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Austin Hardware's VMI & CMI Programs

Eliminate out-of-stocks. Avoid overstocks. Save time and resources.

Parts in red and green bins on shelfs in a factory near workstation

In today's market, many companies are looking for help managing your inventory and that is where Austin Hardware can step in. Do you want to streamline purchasing and stocking processes, ensure the right hardware inventory is on hand when you need it? Austin’s Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) program is designed to improve parts availability and reduce expenses.

Are you experiencing these common inventory management issues? Let Austin Hardware® help you get the right quality and quantity on the shelf at the right time.

  • Running out of parts
  • Manufacturing lines shut down
  • Multiple purchase orders
  • Falling short on inventory turn goals
  • Little to no forecasting tools
  • Managing inventory via spreadsheets or manually
Connect with a VMI Expert
Fasteners in green bins on shelf

What is Vendor Managed Inventory?

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is a collaborative approach where suppliers take charge of managing their customers' inventory. This partnership involves the supplier overseeing stock levels, predicting demand, and automatically replenishing inventory to maintain optimal availability while keeping costs in check.

In a VMI setup, suppliers gain access to their customers' real-time inventory data. They work closely with customers to establish suitable stock levels, reorder points, and order quantities based on mutually agreed targets. The supplier actively monitors inventory, spots potential issues, and continuously refines processes to boost overall supply chain efficiency.

By transferring inventory management responsibilities to the supplier, VMI allows customers to concentrate on their core business activities. This arrangement provides customers with the assurance that essential parts and materials will be available when and where they're needed.

VMI tends to be most effective for items that are ordered frequently and have relatively stable demand. It works best with strategic suppliers who have extensive inventory capabilities to consistently meet customer needs.

The Benefits of Austin Hardware's VMI Programs

•  Saves You Time (Time = Money)
•  Reduces Stock-outs for your production inventory
•  Prevents Over-Stock
•  Vendor Consolidation
•  Reduces Number of Purchase Orders
•  Reduces Errors
•  Helps Eliminate Manufacturing Line Down Times
•  State of the Art Forecasting Tools
•  Reporting & Quarterly Audit
•  Custom Kitting
•  Eliminates Spreadsheets
•  Streamlines Multiple Department Activities

 

Completely Customizable Display Options for Your Business

Austin Hardware's custom Kanban bin display

Custom Kanban 
Storage System

Counter display with red bins and floor display with blue bins

Bin Stocking & Racking Options

Mobile cart with red bins for parts

Mobile Bin Stocking & Racking Options

Mobile displays with blue and clear bins

Mobile Bin Stocking & Racking Options

Vending machine with safety products and parts for use in factory

VMI Vending Solutions

VMI vs CMI

The Key Differences and What Solution is Right for Your Business

Infographic describing the differences between VMI and CMI. Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI): Vendor (supplier) manages the customer's inventory levels. Vendor collects customer usage data from sales forecasts, inventory levels, or other key metrics to determine when and how much product to deliver. Vendor takes on the responsibility, and subsequent risk, of maintaining appropriate stock levels to balance inventory with costs for optimal cash flow. Customer benefits from a more streamlined supply chain and reduced inventory holding costs while having to invest less time and personnel resources into inventory management. Customer must meet purchase volume and growth opportunity requirements to participate in VMI program. Customer Managed Inventory (CMI): Customer is responsible for managing the inventory provided by the vendor. Customer provides the vendor with inventory levels and demand data, and the vendor delivers products as requested by customer. Customer has more direct control of their stock levels and assumes the inherent risks of over- or under-stocking, allocation of resources, and cash flow. Customer benefits from vendor managing the initial set-up to help run more lean and custom box quantities based on specific usage. CMI is a good option if customer does not meet volume requirements or is not in close proximity to an Austin location for a VMI program.
People working in factory with computer and clipboard

How to Choose a VMI or CMI Partner

The Right Partner Makes a HUGE Difference. The selection of a VMI or CMI provider is significant. You're engaging in a relationship with a PARTNER to help manage replenishment. This partner serves as an extension of your team and just like you would with any new hire, knowing you're making the right decision is critical.

Things you will need to know include:

  • How much experience does this partner have with VMI and CMI?
  • What is their technology platform?
  • What KPIs do they measure, and what will reporting look like?
  • How do they manage stock levels?
  • How do they handle changes in inventory requirements?
  • Do they offer other value-added services, such as custom packaging or kitting?
Contact Us

eTurns TrackStock Auto-Replenishment App​

Austin Hardware uses eTurns next-gen VMI/CMI app to streamline point-of-use replenishment for our customers using our VMI program. It is safe, used by several top distributors, and helps your business run efficiently at all times. With our easy scanning app, the VMI sales team can become 4-10x more efficient.​

e-Turns TrackStock report on a computer screen with fasteners in the background
Icon showing graph with an arrow going up

Efficiency

10x faster than replenishing with spreadsheets or ecommerce. One scan captures company, item, package, quantity and location.

Icon with boxes stacked and a magnifying glass

Consolidation

Spend 90% less on procurement by eliminating paper POs and moving to consolidated digital POs.

Icon with box in the middle and arrows going in a circle around the box to show turns

Optimized Turns

Optimize inventory with Min/Max Tuning analytics. Eliminate stockouts while reducing inventory up to 73% and decrease carrying costs.

Technology icon

Cutting Edge Technology

Reduce inventory, stockouts, and carrying costs with autoreplenishment technologies including SensorBins, Electronic Shelf Labels, RFID, QR code scans.

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Robust Reporting

85 customizable reports to track counting, ordering, items, suggested orders, and more. Reports can be set up with email alerts for greater visibility.

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Flexible Solution

Whether replenishing consigned or customer-owned inventory, we can customize the program to meet your needs.

VMI & CMI Resources

Learn more about VMI and CMI solutions and all of our services by visiting the Austin Hardware Blog.

Read Now


Connect with a VMI Expert 

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