Subcontracting in the Metal Industry: A Severe Matching Problem
Subcontracting in the metal industry is often labor-intensive and time-consuming for suppliers and procurement professionals. Suppliers struggle with limited sales resources, while buyers can spend weeks searching for capable partners to fulfil their procurement needs.
A solution is needed to eliminate this inefficiency and seamlessly connect subcontractors with suppliers. Both parties benefit from a system that accelerates supplier discovery, streamlines the request-for-quotation (RFQ) process, and ensures reliable procurement outcomes.
The Challenge for Metal Industry Subcontractors: Securing a Steady Order Pipeline
Machine shop suppliers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), face ongoing challenges in marketing their services to the right buyers at the right time. Very few have the resources for consistent sales and marketing efforts.
Subcontractors in the metal industry, often burdened with the dual need for stable, high-volume customers and specialized orders during quieter periods, can find relief in NST. It allows them to focus on production, ensuring a more relaxed and efficient workflow.
The Buyer's Challenge: Time-Consuming Supplier Sourcing
On the other hand, procurement teams at companies like Alfa Laval struggle to identify suitable, capable suppliers. Manual searches via Google are slow, uncertain, and often yield unsatisfactory results.
Many suppliers are not easily discoverable, and challenges such as language barriers and credibility concerns further complicate the process. Supplier sourcing can take weeks of work without any guarantee that the final selection will meet expectations.
The Solution: Nordic Supply Tool Bridges the Gap
Nordic Supply Tool (NST) connects suppliers and buyers through an intelligent platform that simplifies and accelerates subcontracting.
Suppliers can create detailed profiles showcasing their services, capabilities, and availability. Buyers can use smart filters to identify the most suitable partners in seconds. Automated translations eliminate language barriers, enabling seamless communication.
"The NST platform works exceptionally well, significantly speeding up supplier sourcing with the right supplier network. It's also extremely user-friendly, saving valuable working hours. We look forward to seeing the platform's supplier base grow so we can leverage its full potential."
– Riikka Huunonen, General Manager, Supply, Power & Offshore, BU Heat & Gas Systems, Marine Division, Alfa Laval.
Using NST: A Mutual Win for Subcontractors and Buyers
NST not only streamlines subcontracting processes but also opens new business opportunities. Suppliers can reach new customers without extensive sales efforts, while buyers can focus on their core tasks—finding the right partners quickly and reliably.
Benefits for Suppliers
- Simplified Sales Process: Visibility to potential buyers without extensive sales efforts.
- Access to New Markets: The platform enables business expansion across European markets without additional resources.
- Steadier Cash Flow: RFQs received via the platform help fill quiet periods or secure high-volume contracts.
Benefits for Buyers and Procurement
- Time Savings: The supplier search process is rapid and precise, taking only a fraction of the time previously required.
- Confidence in Supplier Capabilities: RFQs are sent only to suppliers that match defined criteria.
- Elimination of Language Barriers: Automated translations ensure smooth communication. Alfa Laval and other industry leaders are confident that NST will revolutionize the future of subcontracting. Their endorsement speaks volumes about the platform's potential.
Alfa Laval and other industry leaders are confident that NST will revolutionize the future of subcontracting. Their endorsement speaks volumes about the platform's potential.