Total Cost of Ownership ReductionA large industrial manufacturer had grown through acquisitions resulting in their supply base and number of label parts to grow astronomically. They were experiencing the following issues and challenges:
DRG utilized our proven Competitive Assessment Process, CAP to uncover the issues and challenges that the customer was experiencing. The result of this assessment laid the groundwork for implementing a customized labeling and supply chain program, including VMI/VOI for the customer that yielded huge success. The process involved a deep dive into the customer’s performance requirements for labels, their engineering drawings, and a thorough evaluation of actual label samples. In addition our process uncovered inefficiencies in their supply chain approach for labels resulting in the implementation of on-site/near-site label stocking program to improve efficiencies.
Fulfillment
A Fortune 100 company operating a Maquiladora needed to consolidate multiple print vendors located in the Northeast and Midwest of the US, thousands of miles from the border. Their current situation required them to carry extremely large amounts of inventory to avoid supply interruptions associated with lengthy border crossings. The desired solution was to find a “local” vendor.
Through DRG's diverse printing capabilities, we were able to offer a product consolidation solution to provide all their printing needs including; flexographic, screen print continuous and sheet, pressure sensitive and card/tag. Just as important we created a “fulfillment” solution that provided “local” (in-country) product availability. DRG established warehousing and offices to provide local customer service support.
Working together DRG established a vendor owned and managed inventory that utilized the client’s MRP system to manage. With the solution provided, our client was able to implement a Kanban program accomplishing just-in-time delivery of products, allowing them to significantly reduce inventories and improve cash flow.
Reusable Plastic Container (RPC)
A major grocery retailer and industry leading Reusable Plastic Container (RPC) company was looking for an identification solution for their RPCs used in packaging and transporting produce. They came to DRG to assist in developing that solution. The problem was that the current identification practice for RPC’s was a “card” that was placed in plastic tines on the RPC. The cards were easily lost in the workflows as product moved from field to cooler to the distribution centers and eventually to the individual stores. It was not uncommon for loss rates to exceed 50%. This became a major problem with the passage of “C.O.O.L.” (country of origin labeling) requirements.
The solution required an adhesive label FDA approved for indirect food contact, that could be applied easily, stay on through the various work flows including aggressive hydro-cooling operations but then remove easily and cleanly, leaving no adhesive residue on the RPC, at the RPC wash centers where the RPCs are recycled.
DRG developed a label that accomplished all of the functional requirements with realized retention rates >95%. This became even more critical as the Produce Industry adopted a produce traceability initiative. The PTI required the RPC to be traceable one back/one forward throughout the supply chain.
DRG worked closely with the RPC companies and their customers to implement the new label program, assisting the produce companies to adopt best application practices to optimize retention. DRG also created fulfillment programs to respond quickly to the produce companies ever changing schedules and demand. Our fulfillment and technical support spans all of the North American markets and today supports well over 250 customers, both large and small.
Today DRG is the primary source for RPC label solutions and the only company approved by all the major Retailers.
Thermal Imprint
A Fortune 100 company with assembly operations in Juarez, MX needed support for their in-plant thermal printing operations. Given their Mexico location, technical and maintenance support for 100+ printers was not available in country. In addition, they had to manage multiple sources for the printers, print supplies including ribbons and print heads and the print media itself.
DRG provided a “turn-key” solution. We provided a consolidated solution that included printers, supplies and all label products. DRG also assumed responsibility for printer maintenance and provided a full service maintenance program in plant as part of the label program.
Phone: (928) 428-7450
Address: 300 East 4th Street
Safford, AZ 85546-2025
Email: support@drgtech.com