Fulfilling supply chain requirements of the manufacturing cycle

He said: “By involvement in advising the various benefits and pitfalls of specific fasteners at an early stage so that the design engineers can best decide the path to follow. We then carry through with standard samples, custom prototypes and final production specification items, on a customer specific delivery plan – usually to an industry standard such as Kanban, Lineside Supply, JIT or Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI).”

The company’s primary objective is to understand and satisfy the needs of their customers. To this end, the assurance of quality is a recognised fundamental governing all work conducted within the company. Procedures are clearly defined, properly documented and closely monitored to ensure full integration with the overall company policy and its certification to BS EN ISO 9001:2015.

By controlling existing tooling in an on-going relationship, they are able to audit and maintain appropriate levels of inventory, including a full logistical history for each item. Managing quality control in this way they can take responsibility for the inspection, monitoring and acceptance/rejection of components.

Once into the manufacturing cycle as a full production item, Challenge Europe contribute to on-going product improvement by suggesting and supplying components of alternative materials which can reduce component costs and shorten assembly times.

As concept consultants they advise on optimal re-design-for-production (DFP) values, while also providing advice on the handling of components, kits and sub-assemblies.

An important part of the whole service package is the provision of specials and custom items which can be readily integrated, along with provision of standard fasteners. This capability is ideal for small quantities and ‘fiddly’ components which can often deflect a design team from their main goal.