Vendor Managed Inventory or VMI lends itself perfectly to the modern day “Fastener and Component Supply Industry”.

However, VMI has deep seated roots back in the 1940’s and 1950’s!

Although not strictly speaking a VMI system the first known steps leading towards a VMI system is thought to have been developed in the U.K circa 1940 during the Second World War. Several factories involved in the production of the Legendary RAF Fighter “The Spitfire” began operating a visual 2 bin system. The idea being that when one of those bins became empty it was topped back with product from the stores to ensure no shortages on the production line! Variations of this method are still highly effective today in many factories around the World!

It was however, the Japanese Factories of Toyota who fine tuned this concept in the 1950’s after studying Supermarket principals. Their idea was based upon the fact that Supermarket Customers only take from the shelf what they actually require! Additionally they noticed that the Supermarket itself would only commit to stock that it was assured of selling over a given period of time and that future stock would be received “Just In Time” to avoid the shelves becoming empty….. And so it was Kan-Ban was born.

Kan-Ban, JIT, VMI, Bin Fill Systems, Direct Line Feed, Full Service Provider……. These are all terms born out of the original Kan-Ban principals and are very well known and practiced by us here at Ashcroft Components.

At Ashcroft we pride ourselves on getting to know our Customers and their requirements. Armed with this knowledge we can design a VMI system to suit the required parameters and provide 100% Customer satisfaction both logistically and operationally.

Several of our Customers currently enjoy the associated hidden operational cost benefits that VMI supply brings with it.

These benefits include;

  • Only 1 Purchase Order required.
  • No delivery progressing required.
  • Immediate stock availability.
  • Quality checked product direct to your point of use.
  • Agreed delivery frequency.
  • Organised stock system for Fasteners & “C” Class Components.
  • Tailored to suit the Customers Operational Requirements.
  • No G.I staff required to receive parts.
  • Supplier rationalisation. 
  • Contracted pricing agreement.

For further information on how VMI can benefit your business please call our Sales Department 01922 404442.

There are systems to suit Companies of all sizes!

Ashcroft Components | Custom Components