In the past just a few Supplier´s Chemistry were available in certain Zones in our countries, for instance in Mexico I have been working for companies in the north which they have an unique supplier, when someone with certain experience in the field of Plating face issues with budget or improvement projects, in order to keep the Quality looking for another supplier it seems not an option. Please be aware that savings and better technical service are possible if you look for another options with order and discipline.
If you want to achieve Savings and the budget, please follow these steps carefully:
Make a detailed description of the articles (Components) used in the Plating Shop, Some companies perform in their system Drawings with formulas, Maximum impurities list, Color, Granulometry, Packing, etc. If you do not know it Ask to the Supplier of the patented chemistry information (Atotech, Mac Dermid Enthone, JCU, Technic, Galber or others)
Enlist the first 5 articles that usually arer the 80% of your expenses. Focous on them.
Ask to 2 (two) suppliers as minimum their TDS (Technical Data Sheet), mention the amount of chemistry in average that is used through the Year, most of the time you can get a better price when use tons of material.
Ask for Quotation, even to your actual Supplier, mention that you need savings, and remember him the amount of Chemistry purchased or the inclusion of new projects, most of the times you can get some percentage off during re-negotiations.
Ask for samples, be sure what their offer accomplish your needs in the plating shop. Compare the samples; work closely with the purchase department, the decision must to be in a multidisciplinary environment. (Operators, Quality, Laboratory, Managers, Process and Production must to be involved). With the sample prepare a Make up in the lab, make hull cells, and pay attention to the details.
Does your actual supplier give you assessment, monthly analysis by free? Do they have good technician? They can give you fast response in case of shortage? What include them in the proposal? Remember that your supplier can be your best, best friend; He can help you if you have some error during the operation. It is not just the cost about, Put on the table: Service, Quality, Cost & Location
Now may we have some decision, Ask to Quality & product department if your have to take base with the Client, and please make sure that Quality, performance and deliver must be attained. One project not well performed can very quickly ruin the business. If possible make a large batch (One shift if possible), test the samples by adherence, CASS test, Salt Spray, Thermal Cycle, Thickness and other can be applicable.
In the last project that I was the project Manager we could save 200K USD in the first year in a small Reel to Reel Line, the quality and the supplier service was improved,
What improvements to your operation can you achieve? Let me know your results.
May you have Success in your future endeavors.
Great information😎