Downward Part Flow Demands: Intensifying Agile Platform Requirements

The demand is intensifying for downward part flow through the supply chain, from the OEMs to the tier-one suppliers and even through their suppliers. The recent financial upheaval and bankruptcies in the automotive marketplace continues to increase the pressure on this important production segment.

Project uncertainty on the start of production has caused a shift in the traditional job quoting process. Programs often have less than 20 weeks from when the contract is awarded to when production parts are required.

Twenty-week time lines demand agile solutions that allow for process prove-out, while machines and ancillary equipment are being installed at the end-user. This parallel approach to project execution makes an agile solution an absolute requirement.

Turnkey Support [back to top]
Many companies may say they offer turnkey engineering support. But agile solution support is very different, as the customer must be a part of the overall solution.

Tier-level suppliers need to develop long-term partnerships to assist them in implementing proactive and reactive manufacturing solutions. And Makino is uniquely qualified to assist our customers in this new, demanding supply chain paradigm.

Our process and turnkey engineering experience, and our ability to rapidly deploy the execution assets necessary are key factors. This allows us to provide risk-free, agile manufacturing solutions to help competitive companies win profitable business.

The customer frequently has insight as to what fixtures, tooling and other equipment he has available to deploy. Makino knows how to resolve production volume concerns with reliable machining centers, and provides other necessary elements for comprehensive, agile production solutions.

Rapid Solution Collaboration [back to top]
These solutions will also be rapidly deployed and flexible enough for future shifts in production, and for efficient redeployment when current contracts expire. This flexibility permits the production parts supplier to gain a competitive edge in the current environment and for bidding on future jobs.

With the appropriate investment in the right machining solutions, this type of collaboration with your machine tool provider will ensure you a competitive position for today and tomorrow. Dedicated special purpose machinery simply cannot provide you with a flexible and agile solution.

Let Makino put our vast experience to use in helping you make the right choices. This may well prove to be the key to your manufacturing success during these turbulent times.

As these demands shift, new opportunities will present themselves. You, the customer, need to be prepared to take full advantage of this shift in production.

Contact Bob Henry at:
Phone: (513) 573-7425
Fax: (513) 573-4455
E-Mail: robert.henry@makino.com