Key takeaways
- The sheet metal equipment sector is facing challenges due to increasing labor costs and the need for cost-efficient products. To overcome these challenges, it is important to enhance procurement functions.
- Procuring the right metal fabrication supply partner is not an easy task as it requires balancing cost reduction with quality, lead times, capacity, and reliability. A holistic approach to procurement is necessary to find the best partner.
- Maintenance expenses for sheet metal fabrication equipment, including repairs and downtime, have been increasing, which impacts revenue. Proactive maintenance and availability of spare parts have thus become more important.
- SpendEdge can help in finding the right suppliers, predicting skilled labor needs, and conducting comprehensive cost analyses. This can ultimately reduce maintenance expenses and enhance operational efficiency.
The fabricated metals industry encompasses the production and distribution of machinery and tools utilized in shaping metals for various sectors like automotive, construction, and aerospace. Sheet metal fabrication equipment, including laser cutting machines, CNC presses, and welding systems, plays a pivotal role in this domain. The demand for such equipment is intricately linked to industrial expansion and technological innovations within these industries. With the global sheet metal fabrication equipment market valued at US$ 15.3 billion in 2022 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 2% over 2023-2028, the industry faces the imperative of enhancing its procurement capabilities.
What are the challenges in metal fabrication industry?
- Rising Labor Costs: Increasing expenses related to labor are squeezing profit margins in the sheet metal processing sector.
- Raw Material Procurement Challenges: Difficulty in sourcing essential raw materials, compounded by transportation issues such as iron ore and coal logistics.
- Transportation Hurdles: Complexities in transporting raw materials can lead to delays and increased costs.
- Market Dynamics: Fluctuations in market demand and pricing can disrupt procurement strategies and impact profitability.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to industry regulations adds another layer of complexity to procurement processes.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Global supply chain issues, including material shortages and delays, hinder efficient operations.
- Quality Control Issues: Ensuring consistent quality from suppliers is challenging, affecting production reliability.
- Lead Time Variability: Inconsistent lead times complicate inventory management and production planning.
- Capacity Constraints: Limitations in production capacity can lead to bottlenecks and delays in obtaining necessary supplies.
- Fluctuating Metal Prices: Constant changes in metal prices due to economic conditions and geopolitical factors create uncertainty in budgeting and planning.
Procurement challenges in metal fabrication
Key challenges
- Sourcing the right supplier partner
- Talent shortage in skilled labor
- Rising maintenance costs
Sourcing the right supplier partner
Sourcing the right metal fabrication supply partner is complex due to internal and external factors. Suppliers are often chosen solely based on cost driven by corporate procurement’s emphasis on cost reduction above all other KPIs. Sourcing the right metal fabrication partner involves a multifaceted evaluation process. While cost considerations are pivotal, other critical factors like quality, lead times, capacity, and supplier reliability must not be overlooked. The challenge lies in balancing cost reduction goals with the need for consistent quality, timely delivery, and a collaborative partnership that aligns with long-term business objectives. Successful sourcing decisions require a holistic approach that integrates both internal cost targets and external supplier capabilities.
Talent shortage in skilled labor
The metal fabrication sector encounters difficulties in recruiting and retaining skilled welders, finishers, and assemblers due to the intricate nature of the tasks, demanding extensive expertise and training. The complex and precise nature of their work demands extensive expertise and training, making it difficult to find qualified individuals. Additionally, the aging workforce in this sector exacerbates the talent shortage, as experienced craftsmen approach retirement. As a result, companies are increasingly investing in apprenticeship programs, upskilling initiatives, and competitive compensation packages to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce which increases the costs of recruitment and training and stands as a challenge.
Rising maintenance costs
Another major challenge can be the increase in maintenance costs for sheet metal fabrication equipment, including repairs and production downtime, impacting revenue. Factors such as equipment age and usage also influence expenses. Increasing maintenance costs raise the total ownership cost, which can be a hurdle for small and medium-sized buyers. In addition to maintenance costs, it is important to consider the availability and cost of spare parts for sheet metal fabrication equipment. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help minimize production downtime and maximize equipment lifespan. Small and medium-sized buyers may also need to factor in the cost of training their staff in equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
Read more:
Top 5 Metal Fabrication Tools and Equipment Manufacturers
Supply Market Analysis Saves a Metal Manufacturing Company $15m A Year
How can SpendEdge help in enhancing the procurement function?
Help in finding the right supplier
SpendEdge maintains extensive databases and networks of suppliers from a variety of sectors. Companies can make use of these resources to find possible suppliers who satisfy their particular needs. Our supplier intelligence solutions enable you to build up your diverse pipeline and onboard certified vendors, which will not only improve business outcomes but also demonstrate your workforce commitment. You can prevent billing fraud and check forgery with our thorough vendor onboarding procedures, regular vendor data verification, and other robust controls included in our solution.
Aid in finding skilled welders and other labor
SpendEdge can assist in the development of workforce planning methods, including predicting the need for skilled laborers and preparing to guarantee a steady supply of talent. We help you by leveraging cutting-edge analytics and industry expertise to help organizations anticipate their skilled labor requirements. Our data-driven approach ensures accurate predictions, enabling clients to proactively secure a consistent talent pipeline. By optimizing workforce planning methods, we empower businesses to adapt to evolving market dynamics and maintain a competitive edge in talent acquisition and retention.
Help in maintaining costs of sheet metal fabrication equipment
SpendEdge offers comprehensive analyses that go beyond just the upfront costs and take into account the long-term maintenance expenses associated with various equipment options. By considering the above, we enable users to make more informed purchasing decisions. This approach ensures that users have a holistic understanding of the total cost of ownership, allowing them to evaluate the true value and potential savings associated with different equipment choices. With our thorough analysis, users can confidently select the most cost-effective and sustainable options for their specific needs, optimizing their purchasing decisions for long-term success.
Discover how SpendEdge can streamline your procurement processes and drive operational efficiency. To transform your approach to sourcing and supplier management…
The success story of how SpendEdge helped a machine and tools company
In the sheet metal fabrication industry, various equipment and materials are procured. This includes machinery like laser cutting machines, CNC presses, welding equipment, and other specialized tools used in the fabrication process. Additionally, raw materials such as sheet metal of different types (steel, aluminum, etc.) are procured for shaping and forming into finished products. During the procurement of this equipment, the industry faces issues due to its complexity.
A manufacturer of metal sheet fabrication equipment based in the US was struggling with rising maintenance costs for its machinery due to frequent failures and unscheduled downtime. Their profitability and client satisfaction were being negatively impacted by these charges.
SpendEdge offered two valuable services to the client. Firstly, we assisted them in identifying reputable suppliers who are known for manufacturing durable and reliable machinery. This ensured that the company could source equipment from trusted suppliers, minimizing the risk of purchasing subpar or unreliable machinery. Secondly, SpendEdge helped the company in developing a procurement strategy that focused on investing in higher-quality equipment upfront. By doing so, the company could reduce its maintenance needs in the long run, leading to cost savings and improved operational efficiency. By investing in higher-quality equipment and implementing predictive maintenance, our client experienced a significant reduction in maintenance expenses and unplanned downtime.
Conclusion
In the dynamic fabricated metals industry, effective procurement is crucial amidst rising labor costs and intricate raw material sourcing. This sector relies on various metals, including precious and industrial metals, sourced from metal manufacturing factories. However, challenges like iron ore and coal transportation necessitate strategic logistics planning and optimization technologies. Collaboration with metal fabricators and utilizing platforms like the London Metals Exchange are vital. By leveraging predictive maintenance and reputable suppliers, companies can mitigate rising costs and optimize procurement. In short, mastering raw material procurement processes and transportation challenges is key to thriving in the fabricated metal and manufacturing industry.
Optimize your procurement strategies and reduce operational costs with SpendEdge’s expert solutions. To unlock sustainable growth…
