---
title: Revamping Inventory Management | TFC Europe
description: Revamping Inventory Management - ~Streamlining Fastener Logistics with Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Solution~ Customer Challenge As a successful British manufacturer for over 30 years,
image: https://blog.afceur.com/hubfs/Revamping-Inventory-Management-New-Image-min.png
---

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# Revamping Inventory Management

 Steve Teale

![Picture of Steve Teale](https://blog.afceur.com/hubfs/TCF-Europe-Theme-2025/images/blog/Steve-Teale.jpg)

### Steve Teale

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-teale-5a1447110/>

 Steve has been in the industry for 37 years, with 14 years at TFC. His multidimensional role covers all client levels, from strategic corporate involvement to end-user interaction, and spans finance, logistics, and best practices. Steve’s role spans marketeer, PR specialist, sales expertise, supply sourcer, relationship manager, and tactician, handling strategic and operational issues.

 June 01, 2021

![](https://blog.afceur.com/hubfs/Revamping-Inventory-Management-New-Image-min.png)

## ~Streamlining Fastener Logistics with Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Solution~

#### Customer Challenge

As a successful British manufacturer for over 30 years, supplying power and technology solutions into the fast-moving commercial office furniture environment, the management team were faced with a growing logistical problem. The purchasing and handling of over 400 stock lines of category-C fastener products was becoming more and more challenging. Regular stock shortages caused on-going problems leading to production downtime and customer service failures. The stock management process that had developed from a traditional in-store facility and backed by a bit part third party inventory service lacked any routine controls of stock levels or stock rotation. The process was further compounded by the lack of product availability at the point of production.

#### AFC Solution

The manufacturer considered a number of options to improve performance and sought the advice of several suppliers. AFC were aware of the problems being faced by the purchasing and production teams; after carrying out a thorough site survey AFC proposed a direct point of use **[Vendor Managed Inventory](https://tfc.eu.com/vmi/)** (VMI) system and worked closely with the customer to find a system tailored to their needs. The existing Central Stores **[VMI system](https://tfc.eu.com/vmi/)** located within the manufacturing plant was removed and all stock was relocated closer to where it was needed with purpose-designed bins and racks. Part of the agreed proposal allowed for barcoding of each part, giving full control of stock levels and stock rotation to help achieve optimal inventory performance.

#### Customer Outcome

Following implementation, the agreed solution resulted in a streamlined **[VMI stock system](https://tfc.eu.com/vmi/)** for standard/regular C-class parts that had eliminated stocking costs, removed stock shortages, greatly improved production efficiency and gave positive cash flow benefits. The reduction in manpower means the customer has benefited from soft cost savings and with further sourcing work AFC were able to deliver reduced unit pricing through years of product knowledge and worldwide manufacturer partnerships. The net result for the customer teams was significant bottom-line cost savings and greatly improved working practices.

For further information [click here](https://tfc.eu.com/)

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