Eight Strategies to Help Solve Supply Chain Issues (Part 1)

Sep 11, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS — Most experts agree that the supply chain issues we have been facing since the COVID-19 pandemic began will be with us well into 2023. As a small-business operator, you have no doubt experienced shortages of supplies, equipment and parts necessary to run your business. While there is little a small-business operator can do to change the underlying factors causing supply chain issues, there are numerous ways to navigate around these shortages and minimize the impact on your business.

In this column, I’m sharing eight strategies to consider for finding replacement parts to keep your machinery in operation. The focus is on parts, but many of these methods can also be used in other areas. Here are the first four:

You no doubt have formed relationships with many suppliers over the years and have come to trust them as a source for items required to run the business. They can also be a source of creative ideas and market information. They have their own network of suppliers and likely a vast knowledge of potential sources of supply. They are also faced daily with the same issues you have from their customers, and should be able to provide helpful guidance. If your current supplier is not providing guidance, consider taking the time to find new suppliers who can help you navigate these issues.

One of the best ways you can mitigate shortages and reduce your costs is by planning ahead and stocking maintenance items that are frequently required. If you have been working with the same supplier for many years, they should be able to review their records of past purchases and suggest items that you have ordered multiple times. You probably already have a spare parts inventory so make sure to take the time to review stock levels and order before the machine malfunctions. Planning ahead will not only give you peace of mind, it will save you money by eliminating the need for expensive air shipments.

If you do find yourself needing an item that you do not have in your spare parts inventory and multiple suppliers have told you it is not readily available, you will need to consider other options. The options you have will depend somewhat on the type of part that has malfunctioned or deteriorated.

While it may not be a less expensive or long-term solution, rewinding a motor can allow you to put the motor back into service, if not permanently, then at least temporarily until the new replacement motor is available. Computer boards and other electronics can often be repaired as well and usually come with a short warranty.

Valves can often be repaired in place with repair kits, saving the time and effort of removing the complete valve from the piping. Air cylinders and other pneumatic components can also be repaired — usually at a far lower cost than replacing the entire component. Dryer wheels are an item that can be resurfaced with a new wear material, much like changing the tires on your car, and can be a viable and less expensive alternative to replacing with new wheels.

Many manufacturers design and build components that have the same or similar specifications. One laundry machinery manufacturer may choose one brand and another may choose a different brand. The important principle to keep in mind when replacing a component with a component of a different brand is the engineering terms of "form," "fit" and "function."

Form typically refers to the size, shape, and other visually descriptive terms. Fit refers to the ability to interface with the surrounding machinery without modification. Function refers to the ability for the component to function in the application. Most parts supply companies should be able to help you navigate these criteria and offer you a suitable replacement that has not been affected by supply chain issues.

As described, manufacturers of laundry machinery often choose different component brands but in some cases, they use the exact component as many other manufacturers. A supplier that has the data and tools to know when this is the case can offer you the exact part you need for your brand by sourcing it from a different OEM brand. While the price of the component may be different, the availability of the component could be better from the alternate OEM brand.

Check back Tuesday for the remaining strategies!

Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected] .