NSK Launches and Quickly Expands VMI Program Using Datalliance
CINCINNATI--NSK Corporation, one of the world's leading bearing manufacturers, recently implemented Datalliance VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory). Datalliance is a leading provider of collaborative commerce services and the world’s largest independent VMI service provider.
NSK’s initial VMI program focused on their industrial aftermarket business but quickly expanded into their automotive aftermarket business. “Rick Copfer, VP of Sourcing from BDI, a long-time customer in our industrial aftermarket business encouraged us to look at VMI,” said Allen Brown, Automotive Aftermarket Segment Manager. “Initially we saw VMI as an opportunity to enhance our relationship with BDI and to expand the breadth of NSK products carried by BDI. As we researched VMI in more detail we determined that VMI could give us a platform to streamline our business processes, increase business volume, and reduce costs by making an inefficient process much more efficient. After rolling out VMI in our industrial aftermarket business with BDI we knew we could gain significant value by doing the same in our automotive aftermarket business. We are now in the process of implementing VMI with three of our main automotive customers – SKF, Timken, and Federal Mogul. They all have experience with Datalliance VMI and are anxious to get up and running with us.”
Results of NSK’s early VMI implementation confirmed the business value of VMI. “We got BDI up and running in 60 days which was right on schedule,” explained Brown. “Initial results show that BDI’s stated financial and operational objectives have been met. These metrics are all positive signs that VMI is having the desired impact. In addition, we’ve expanded our product line within BDI and gained a larger share of BDI’s overall business.”
Brown concludes, “The Datalliance VMI model enhances our ability to make accurate forecasts. Better information allows us to drill down to greater detail – ensuring effective planning, manufacturing execution, and decision making. VMI helps us create efficiency to the point where customers prefer to do business with us. We’ll continue to expand our VMI program across business units to take full advantage of these benefits.”
About NSK Corporation
NSK Corporation is a member of the NSK Ltd. Group of companies headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. As one of the world's leading bearing manufacturers, it produces and distributes over 100,000 different types of bearings, linear motion and automotive component products. In the United States, NSK operates with strategically located distribution centers that supply both the original equipment and industrial distribution market. Its network of authorized distributors has the expertise, inventory and delivery systems to meet industry needs, working in partnership with NSK sales and engineering teams to ensure those needs are met with precision and speed. For more information, visit www.us.nsk.com.
About Datalliance
Datalliance is a leading provider of collaborative commerce services, and the world’s largest independent VMI service provider. Delivered via the Internet using the ‘Software as a Service’ (SaaS) model, Datalliance solutions make it easy for suppliers and their customers to establish sales and inventory management relationships that fully align business objectives, improve collaboration, and streamline supply chain operations. Datalliance manages billions of dollars in orders, millions of SKUs, and thousands of locations for leading Fortune 1000 companies in a number of industries. For more information about Datalliance, visit www.datalliance.com.