Proficient Sourcing helps buyers find good custom manufacturing suppliers. To accomplish this we access a large and varied network of proven job shops, selected because of a history of on-time delivery of parts built to spec at competitive prices. We are paid by this network, so there is no cost to the buyer who desires our help finding the right supplier. Our recommendations come with no obligation.
When you need a new manufacturing supplier we hope you will give us consideration.
The part or assembly in question comes to our attention via drawing, sketch, or a verbal description, and a request for quotation. We then examine this information to determine the best manufacturing procedure and who is the right source. In some cases we will contact a portion of the network for advice and direction.
The buyer will hopefully provide information that includes if this a one-off, an existing item, or something new. Then it would be helpful to learn what might happen if the relationship grows. For example, are there additional items that might be considered or is volume growth a possibility? In some cases we might explore who provides the required material.
Once we have a good understanding of the buyer’s requirements we transmit the RFQ to one or more shops and they respond directly to the buyer. We stay in the communication loop to help ensure a speedy response. In some cases we will have multiple quotes, and work with the buyer to prioritize these companies and provide comparative information.
Here are some examples:
1. A machinery builder needed a heavy fabricator for large parts and also a small machine shop for small quantities. This company produced a line of machines that would generate quote opportunities several times a year. The heavy fab work averaged about $25K per quote; the machining work $3K. We provided 2 heavy fab candidates; one has won a reasonable share of the business. The machining candidate has also won business. We stay in touch with that buyer to ensure those relationships are working properly.
2. A large automotive tier 1 supplier needed of a replacement supplier for key metal parts. In this case we needed to conduct a regional search, and found 15 potential candidates to further qualify. Of those, 6 were good enough to be brought in for a visit. One company became the unanimous choice, and there were several qualification inspection visits and sample parts submitted for final approval. Eventually our selection won the $2 million annual business, still going well after several years.
3. A partner company doing global foundry sourcing needed a source for machining in China. One company in our network has such a facility, and we made the connection. After substantial sample parts, including several design improvements, this business became successful. Among other things, we helped with incoming parts inspections.
4. A small branch of a major US company needed a specialized, very precise plastic part for their proprietary product. The specifications for this part were difficult and the initial quantities relatively small. Also, partly because a local supplier was preferred, sourcing had been very difficult. Within a week we found a local company who successfully qualified and for the 2 years since the problem has been completely solved.
5. We met with a small government supplier who needed a rubber part for a Humvee type vehicle. The part, a “boot”, was similar to those that surround floor mounted transmission shift levers. We provided the low bid for that work within a matter of days.
In these cases the buyer asked for assistance finding an appropriate company to manufacture some specialized part. Once we understand the circumstances of each, we were able to access our network to find a good supplier with experience in the sort of work desired. The bidding company deals directly with the buyer in all cases. Our role is to find good candidates and when the bid is successful, retain a strong communication link with both sides to ensure the relationship works well over time.
If we can help you with your requirements, give us a call. We’re ready to help.