purchasing points P
Taking Advantage of Slower Times Bob Mueller Jr., Joy Global Surface Mining, Milwaukee
ups and downs in business levels. T ese cyclical periods were, at the time, “the worst of times.” T is outlook was based solely on order levels, and that view is certainly well justifi ed. However, these slowdown periods can be viewed as opportuni- ties for both supplier and customer to accomplish things we struggle to fi nd time to do when work is plentiful. Opportuni- ties abound in your shop to begin looking at improvements to existing prod- uct, whether it is current cast product or fabrications that are good candi- dates for con- versions. Work with your metal casting supplier to invite qualified individuals to go through your operation and discuss potential parts that could yield possible savings for both sides of the team. Current cast parts might be improved by incorporating more of the struc- ture they are fabricated into, or by adding a machining operation that does not fit your facility or creates a backlog. Perhaps there is a different cast material avail- able that meets your mechanical
D
uring my many years in the metalcasting industry, and now on the OEM side, I have experienced
requirements but at a cost savings. For those metalcasting sup- pliers who are capable of aiding in the design of cast conversions, now is the perfect time to begin some conceptual designs and cost estimates. There are many new casting opportunities that carry significant savings if you just look for them. Invite metalcasting engineers, material engineers and quality personnel to these walk- through sessions. Their expertise
“
shipping. The understanding they gained and the appreciation they developed for the art of met- alcasting has helped pave the way for additional castings, and the “smoke and fire” image of the in- dustry has disappeared. Your metal casting suppliers should be more than willing to arrange this and be proud to have your team in their operation. The visit also works to match a face to each of the names and voices we deal with on a daily basis. New programs
Opportunities abound in your shop to begin looking at improvements to existing product, whether it is current cast product or fabrications that are good candidates for conversions.”
will be a huge asset in the identifi- cation stage. Now is a great time for pur-
chasing agents, quality engineers and design engineers of OEMs to visit your metalcasting suppliers to learn their operation and the metalcasting process. I have taken many people from my manufactur- ing group to our casting suppliers on prearranged tours that walk them through the entire cast- ing process from order receipt to
that concentrate on lean manufacturing present opportuni- ties for you to work with your metal casting supplier within its facility. I have seen and been involved in impres- sive projects carried out at suppliers that resulted in lead time reduc- tions, process fl ow improvements and ultimately cost savings for both the purchasing opera-
tion and the metal casting supplier. Utilize your lean team members to help yourself and your supplier. Slower times will pass, as they
always do. T ose who utilize the downside of these cycles will be in a much stronger position when the work comes back, and it will.
Bob Mueller Jr. is senior supplier quality engineer, cast product and casting supplier development, for Joy Global Surface Mining, Milwaukee. He has more than 30 years of casting experience.
48 | METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING | Jan/Feb 2014
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60