Having access to a quality hydraulic cylinder supplier is of utmost importance to ensure your operation runs smoothly, without any problems. Many manufacturing businesses have a formal process in place that allows them to track the performance of their suppliers and evaluate whether or not they are receiving the expected value. Others take a more relaxed and informal approach to supplier relationships.
However you manage your own supplier relationships, there are very negative implications to purchasing hydraulic cylinders from a poor supplier. These involve both quality and service issues.
What To Expect From A Good Supplier
For the purposes of comparison, these are the minimum standards you should expect from any supplier:
- High quality, reliable components that meet your specifications
- Effective and straightforward communication – keeping you in the loop at all times
- The ability to meet your desired order volumes in a timely manner.
- Fast and affordable delivery
- The ability to uphold their commitments in terms of product quality and delivery promises
- The ability and willingness to deal with any problems that arise in the production and delivery of your products
To this list of essentials we could also add financial stability, transparent supply chain, several years unbroken business experience, engineering knowledge, independent customer reviews etc.
Common Problems With Hydraulic Cylinder Suppliers
Supplier issues can lead to a variety of problems, from assembly-line disruption to poor product quality, mechanical failures and customer dissatisfaction, among others. Unfortunately, some issues are very common and happen time and time again. Let’s take a look at the most prevalent issues and the implications for your business operation.
1) Supplier Volatility
A supplier can be considered volatile if its product availability is unpredictable, or if it consistently fails to deliver according to expectations. This can involve an un-responsiveness to complaints, missed or poor paperwork, or errors during delivery. Volatility also covers not uncommon issues such as suppliers becoming insolvent with active orders still outstanding. Unforeseen circumstances can and do occur, but if a supplier misses the mark, you should quickly take effective steps to resolve the situation and mitigate any damage. The risk of delays and relationship issues can be reduced if the supplier allocates you a single point of contact or account manager you can turn to with any problems.
2) Non-compliance With Industry Standards
Hydraulic cylinder suppliers are required by UK and European law to maintain mandatory quality standards and comply with technical specifications to ensure consistency in all product lots. However, if your supplier of hydraulic cylinders is still following outdated standards while your company has upgraded its operations, this can cause an issue for your business and its customers – as a discrepancy will arise in the manufacturing process and your final product.
3) Ordering & Stocking Issues Due To Poor Communication
A good supplier can be seen as an extension of the purchasing and procurement wing of your own business: a crucial part of your production line. However, if you can’t get hold of them on the phone or have to wait for weeks for a reply to your emails, it can lead to many problems with ordering and stocking. Ineffective communication between the customer and supplier can make it difficult to place orders, calculate lead times effectively, manage stock outs, and prepare production schedules accordingly. This risks causing a ripple effect that might impact the entire supply chain.
4) Inaccurate Product Information
Access to precise information is vital to ensure that you are ordering the correct specifications of cylinder for your operation. If a supplier is unable to provide full technical information, or is not transparent about changes in a product, it can lead to a multitude of problems. Even a slight deviation from the required specifications can render the entire hydraulic cylinder useless – and can waste time and resources while problems are identified and remedied.
Get The Best Value When Purchasing Hydraulic Cylinders
Everything you need to know about sourcing the best hydraulic cylinders for your business can be found in our new e-book: The Buyer’s Guide To Hydraulic Cylinders. Follow this link to download a free copy today. To place an order or request a free quote, please get in touch through our online contact form, or call us on 01299 896953.
