Key Sourcing Considerations for HVAC Manufacturing

HVAC manufacturing will continue to evolve into 2023, as consumers seek to replace or upgrade their heating and air-conditioning equipment to those that are energy efficient and cost effective, as well as those that incorporate smart technologies.

Not only are HVAC manufacturers experiencing high demand from customers, however, but also from governments across the globe, as they introduce increasingly stringent sustainability regulations to meet net-zero emissions targets. 

Although this increased demand offers significant business opportunities for many manufacturers, many are experiencing continued supply chain instability, negatively impacting their ability to meet demand. 

With supply chains forecasted to improve but remain in a state of flux for 2023, many manufacturers are re-evaluating their inventory management and sourcing practices to build a more stable foundation for their production processes.

With HVAC manufacturers in particular expected to boost their product output, it’s crucial they prioritise onshoring or nearshoring quality fasteners from a reliable distributor to make sure they have the right parts, at the right time. 

1. Onshoring and Nearshoring Quality Fasteners

The processes of onshoring and nearshoring are becoming increasingly popular with manufacturers, especially those looking to improve their carbon footprint. With many businesses aiming for greener production processes, local sourcing significantly lessens transportation emissions. 

Aside from offering sustainability incentives, however, onshoring and nearshoring can allow manufacturers to bypass common supply issues.

With many businesses reporting increased lead times, unforeseen customs charges and high shipping costs, sourcing fasteners from or close to home significantly lessens both cost and transportation time, allowing businesses to delegate valuable funds elsewhere, and receive parts on time to meet demand. 

Here at Optimas, we have over 100 years’ experience distributing quality fasteners to our customers. With distribution facilities across the globe, we can help you onshore and nearshore to streamline your supply chain. 

2. Fastener Managed Inventory

Brought on by the instability of the last couple of years, many businesses suffered from low inventories or over-stocked ones, as manufacturers struggled not only to source parts in time but predict demand.

As businesses continue to re-evaluate the entirety of their production processes, not only are they looking to source fasteners closer to home, but optimise their inventories to maximise production efficiency. 

The use of a fastener managed inventory is one way manufacturers can meet demand and reduce their outgoings, by ensuring they receive the right quality parts, at the right time. Using real-time data and predictive analytics, a fastener managed inventory avoids excess stock, which takes up valuable physical space, funds and human resources, instead ensuring a steady supply of parts. 

Businesses relying on unmanaged inventories may source from countless different suppliers, across the globe, each subject to their own supply issues. A managed inventory instead streamlines parts into single, automated order, reducing unnecessary spending and simplifying the sourcing process.

The supplier also assumes any associated risk of handling a manufacturers’ supply chain, as well as the associated cost, allowing businesses not only to receive their fasteners on time, but reduce the cost of their production processes from the very beginning. 

Optimas’ OptiTech inventory management solutions can improve your forecast accuracy and automate inventory replenishment to increase your speed to market, whatever the state of supply chains may be. Offering both full-service and self-managed systems, Optimas can provide the optimal fastener managed inventory solution for your business, so you can meet demand. 

Get in touch with us to optimise your HVAC manufacturing processes.