This decade’s first few years have been a roller-coaster ride for supply chains as manufacturers struggled with late orders, higher costs, inferior quality, and increased risks. With the pandemic largely in the rearview mirror and economic instability taking center stage, many have shifted focus away from the supply chain and onto more immediate operational cost-saving/reduction measures, putting supply chains at risk. Although it is impossible for manufacturers to mitigate all garage door supply chain risks, you can lessen the risks associated with late orders and inconsistent quality.

Garage Door Supply Chain Risk Mitigation Planning

Mitigating garage door supply chain risks keeps a flow of products moving to market. Since risk can’t be removed entirely, companies must decide the level of risk they are willing to take on. Risks can be known (e.g., unreliable suppliers) or those that show up unexpectedly (e.g., natural disasters, geopolitical issues). While unexpected risks are more difficult to manage, proper planning can reduce their impact. While there are many strategies for risk mitigation planning, a common element is determining the risk level you can assume in terms of costs, productivity, and impact and developing a plan to either accept, avoid, control, or transfer those risks.

Some garage door manufacturers may be willing to assume more risks for standard off-the-shelf components like bolts, screws, and fasteners than more critical components, like custom hardware. Identifying the risk with critical components is an essential first step. If you are getting your custom hardware from overseas, for example, to protect yourself from supply chain disruptions like those we saw during the pandemic, you may decide to manufacture critical components in-house, stockpile inventory of critical components, or transfer the risk to a domestic custom garage door hardware manufacturer. This is just one example, but whatever you choose, evaluate it closely to ensure no new risk has been created.

Streamlining Processes As A Risk Mitigation Strategy

Streamlining processes within the garage door supply chain is a critical component of risk mitigation. At Arrow Tru-Line (ATL), we’ve built our reputation on more than just delivering high-quality hardware; we’ve become a reliable partner by ensuring that our customers receive timely and consistent deliveries, minimizing disruptions.

Our streamlined processes allow us to provide best-in-industry lead times. With a standard 10-day lead time, we can meet your needs quickly, thanks to our significant production capacity and the inventory we maintain both at our manufacturing facilities and across our four distribution centers nationwide. This setup allows us to respond rapidly to demand, minimizing the risk of delays.

Our Just-In-Time (JIT) service with steel suppliers further enhances our streamlined supply chain. By working closely with these suppliers, we ensure the raw materials are delivered precisely when needed, reducing the need for excess inventory while keeping production lines moving smoothly. This approach not only cuts costs but also mitigates the risk of running out of crucial materials.

We handle the entire process for imported aluminum components, from locating and vetting overseas suppliers to managing tooling and ensuring product quality. We test all imported products to guarantee they meet DASMA requirements. Once the products are approved, we stock them domestically, allowing us to offer Just-In-Time service to our customers, significantly reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions.

With our national footprint, we can efficiently service customers across the United States and Canada. This extensive distribution network ensures that even during regional disruptions, we can reroute shipments to maintain consistent delivery schedules, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected delays.

We understand that issues can still arise, and when they do, we’re ready. Our unmatched customer service team is committed to resolving any problems quickly. Our dedicated operations team works behind the scenes to prevent issues from occurring in the first place, but if something goes wrong, we take swift action to get things back on track with minimal impact on your operations.

By integrating these streamlined processes, we provide garage door manufacturers with a stable, reliable supply chain. This allows you to focus on what you do best—manufacturing quality garage doors—while we handle the complexities of the hardware supply chain, ensuring that your business runs smoothly and efficiently.

Saving Money through Supply Chain Efficiency

While the focus may have shifted from supply chain resilience in recent months to economic pressures, the two concerns are not mutually exclusive.  The importance of an efficient and cost-effective supply chain cannot be overstated in the current economic climate. As inflationary pressures persist and the threat of economic downturns continues to hover, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to find ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality or reliability. This is where Arrow Tru-Line’s approach becomes particularly valuable.

Businesses face tighter margins, and any inefficiency in the supply chain can quickly erode profitability. By partnering with a supplier like us that prioritizes streamlined processes, you gain a buffer against these economic pressures. Our ability to deliver consistent quality and timely shipments means you avoid costly disruptions when the supply chain falters. This reliability is crucial when economic conditions are unpredictable, allowing you to maintain stable operations and avoid the ripple effects of delays or quality issues that could further strain your budget.

In essence, as economic uncertainty continues to challenge businesses across the US, partnering with us helps you streamline your supply chain and equips you with the tools to weather economic fluctuations more effectively. We help you maintain a competitive edge, even amid economic headwinds, by reducing operational costs and enhancing reliability.

Trust Arrow Tru-Line For All Your Garage Door Hardware Needs

Since 1970, we have been an industry-leading supplier of metal roll-formed and stamped garage door hardware. As a solutions-based partner, we have the technical expertise to solve your toughest challenges. With an extensive list of capabilities and services, you can be assured that you receive high-quality, long-lasting products quickly. Contact us to learn more.