How FN Steel Streamlines Fastener Inventory with Fabory Logic

FN Steel in Alblasserdam, the Netherlands, wanted to make its fastener ordering process more efficient across three workshop stock areas. Together with Fabory, the company reviewed the existing process and redesigned the stock areas using barcoded bins and managed replenishment.

The new setup combines scan-based stock management with regular on-site support from Fabory Logic. FN Steel employees no longer need to manually place orders for the fasteners covered by the system, while consumption and inventory data provide greater visibility of how stock is being used.

Results at a glance

The challenge: improving fastener ordering across three workshops

FN Steel is an experienced steel wire rod producer with a history dating back to 1938. The company operates both its own rolling mill and a wire processing centre in Alblasserdam.

Fabory Account Manager Aad Benschop and FN Steel purchaser Ricardo Bisdom reviewed the company’s fastener ordering process to identify opportunities for improvement.

The result was a redesign of three workshop stock areas using barcoded bins and a managed replenishment process.

Smart replenishment with barcoded bins

Each workshop is equipped with barcoded fastener bins, making individual items easier to identify and scan.

A Fabory merchandiser visits at an agreed frequency to scan inventory on site and trigger restocking where required.

The setup combines one-bin and two-bin principles. When the active bin is empty, stock from the reserve bin can be used while Fabory replenishes the first.

How the replenishment process works

1 Fasteners stored in barcoded bins Each workshop uses barcoded bins to simplify identification of the fasteners held in stock.

2 Inventory is scanned The Fabory merchandiser visits at an agreed frequency and scans the inventory on site.

3 Restocking is triggered Stock identified for replenishment during the scan is included in the restocking process.

4 Reserve stock supports continuity When an active bin is empty, stock from the reserve bin can be used while the first is replenished.

Less manual ordering for FN Steel employees

With Fabory managing regular inventory scans and replenishment, FN Steel employees no longer need to manually place orders for the fasteners included in the system.

This makes ordering smoother and reduces the manual inventory work required in the workshops.

From replenishment to inventory insight

The setup also gives FN Steel access to data on fastener consumption and inventory trends at each workshop.

Fabory can provide usage and stock optimisation reports for individual locations, giving FN Steel greater visibility of how its fastener inventory is being used.

Using consumption data to optimise stock levels

Consumption and stock data can be used to adjust inventory levels over time.

This helps FN Steel identify opportunities to reduce shortages or excess inventory and gives the company a more data-driven approach to managing fastener stock across its workshops.

The result: better inventory visibility and smoother replenishment

The redesigned stock areas combine barcoded bins, regular Fabory inventory scans and reserve stock to create a more structured replenishment process across three FN Steel workshops.

FN Steel employees no longer need to manually order the fasteners included in the system, while consumption and inventory data provide greater insight into usage at each location.

The result is a smoother ordering process and improved visibility of fastener stock and consumption trends.

Smarter fastener inventory management Could Fabory Logic improve your fastener inventory? Fabory Logic combines managed replenishment with inventory and consumption insight to help manufacturers reduce manual ordering and improve visibility of fastener stock. Talk to a Fabory specialist