The supply chain lifecycle requires countless people, organizations, resources, processes, and technologies to successfully create, produce, and sell a product. Discover more about what the supply chain lifecycle includes, and how the L-Tron team can assist with your manufacturing/distribution process.
The stages of a supply chain lifecycle include:
- Planning: Companies assess current demand, forecast future demand, strategize approaches, allocate resources and identify performance metrics.
- Sourcing: The raw materials and components needed to build a product are identified and then reliable suppliers are selected to deliver these items.
- Production: In a factory setting, raw materials and components are first converted into finished products and then examined for quality. Then, they are packaged for future order fulfillment.
- Delivery: After the picking and packing of products in the warehouse, items are shipped and delivered to the customer.
- Returns: Inevitably, a portion of delivered products will be returned by customers. An efficient returns process saves time and money, while keeping customers happy.
The success of your supply chain lifecycle is critical to your business. If any steps in the process have an issue, this may cause compounding problems or losses for your company.
How can technology updates benefit the supply chain lifecycle?
L-Tron’s team of engineers are here to help our customers through the entire supply chain lifecycle. We can supply and customize hardware solutions to fit your unique needs.
Manufacturing:
During the production phase, rugged Industrial PCs keep the factory floor running by monitoring and controlling machinery, assembly lines, robotic arms and more. IPCs gather and analyze data to identify problems, monitor quality, and calculate lead times. Either with or without HMI capabilities, IPCs are built to withstand harsh environments and maximize up time.
While products are being built, machine vision systems are more dependable and efficient than human employees for quality control. Machine vision can inspect and measure products and even remove defective products from the assembly line.
As components move through each production phase, fixed mount scanners read their barcodes as they pass by on the conveyor belt to track and trace quickly and accurately. Fixed mount scanners ensure that products move along the assembly line correctly and achieve compliance standards.
In addition to IPCs, Machine Vision, and Scanners, L-Tron can supply SCADA systems, Routers and Gateways, Industrial Switches, I/O, PCI/PCIe cards, handheld scanners, mobile computers, and so much more. All of these products are designed to keep your operations running efficiently and effectively.
Packaging:
As products are packaged, scanners once again come into play as they track packages and ensure label accuracy and compliance. In addition to handheld and wearable scanners, L-Tron can also offer RFID solutions for more advanced tracking.
Handheld mobile computers, wearable computers, and rugged tablets equip the workforce for picking, packing, sorting, inventory management, order fulfillment, and more. All options offer reliability and optimal performance regardless of cold temperatures, dust, and other harsh environmental conditions in the warehouse.
Labels are also an essential component of the packaging process. For in-house label printing, we supply an array of industrial printers and labels that are built to last. Have a unique need or require custom labels? We are happy to supply printed, ready-to-use labels as well.
Warehousing and Distribution:
Efficient warehouse operations can make or break your business. From receiving and sortation to put away and replenishment, inventory management, transportation and logistics, and customer returns processing, we have the hardware you need to keep things running smoothly and effectively.
In the warehouse, IPCs can automate real-time inventory management, control warehouse management systems (WMS), connect to automated navigation systems and vehicles/robots, and even monitor environmental conditions.
Working in tandem with IPCs, barcode scanners, mobile computers, and RFID sensors track stock levels and collect valuable data to identify errors and ensure that operations are running as they should be. The L-Tron team can ensure that suggested hardware will integrate into your ERP system to receive and process orders, assist with picking, packing and shipping, and effectively manage inventory to prevent costly stockouts and overstocking.
How can L-Tron further assist with your manufacturing/distribution process?
From the moment raw materials arrive on the factory floor to the moment finished products are shipped out of the distribution center, the L-Tron team can assist your organization with workflow efficiency, quality control and inventory management.
L-Tron supplies a wide range of cutting-edge hardware from globally recognized manufacturers, all of which are designed specifically for factories, warehouses and distribution centers. We are more than just a reseller. We have our own experienced and knowledgeable engineering team available to work alongside your staff to solve complex problems within your supply chain. Our team has the flexibility to implement factory and warehouse improvements without interrupting your internal team’s day-to-day tasks.
Working with L-Tron is never a “one size fits all” approach. L-Tron engineers collaborate closely with clients to gain a complete understanding of the current workflow and company objectives. Our team can offer partial or fully customized configurations that best support lean manufacturing and distribution goals. Our work often includes the incorporation of new technology with legacy system, which saves our clients valuable time and money.
High-quality products delivered to customers in a timely and cost-effective manner
Customer satisfaction is the ultimate goal for manufacturers, but this can be difficult to achieve in an industry with so many variables and moving pieces. You don’t have to navigate the challenges and complexities of manufacturing and distribution alone. From start to finish, the L-Tron team can play a critical role in your supply chain lifecycle and help you accomplish your goals.
“Your Success is our Purpose.”
For more information on optimizing your manufacturing/distribution process, check out these resources:
