systems:

LEI excels in the integration of control systems, particularly for conveyor systems used in material handling. Their approach is comprehensive, starting from the initial design phase to the implementation of these systems in both new and existing facilities. This involves a deep understanding of the client’s needs and the deployment of the latest technology and control devices to enhance system efficiency, reduce operational costs, and increase productivity.

Conveyor Systems

2. Control Panel Design & Fabrication:

They offer specialized services in control panel design and fabrication. This process includes the meticulous design and assembly of control panels that form the nerve center of conveyor systems. LEI’s expertise ensures that these panels are not only functional but also optimized for efficiency and reliability.

3. Warehouse Control Systems:

LEI is also adept at developing warehouse control systems, a critical component for modern warehouses and distribution centers. These systems are designed to streamline operations, improve inventory management, and enhance the overall efficiency of warehouse operations.

View More on Warehouse Control Systems

4. Custom Solutions and Innovative Strategies:

Understanding that each business has unique needs, LEI focuses on providing custom solutions. They research, design, and build innovative systems to solve common and complex material handling problems. This involves close collaboration with clients to understand their specific processes and develop solutions that align with their business goals.

5. Comprehensive Project Process:

LEI’s process encompasses a full range of services from the assessment of client needs to the development and implementation of conveyor concepts. This includes producing detailed AutoCAD electrical control drawings, fabrication of control panels, advanced PLC programming, and project management. They also provide installation coordination, field installation, launch assistance, and ongoing service and support.

6. Commitment to Quality and Integrity:

Under the leadership of Bruce Robbins, the owner, LEI is guided by a commitment to integrity and providing honest solutions. They aim to become a valued business partner for their clients, focusing on delivering high-quality, reliable, and efficient conveyor system solutions.

Conclusion:

LaFayette Engineering’s services are designed to cater to a diverse range of industries requiring sophisticated conveyor systems and control solutions. Their focus on custom solutions, combined with their commitment to quality and integrity, positions them as a valuable partner for businesses seeking to optimize their material handling and warehouse operations.

Tailoring Control Systems to Propel Your Business Forward

Control Systems

LaFayette Engineering: Your Premier Partner in Control Systems Integration

LaFayette Engineering, rooted in Danville, Kentucky, stands as a leading integrator of control systems, focusing on the design and execution of sophisticated conveyor systems for material handling. Our portfolio showcases successful collaborations with prominent companies, reflecting our prowess in tailoring conveyor solutions to both new and pre-existing warehouse and distribution facilities.

Control Systems

The cornerstone of any efficient conveyor system is its controls. At LaFayette Engineering, we meld our profound electrical engineering expertise with cutting-edge technology and control mechanisms. This fusion is aimed at amplifying equipment effectiveness, escalating system efficiency, curtailing operational expenses, and boosting productivity, all while ensuring adaptability in your material handling systems.

Crafting Bespoke Solutions for Material Handling

LaFayette Engineering dedicates itself to inventing, designing, and constructing customized solutions addressing typical challenges in material handling. Our team of seasoned engineers invests time in comprehending your distinct processes, collaborating closely with you to craft solutions perfectly aligned with your business requirements.

Our industrial automation systems are engineered prioritizing performance, precision, resilience, and dependability. These solutions are renowned for their industry-leading throughput and speed capabilities, rigorously tested before deployment in your facility.

In our control systems, we consistently employ open, non-proprietary components and programming structures. By utilizing components from established industry leaders for starters, relays, lights, switches, etc., we not only adhere to stringent quality standards but also guarantee the availability of spare parts locally and as required.

Whether it’s a new installation or an upgrade to an existing system, LaFayette Engineering can swiftly deliver a competitive quote for any control application. Our spectrum ranges from small-scale control panel projects to comprehensive, customized solutions for complex challenges, ensuring optimal value for your investment.

Our Methodical Approach to Project Execution

LaFayette Engineering’s meticulous process encompasses:

  • Comprehensive assessment of your specific needs.
  • Development of innovative conveyor concepts.
  • Generation of detailed AutoCAD electrical control drawings, including panel layouts with bill of materials, motor power wiring, electrical schematics, input/output schematics, and field wiring diagrams.
  • Fabrication of state-of-the-art control panels.
  • Advanced PLC Programming with sortation logic.
  • Thorough project management, from inception to completion.
  • Coordinated installation processes.
  • Field installation with precision.
  • Development and tracking of punch lists.
  • Launch assistance, providing start-up support directly at your facility.
  • Continuous service and support, ensuring enduring system performance.

By choosing LaFayette Engineering, you partner with a team committed to driving your operational success to new heights through innovative and reliable control system solutions.

Choosing the Right Integration Partner

Investing in an industrial automation system for the first time or upgrading an existing system is a large undertaking.

Industrial automation is an innovative field with new advances every year combining hardware and software, often within an existing system to have production and control systems operate at their maximum efficiency. This is where a system integration partner comes in.

They are companies not tied to any company specifically, who partner with you to help achieve top results in your facility while managing schedules. Whether that be storage, conveyance, Robots, etc.

A system integrator will manage all components like engineering, and materials, as well as installation and implementation of control systems.

The right system integrator can bring great benefits to your company such as:

  • Having the capability to be able to quote more than one solution for comparable numbers.
  • Long-standing relationships with the right partners to be able to provide the solution desired either in an area or nationwide.
  • Experience with more than one product line that could tie into the system that you already have in place or to help you rebuild that line.

In this blog, we will discuss finding the correct integrator and the due diligence that it takes to make sure that your experience is nothing but successful.

Determine Your Needs

Are you looking for short-term solutions, or do you need a long-term ROI? Once you have established what your company will need, the search for the correct system integration partner begins.

Ask for sites to visit or references.

Speak with people who have worked with the integrator in the past. Listen to what solutions they represent and do those solutions fit your needs.

Select the Necessary Credentials

Even though cost is a huge factor when you are looking for efficient solutions, do not let this be the entire reason you go with a system integrator. As we mentioned earlier, ask colleagues you worked with in the past. Surprisingly enough, the integrator world is a lot smaller than we think so there is a high chance your peers have been through the process before and will probably have insights and recommendations.

Reviewing Their Work

This is the most telling aspect. While all systems are unique, and require different solutions, at the higher level there is something you can learn from the installation and implementation of the integrator. Learn as much about the problems they encountered and what they did to tackle those hurdles. Ask what they felt was a success of that project. If there is an area that just seems odd then ask them why they designed it this way, more often than not there is a story to tell of how they came to the final solution.

Do They Have Connections to Get the Job Done?

We would argue that one of the most important, yet underrated facets of being a successful integration partner is networking. Working with trusted companies can be a huge advantage when it comes to choosing an integrator because they will be able to generate a quicker less stressful completion date due to already having the connections they need.

Searching for subcontractors with availability is minimized because many work exclusively with the integrator. Something that Lafayette Engineering takes a lot of pride in as a system integrator that has been built over time.

We value our long-standing relationships with vendors and subcontractors, as well as our ability to do almost every aspect in-house. Though we can work with a great majority of companies there are some situations Lafayette is not the correct integrator to work with and it could be for many different reasons.

At the end of the day, we want each and every customer or potential customer to be happy so if we are not able to help with your system, we have the network to help you find the right fit for the job.

Give us a call today to see if we are the right system integrator for you or let us help you connect with the right one. Call us today at (844) 845-7580.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lafayette Engineering

1-Does Lafayette Engineering manufacture conveyors?

No. We are an integrator.

We do, however, partner with Hytrol, and other manufacturers to allow us the flexibility to offer each customer custom solutions for their price point and functionality.

Learn more about what we and our partners do here.

2-What type of support does Lafayette Engineering provide?

All of our projects come with a support agreement for one year after installation. We encourage all of our customers to sign a support agreement with us after that year is up to maintain seamless system support.

LEI offers two unique support contracts.

Advanced, which is 24/7 on call, and standard, which is 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.

If you do not have a support contract with us, you can easily sign up with us. You simply sign a non-support agreement, meaning that you pay hourly (minimum of two hours) for support calls.

We have a team of dedicated engineering professionals who handle support 24/7. The process is easy. When you call in for system support, a call center will take your information and relay that to our team. Once we have all the necessary information, one of our support engineers will contact you.

3-How many locations does Lafayette Engineering have?

We have FOUR locations currently.

Our headquarters are located in Danville Kentucky.

We have additional office locations in Ontario-California, South Plainfield-New Jersey, and Atlanta-Georgia. With multiple locations we are able to cover coast to coast and everywhere in between, to give our customers fast access to our team, no matter where they are.

We encourage our readers to reach out with any additional questions or suggestions for future FAQ articles. We are committed to continually enhancing our content and fostering a community of engaged readers. Together, we can build a knowledge-sharing platform that serves as a reliable resource for everyone.

If you don’t have a team of experts on your side to help you streamline your business, we would love to help you. Call us today at (844) 845-7580.

2023 Industry Shift Impact

Where is our industry going in 2023?

With a recession looming overhead for more than a year now, many facility operators find that outsourcing tasks proves to be more efficient and less risky than upgrading “in-house.” Traditionally, 3PLs (third-party logistics) have been used to get a system up and running. In the past year, though, we have seen 3PLs used more frequently for a variety of tasks. Let’s look at a few ways that facility operators are using 3PLs to maximize their throughput in the shadow of a recession.

Robot Usage

In the past year, we have seen a heightened usage of robots in our partner facilities. There could be many reasons for this, but the most common, and most intriguing reason is the low daily attendance percentage. With a large percentage of the workforce not being as reliable as they have been in years past a lot of companies are finding themselves understaffed. Many facilities would rather pay the higher cost upfront for a more reliable workforce as opposed to dealing with being understaffed. Alternatively, some robots are used on a monthly or “by the pick”  rental basis. Still, the flexibility and guaranteed output make robot usage an attractive option for many during uncertain times.

Control Devices

Though the supply chain is far from “back to normal”, the chaos of getting controls devices seems to have greatly improved. The majority of integrators have remedied this problem in two ways: ordered a very large stock that they can replenish from, or find workarounds. While ordering large stocks may be a temporary solution, many of the creative workarounds will be around long after the supply chain corrects itself. 

We’re also seeing a “race to the bottom” when it comes to these devices. Producers are competing on price, often beating the “normal price” before the normal materials increase and they have stock ready to ship.

Reduce Dollar Amount

Like most businesses in just about every industry, the recession has forced distribution facilities to reduce their spending. Before upgrading their facilities, many facility operators are retrofitting their current systems, squeezing every dollar they can from what they already own. Retrofitting can typically be done over long weekends, and there is a lot of risk to it. But partnering with the right team can mitigate that risk and deliver extreme paybacks.

Here’s an example. If your slat sorter is wearing out, you will need a new sorter in the next year or two. However, you can prolong your sorter’s life a bit more by implementing new chains and sprockets. While the maintenance team is conducting their Audit, examine the diverters to see if they are showing wear and determine which parts can be replaced. If you find that a large amount of switches need to be replaced, you will need to get on order early as most of the supplies that have been listed still have a longer than average lead time.

Ready to upgrade? If at any time you would like to upgrade your system, this could be an opportunity to explore the Lafayette Magnetic Sortation switch (LMS). The LMS switch can be used in a new system or, with minor adjustments, can be a drop-in unit to your current Hytrol sortation system. Learn more about the LMS switch here or give us a call at (844) 845-7580.

Recap: 2022 By The Numbers

Here’s a Look At The Numbers In 2022

In April 2022, we launched the Lafayette Magnetic Sortation Switch (LMS) – a conveyor system to help shipping facilities decrease noise, reduce wear & tear, and move more parcels more efficiently. Since the launch of LMS, our partners have posted some of the most dazzling peak shipping season numbers we’ve seen at Lafayette.

We installed five new sorters across four facilities, and 107 LMS switches have been manufactured and installed since the launch of Lafayette Magnetic Sortation Switch.

The average peak season is approximately 5 weeks, with Black Friday being the unofficial “kickoff.” This year started a bit earlier than usual, as shipping and online sales picked up around mid-November. 

One location with two sorters shipped 599,000 parcels over a 6 day period in November, at an average clip of 49,900 parcels per sorter per day.

Another facility with one sorter shipped 477,000 parcels over that 6 day stretch in November, at an average rate of 79,500 parcels per day by this one sorter.

These extraordinary numbers aren’t unusual for systems that have implemented magnetic technology. As is the case with many new product launches, though, there were slight adjustments to be made after we launched LMS. In roughly ten months since the public introduction of LMS, our team has adapted, learned in real time how to manage problematic situations, and reconfigured certain aspects to gain a more controlled version of every switch that leaves our shop.

With each installation, we continue to learn, analyze, and improve our product. Ultimately, our goal in 2023 is to lead the market in quality and performance when it comes to magnetic sortation systems. 

We’re just getting started – these incredible numbers are a sign of things to come in the future for Lafayette Magnetic Sortation.

If you don’t have a team of experts on your side to help you streamline your business, we would love to help you. Call us today at (844) 845-7580.

The New Hidden Value of Your Inventory

Lasting Effects of the Pandemic

Pre-pandemic times were much simpler. 

Two years ago, acquiring components and supplies was a simple process. If you needed supplies, you knew where to get them and for the most part, how long it would take to get them.

Supply Acquisition

But things are different in the post-pandemic world. It’s no secret that parts acquisition has become a challenging, and often maddening process.

For example, at LEI we can get about 90% of the material needed for assembling a panel through our typical, tried and true avenues. However, the remaining 10% of panel materials must now be searched for and acquired through non-traditional means.

Lead Time Variability

The supply chain issues brought on by the pandemic have also led to unthinkable lead times.In the post pandemic world, buying online is difficult with unprecedented lead times. This has become our new normal. Suppliers such as Allen Bradley are listing 30-35 weeks wait time for orders on their website, while some individual components are looking upward of 78 weeks. That’s unheard of! 

Inventory & Supplier Relationships

There’s nothing worse than being stuck in an ‘out of stock’ situation. 

To counteract the long and fluctuating lead times from suppliers, companies began to ‘stock-up’ on inventory as a way to prevent out-of-stock situations from happening during shortages. 

It’s crucial to maintain a steady relationship with suppliers and manufacturers during these times. When supply is in high demand, a supplier may allow a certain percentage of its inventory to key customers. This means that other customers may only get a small percentage of what they need for a specific component, resulting in disruptions to their production and a trickle-down effect that extends all the way to consumers.

Opportunity in Unlikely Places

 So, what do we do when that isn’t enough? We get creative.

At Lafayette, we’ve turned to “outside the box” methods to keep our operations moving fluidly. Where we were once able to easily find certain parts and supplies, we now have to scour the depths of the internet for! 

We’ve learned to get creative; making use of websites like eBay to fill in the gaps when suppliers fall short. 

Leveraging Your Inventory

This approach makes spare parts sitting on shelves much more valuable than ever before. Parts that are in your inventory may no longer be required if you’ve upgraded your system, but to others who have not upgraded, those parts are like gold — and they will pay good money for them. 

A shortage of inventory naturally adds a significant increase in price. As the old saying goes, “when supply is down, demand goes up.”  

A component like the safety input card 1734-IB8S is a perfect example. We normally buy a 1734-IB8S from our supplier for $393.58 (list cost being $648.72). However, these are currently selling new on Ebay from anywhere from $1,500 to over $2,000 each. Due to job demands, we have been forced to buy several of these in order to keep things moving as scheduled. 

That’s a 200-300% increase in cost.

And users like us are flocking to buy them because it is the only way to keep our systems functioning within an appropriate timeline. If you have accrued a surplus of parts and supplies for your systems that you no longer need, there is a massive opportunity to turn that surplus into profit.

The same can be said for end-of-life equipment. If there are parts needed for your system that are no longer being manufactured, your best bet is to find an online source who has an excess of those items to sell. 

3 Ways Around the Supply Chain Dilemma

Since 2020, LEI has spent over $500k on large surplus orders in an attempt to get ahead of the lead time madness.

That’s one way to do it. But here are a few other ways to get around the supply chain dilemma:

  • Substitute the part with a compatible part either from the same manufacturer or a different manufacturer.  
  • Buy material online from nontraditional sources like Ebay. Although you may have to purchase at a premium cost, it beats not having the part you need.  
  • Last resort, re-engineer the job. Although not ideal, if you cannot find the backlogged part online or expedite it from your vendor, you may have no other choice.  

It’s safe to say that any excess components are an advantageous commodity right now. Many manufacturers and even integrators have begun to list their surplus inventories and are making profits hand over fist. This may be a beneficial route for you as our industry continues to recover from pandemic-driven supply-demand issues.

If you don’t have a team of experts on your side to help you streamline your business, we would love to help you. Call us today at (844) 845-7580.