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Supply Chain Services

Supply Chain Management & Logistics Services

At Arrow, we believe passionately that tailored, optimised supply chain models, which add value and reduce cost for all parties, are the cornerstone in the success of our customers, our suppliers, and ourselves. Our teams are highly qualified in the fields of material management, logistics, supply chain management, and e-commerce with vast experience of the electronics industry.

Business Needs Analysis

No two major supply chain engagements are alike, and we have learned a lot about the best practices, pitfalls, and shortcuts to optimising the electronic components supply chain. We help customers avoid "reinventing the wheel" by spending time understanding their specific objectives as well as functional structure and perceived strengths/weaknesses. Part of this process may involve our proprietary Total Cost of Ownership Program (TCO). Developed in conjunction with a worldwide renowned consulting firm, TCO is a structured methodology designed to identify areas of activity-driven and financial cost, and suggest specifically targeted solutions.

Inventory Buffering

By holding buffers of components on behalf of the customer, we ensure that product is immediately available and allows for short term spikes in production demand as well as possible interruptions to the supply pipeline. Where an effective pipelining model is added, the buffer can be dynamically managed and considered as "just-in-case" to provide additional flexibility.

Kanban/Re-Order Point Mechanisms

One of the most efficient methods of supplying electronic components is via a "pull" system, such as two bin kanban or Re-Order point (Min / Max). Through these methods, a part is only ordered when one bin is emptied or the minimum quantity is reached. All order quantities and other details are pre-set by part. We can minimise transaction cost and inventory carrying cost by using our kanban analysis and order cycle modelling, see Inventory Modelling below.

Bar Coding & Special Handling

Arrow can provide tailored bar code labels with any combination of relevant data in both machine and human readable form. This can provide significant benefits in the customer's goods receiving process. Additionally, our packing and delivery shipping functions are designed to supply product according to individual requirements. An example is daily or weekly consolidated shipments, or specific packaging /conditioning.

E-Commerce

Electronic commerce is fundamental to any business. The development and implementation cycle is incredibly simple with benefits being achieved within days of implementation.

EDI

EDI blends well with traditional purchasing styles, as well as existing Kanban supply for the higher value components. It introduces speed, administration efficiency, and improved quality. At Arrow we have made EDI considerably easier with the development of the most comprehensive PC-based EDI package in the marketplace. CARES 8.0 utilizes the use of EDI, even if your own "in-house" system does not support it.

Text File Upload - FileAccelerator

This is an alternative method to EDI, whereby Arrow is able to receive Forecast / Order information as a text/.xls or 'flat' file, and load it directly onto our system. In effect we are translating the MRP / Forecast or orders data into an EDI type format, increasing the speed of processing and the response of any exceptions. This process is currently being used with a large number of customers and is a robust model given that the data meets certain criteria.

Forecast /MRP Sharing

EDI allows the efficient transfer of large quantities of data and has facilitated another supply chain methodology that Arrow has successfully implemented with a large number of customers. The customer's MRP forecast is automatically uploaded to our business system and passes through to our own purchase orders on component manufacturers. This frequently proves to be the most effective provisioning model, especially when coupled with sophisticated analysis tools to identify trends, spikes, and errors, making automatic decisions based on pre-defined parameters.

Localised Inventory Programs

Arrow is the acknowledged worldwide market leader in partnering with customers to develop manned, unmanned, and hub stores of all kinds. This can range from "consignment stock," whereby Arrow's own stock is held at the customer's site, with ownership transferring when the product is consumed, to a fully-serviced and manned in-plant store where Arrow completely manages the supply chain and materials management functions on behalf of a customer.

Inventory Modelling

This analysis is provided for customers to help them understand their inventory position, and identify areas to improve their position and reduce cost. A Pareto (ABC) Analysis or EOQ analysis (Economic Order Qty) is performed to identify the strategic areas to focus your efforts to reduce inventory and cost. High-runners (A-items) are considered for inventory reduction to achieve a reduction in working capital invested as well as inventory carrying costs. The strategy for B and C items is to minimize transaction costs. The overall objective is to optimize the materials management strategy to minimize total supply chain costs.

BusinessCentre

Arrow Northern European BusinessCentre is a web-based service that provides Arrow NE customers with an efficient way to search for parts that Arrow sells and obtain Arrow inventory availability information along with standard or negotiated pricing on a 24X7 basis. BusinessCentre also provides order tracking, backlog overview, dispatch advice and document management capabilities.

CARES - Customer Automated Replenishment System

Arrow’s Customer Automated Replenishment System (known as CARES) provides a powerful mechanism for implementing demand-pull replenishment processes within our customer’s materials management strategy. These processes offer several advantages over traditional demand-push material planning approaches and can help improve the customer’s efficiency and competitiveness.

Greater Benefits with Arrow CARES 8.0
• Decrease inventory and associated inventory carrying costs
• Reduce shortages and increase flexibility
• Minimize ordering, handling and other costs
• Reduce errors through automation
• Enhance supply chain visibility
• Free staff from tedious, administrative tasks to work on more productive activities
For more in depth presentation of CARES 8.0, please see Arrow CARES

Head Office: 01279 441144	Dublin: +353 1 6298700	Reading: 0118 963 3800
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Bristol: 01454 280080	Manchester: 0161 233 8500	Arrow Advantage: 01279 626777