.svg){kind=logo}
Overcoming lead times isn’t about banishing sudden and unexpected circumstances, but about eliminating time-draining obstacles in advance. Since 1986, Strouse has been issuing die cut quotes, coordinating to reduce lead times, minimizing shipment delays, and improving the quoting process.
Our tips for overcoming lead times will equip you with a better understanding of why manufacturing lead times extend and how to preemptively reduce lead times so that you’re not left glaring at your calendar.
Ways to Improve Your Converting Lead Times
While certain aspects of your lead time may seem unavoidable, there are still many ways to reduce the severity of delays and the overall toll they take on your production.
TIP #1: PLACE STOCK ORDERS
If you have multiple active projects with the same converter, it’s worth considering a stock order, which is essentially a series of simultaneous purchase orders. Joining Strouse’s stock order program is one of the best ways to avoid lead time issues, and we can help you plan your production process for the coming months.
|
Why choose a stock order? |
|
|
STOCK ORDERS |
STANDARD ORDERS |
|
Stock orders allow your converter to book you for weeks, even months in advance, meaning their machines are reserved for YOUR job. Plus, you’ve given them plenty of time to find and acquire suitable material. |
Standard orders are more difficult to coordinate than stock orders because they’re not scheduled as far in advance, making it more challenging to fit them in around other projects. |
Should an unexpected issue arise, such as a material becoming unavailable, the converter has the time to suggest and source an alternative. This allows you to adjust your internal schedules far more gracefully than if a standard, last-minute order were impacted.
We typically arrange 3-, 6-, and 12-month stock orders so that your future products are ready when you need them. Once the parts are produced, you can choose to schedule monthly or quarterly releases so that you do not receive all of the product at once. This gives your converter ample time to source materials and produce parts, helping you avoid common supply chain issues.
TIP #2: PLAN AROUND MATERIAL LEAD TIMES
Adhesive converters often use outside suppliers for materials, each with its own lead times. The unfortunate truth about third-party suppliers is that they’re subject to possible delays. (Naturally, providing your own material will save you time on your quote, give you control over shipping, and help avoid delays.)
Material lead times fluctuate, so they’re typically the longest among the potential lead times. If your lead time is too long, your converter will likely offer to find an alternative material or supplier. With hundreds of different parts in production, it wouldn’t be convenient to own a bulk supply of every material.
TIP #3: REMEMBER THE CUSTOM TOOLING
If this is your first time ordering from a converter, they’ll need to find tooling (unless the process is entirely laser or digital-knife). Everything we do is custom, which means we need to get custom tooling as well.
The die cut tool manufacturer is your converter’s other supplier, one who builds “dies,” or metal parts that require delicate craftsmanship to fit your design. These dies must be shipped to the converter before production can begin in any meaningful capacity. As with any other supplier, there is always the possibility of a delay that could hinder them.
The best way to help ensure a smooth tooling process is to relay your tolerances early and maintain open communication with your converter as they optimize your design for cost-efficient die cutting.
TIP #4: LOOP IN YOUR TECHNICAL EXPERTS
Let’s say your task is purchasing: You’ve been given a product sketch and sent on a quest to find a suitable converter. Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as taking the drawing and turning it into your product design. Your converter will have technical questions about the measurements, tolerances, application process, and more.
Often, it makes more sense to arrange a meeting between the technical experts on both sides rather than play telephone for engineering. The entire discussion moves more quickly when we have access to these experts rather than having someone else answer questions on their behalf.
Don’t be afraid to introduce your experts once we start asking technical questions—direct communication will make your entire project move at lightning speed compared to playing email tag.
TIP #5: STAY FLEXIBLE (HERE’S HOW)
“Staying flexible” refers to your willingness to consider alternative materials, design adjustments, or other suggested solutions in response to ongoing issues.
Sometimes issues arise in the supply chain or manufacturing that require discussion with your converter. When you’re open to alternative solutions, we can ensure these disruptions have minimal impact. As your converter, we’ll do our part to provide accurate, up-to-date lead times. Strouse runs multiple operational shifts daily, and projects may be expedited if our schedule allows.
Figure Out Your Converting Lead Time
For more information on how long it might take to get your project up and running, reach out to start your project so we can discuss when your die cut part will be ready.
To see what happens after you request a quote and whether you have all the information you need, check out the next steps.
Originally published: December 8, 2022
