VMI: Transforming Value-Added Services into Partnerships and Profits

摘要

One out-of-stock bolt can shut down an entire production line. Yet, most end-users don't want to worry about C-and D-class line items. "Filling out paperwork for a few hundred bolts or checking dozens of bins to make sure stock levels are on target is too time-consuming and costly for my customers," said the president of a Michigan-based distributorship. "They want to focus on getting their products off the line. So, they leave their stockrooms to us." By performing vendor-managed inventory (VMI), many distributors have found a niche in an increasingly competitive industry. Offering VMI has helped many businessmen retain customers at an incredibly high rate. And, a deep-rooted presence with a loyal customer base has enabled many distributors to offer ever-increasing ranges of products - resulting in evergrowing sales opportunities.