Industrial Machinery: Split-Delivery Strategy Saves Production Line Through Connector Shortage
A South African industrial machinery integrator needed high-volume harnesses built around specific connectors during a severe regional supply shortage.
Background
A South African industrial machinery integrator required high-volume wire harness assemblies built around specific Bulgin connectors for their equipment builds.
The Challenge
Severe supply chain shortages for the specified Bulgin connectors, made worse by regional lockdowns in South China, caused significant production delays. The disruption pushed the customer to consider reshoring harness manufacturing in-house to protect their tight schedules.
Our Solution
We implemented a split-delivery strategy, fulfilling partial orders immediately with available stock while awaiting the remaining connectors. Throughout, we proactively communicated material constraints and maintained transparent lead-time updates so the customer could plan their production line.
The Result
Phased deliveries prevented a complete production line stoppage for the customer. Despite their initial plan to bring manufacturing in-house, we retained the contract.