The Challenges

With the extraordinary growth came exceptional challenges to efficiently mange an inventory ranging from multi-million dollar oil well drilling equipment to miniature electric motors. With an ever-increasing presence in overseas markets, GK Supply needed re-engineer its planning and inventory transaction processes to remain competitive in a price sensitive market.

• Accurately Commit Sourced Inventory
• Optimize procurement from multiple foreign vendors
• Reduce Inventory Carrying costs

The Solution

Internet integration to the on-line TRADE SERVICES CATALOGUE database to automatically update over 3 million catalogue & 300,000 stock items in NAV to adjust pricing, product revisions and vendor management. GK Supply’s item master is always current with industry standards.

Advanced Searching - With that massive quantity of items, searching for information within the existing NAV methods would not be feasible. Micro DataNet developed a search algorithm that rapidly indexes and instantly locates the record.

Inventory Commitments & Allocations – An algorithm that considers sales order priority when committing inventory and generates documents to source from existing locations of from qualified sourcing vendors.

• Comprehensive linkage to all inventory committed.
• Accurate COGS calculation with consolidation of all related inventory commitments.
• Advanced landed cost functionality to add unexpected charges with option to bill customer to validate item costs.

Advanced Inventory Planning – Without investing in an elaborate complex forecasting system, Micro Datanet had developed a solution to forecast requirements based upon a number of historical criteria to create a plan to replenish inventory at the location level.

Outbound Shipping Management – Given the complexity of international shipments, GK supply needed a solution that differentiates from which orders can be shipped and which are awaiting inventory for finalization. Priorities for pick, pack and ship can be handled on one screen.

Accurate Inventory Visibility – Controlling that many items could only be accomplished with the implementation of Bar Coding and automated data collection devices. Micro DataNet seamlessly integrated multiple warehouse activities with bar code technology to ensure accuracy and more timely shipments. UPS/FedEx are now embedded within the NAV system eliminated multiple touch points.

Mistakes can be very costly when supplying off shore drilling rig equipment and the shipment is not accurate, GK Supply has achieved it remarkable growth by embracing technology to ensure customer service is at the forefront of any transaction. Their numerous awards recognizing the commitment to customer service is a testimonial to their efforts.

The Results

Bottom Line improvement – Lowered carrying costs of inventory, improved shipment accuracy and expedited shipments in less time.

Better alignment with buying decisions and ability to expand the business in new markets by extending the proven solutions being used at several locations.