Challenge: A small regional plywood importer on the west coast needed better and more accurate shipping information throughout the supply chain to allow for faster order cycles with customers, primarily builders and construction companies. In a very competitive environment, this customer needed better data to react to these last-minute orders typical of this market.
The Laufer Solution:Following a complete supply chain review, we customized a Purchase Order program to provide enhanced data visibility. In order to specifically address the needs of the customer, we added the following data elements to Laufer.com for each shipment, and each container, from booking confirmation in Asia to delivery here in the U.S.:
1. Purchase Order Number 2. Wood type 3. Wood thickness in mm 4. Quantity in pallets
In addition, we also created a vendor compliance program to insure suppliers overseas were adhering to these new reporting requirements.
Results:With this new tool, the customer was able to accurately determine on-water inventory and arrival dates which allowed them to take, confirm, and process customer orders in greater numbers than before. This acceleration of their sales cycle provided the competitive advantage needed to help improve top line sales and also improve their customer relationships.
