How EDS International Helped an Industrial Manufacturer
Optimize Global Supply Chain Operations and Reduce Costs
Key Takeaways
Meet the Client:
A leading industrial manufacturer, the client operates across multiple regions, relying on an extensive network of suppliers for metal fabrication and complex industrial components. With 32 plants worldwide, the client required a strategic sourcing partner to optimize procurement, ensure cost efficiency, and maintain high technical standards across their supply chain.
EDS International began working with the client in 2000, initially supporting their U.S. operations.
Due to EDS’s success in improving cost efficiency and supplier management, the collaboration expanded to 10 countries, such us Germany, Italy, USA, Brazil, Lithuania, Hungary,Romania, China, India, and Vietnam.
The Challenge:
The client faced two primary challenges:
- Aggressive Cost-Saving Targets: The company needed to significantly cut costs while maintaining high product quality and production efficiency.
- Technical Requirements Across Multiple Regions: The manufacturer operated in markets where suppliers were unfamiliar with German design and technical specifications, requiring EDS to bridge these gaps effectively.
Bridging this gap across continents—while managing custom projects, varying payment terms, and a growing vendor network—required a partner with global expertise and adaptability.
EDS International’s Solution:
EDS implemented a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges:
- Strategic Vendor Sourcing & Qualification: Built a global supplier network across 10 countries, ensuring suppliers met quality and cost expectations.
- End-to-End Procurement & Logistics Management: Implemented a structured procurement process that handled purchase orders, price negotiations, sample approvals, and supplier coordination.
- Localization & Government Negotiations: Facilitated negotiations with local authorities, securing a strong supplier base within 200KM of the client’s facility to optimize logistics.
- Customized Financial Support & Pricing Strategies: Helped balance cost reductions while ensuring financial stability for vendors through flexible payment terms.
Results:
EDS delivered significant improvements, including:
A Legacy Forged: The Power of Partnership:
This case study demonstrates EDS International’s ability to optimize supply chains, reduce costs, and drive operational excellence. By leveraging its global vendor network, technical expertise, and financial support strategies, EDS successfully transformed the client’s procurement process into a streamlined, cost-efficient, and scalable operation.
As a result, the client has experienced continuous growth and increased efficiency, reaffirming the long-term value of partnering with EDS International for end-to-end supply chain management solutions.
From a single U.S. plant to a global powerhouse, Client’s journey with EDS International proves that strategic supply chain management can turn challenges into opportunities. This enduring collaboration stands as a blueprint for excellence, delivering value that resonates across industries and borders.
