From stock to insight: how FN Steel manages fasteners smarter
FN Steel (Alblasserdam, NL) is an experienced steel wire rod producer with a history dating back to 1938. Uniquely, FNsteel operates both its own rolling mill and a wire processing center. Seeking efficiency, Fabory Account Manager Aad Benschop and FNsteel purchaser Ricardo Bisdom reviewed FNsteel’s fastener ordering process to identify improvements. The solution was to redesign three workshop stock areas with a One-Bin (kanban) replenishment system.
Smart replenishment with barcoded bins
Under the new setup, each workshop is equipped with barcoded bins for fasteners – simplifying identification and scanning. Fabory’s merchandiser now visits at an agreed frequency to scan on-site inventory and trigger restocking as needed. This two-bin/one-bin hybrid system ensures production has a continuous supply without overstocking: when the active bin is empty, the reserve bin’s stock is used while Fabory refills the first.
Immediate results and stronger collaboration
The impact was immediate: the ordering process runs much more smoothly, and FNsteel gains valuable data on fastener consumption at each workshop. Fabory can provide usage and stock optimization reports per location, helping FNsteel tweak inventory levels and minimize shortages or excess. For both sides, it’s a win-win – FNsteel gets guaranteed optimal service and uptime, while Fabory strengthens its partnership through proactive service.
- Kanban replenishment: Three workshops refitted with a one-bin system and barcodes for each fastener type, enabling efficient scan-based reordering.
- Vendor managed inventory: A Fabory merchandiser regularly scans stock on-site, so FNsteel’s staff no longer need to manually place orders for those items.
- Data-driven insights: FNsteel now receives data on fastener usage and inventory trends, allowing continuous optimization of stock levels and reduced downtime.
