Case Studies
Although we handle a wide variety of clients, the following user case studies will serve to underscore some of the value-added services that we have been able to provide over the years. Please be aware that we strive to constantly give each of our clients a full service, customized solution to all of their needs.
Top 100 Importer – Major Electronics Company
Client Background:
Leading manufacturer and wholesaler of consumer and business related electronics
Client Footprint:
In addition to North America, client warehouses and distributes to over 50 countries and maintains substantial market share in high end product lines.
Challenge:
Client’s legacy supply chain systems (manual & multiple service providers systems) developed inefficient processes, created redundancy and inconsistent reporting.
TAC Solutions:
- Evaluate each business units’ needs of performance metrics.
- Carrier Performance, Landed Costs, Event Management, Vendor Management
- Develop business unit KPI’s based on performance metrics.
- Consolidate supply chain data management in TAC data centers.
Results:
- Single data source reduced errors, commissions and redundancy by 27.5% within 12 months.
- KPI’s allowed client to replace under- performing carriers resulting in a current on-time performance of 98.3% (an improvement of 19% prior to implementation.)
- KPI’s improved purchasing strategies reducing non- performing categories and increasing inventory turns from 4.2 to 4.7 on higher profit categories.
Food Industry Importer/Manufacturer
Client Background:
Leading manufacturer and wholesaler of food products
Client Footprint:
Client serves the USA food retailers
Challenge:
Due to the complexity of individual business units the client required a process/system to eliminate manual record keeping and deliver, electronically, all documentation to comply with CBP and OGA requirements
TAC Solutions:
- Electronic “checklist” utilized by all TAC and client locations providing real time confirmation of document receipt.
- Customized file structures for business unit reporting
Results:
- Client operates in a “paperless” environment allowing for distribution of personnel to other areas in the company to drive growth.
- Converted space previously utilized for document retention to manufacturing allowing for increased production and overhead absorption.
Automotive and Consumer Electronics Company
Client Background:
Leading manufacturer and wholesaler of automotive electronics and accessories
Client Footprint:
Under both named and private branding, client serves as a tier 1 supplier to the automotive industry and wholesaler to “big box” retailers.
Challenge:
Client’s legacy supply chain system was limited in functionality and was unable to produce customized financial and supply chain event reporting.
TAC Solutions:
- Evaluate each business units’ data element requirements.
- Shared development with clients IT group to integrate their ERP system with TAC operating systems.
- Consolidate supply chain data management in TAC data centers.
Results:
- Single data source feeds real time, product specific information to clients ERP system allowing client to adjust inbound receipt locations. This feature reduces “touch points” thereby reducing costs and speed to client.
- Client captures landed cost at SKU level improving visibility of purchase price variances which creates efficiencies for cost accounting and product managers.
Food Industry Importer/Manufacturer
Client Background:
A leading manufacturer and wholesaler of canned seafood products.
Client Footprint:
Client’s products are distributed and sold in over 115 countries.
Challenge:
Client needed enhanced reporting to track SKU level data based on products production date in order to comply with various countries consumer product laws.
TAC Solutions:
- Capture SKU level data and production date electronically for each shipment
- Prepare all US Customs entries at lowest product level (production date code) then “sum” all production date codes by “like” HTS code for filling purposes with US Custom.
Results:
- Client can now trace each shipment back to specific production date insuring quality and product integrity within the entire supply chain.
- Summary filing by HTS code reduced entry fees by 13% on an annualized basis.
Manufacturer & Wholesaler of Home Improvement Pneumatic Tools and Accessories
Client Footprint:
In addition to North America, client warehouses and distributes to over 20 countries and maintains substantial market share in both home owner & professional contractor categories.
Challenge:
Client’s growth created a huge strain on the management of inventory for raw materials, sub-assemblies and finished goods resulting in excess inventory and reduced products turns.
Our Solutions:
- Created an SKU database (raw materials, sub-assemblies and finished goods).
- Created an EDI interface between clients ERP (JD Edwards) and TAC operating system allowing for the flow of supply chain transactions. (304,310,850, 856, etc…)
- Created timing “triggers” in the supply chain that would alert client as to potential inventory deficits/overages.
- Consolidate supply chain data management in TAC data centers.
Results:
- Within 12 months of program launch, client was able to eliminate 37% of slow moving and obsolete inventory.
- Replenishment of lower level SKU inventory driven by system data (inventory triggers) allowing for greater focus on higher performing SKU’s.
- Within 12 months of program launch, we improved vendor shipping performance by 18% and 8 years later vendors operate at 98.4% on time.
- Reduced clients timing for NAFTA certification from 12 to 2 weeks.
- Created tools to implement a paperless Duty Drawback Program.