Winter Weather Slowing Production? Try ASF Fastener Distributors.

Now that the winter has arrived, logistics are unfortunately slowing for fastener distributors across the nation. It’s no surprise, either, since the winter brings conditions that make it difficult to ship cargo, such as:

• Unpredictable weather
• Freezing temperatures
• Shorter, darker days
• Unsafe driving conditions

While we at ASF can’t control the weather, we can control how we react to it. That’s why we can offer timely vendor managed inventory and a wide range of clips and fasteners even throughout the coldest times of the year. In this month’s blog post, we’ll be discussing how to prepare for winter as a business that needs clips and fasteners and what you can expect from ASF, your #1 fastener distributor.

Stocking Clips and Fasteners Without Slowing Operations

Stocking up on clips and fasteners in anticipation of the winter is a strong way to offset any difficulties that may arise from the coming weather. However, there are some pitfalls that come from overstocking. Companies that overstock on their clips and fasteners place themselves at a higher risk of adverse effects such as:

• Heightened storage costs
• Inventory obsolescence
• Diminished working capital
• Product corrosion and shelf-life issues

To minimize these issues while still responsibly stocking for the winter, there are 2 steps that almost any company can take:

1. FIFO (First-In, First-Out)

Similar to how grocery stores put milk that expires sooner in front of the shelf, companies that use components that arrived earlier reduce the risk that those components become obsolete or unusable. This practice, often called First-In, First-Out (FIFO), is a clear-cut way to reduce waste while increasing on-hand inventory.

2. Adjust Inventory Minimums and Maximums

Since the winter creates uniquely difficult conditions for logistics and inventory management, adjusting your inventory minimums and maximums can go the distance in keeping an operation stocked. We recommend trying to find a balance of raising your minimum and maximum to account for greater variation in stocking times. You may want to slightly increase your min and max as the winter begins and marginally increase it as the weather worsens. Then, as the winter winds down, consider slowly returning them to their regular state.

Working with a Reliable Fastener Distributor

Of all the ways to prepare for the winter’s difficulties, the best is to find a reliable fastener distributor. When you work with an experienced fastener supplier, they’ll work diligently to ensure your clips and fasteners are kept healthily stocked. At All State Fastener, our team has over 60 years of experience making on-time fastener deliveries. Moreover, ASF has operated out of northern regions such as Michigan since its inception and has extensive experience working through even the coldest winters.

Are you looking to keep your clips and fasteners properly stocked throughout the winter, even in the face of bad weather? If so, then contact our team at All State Fastener today to work with us.