Atlas Copco’s Rock Drilling Tools (RDT) Distribution Center in Chambersburg, Pa., is helping to optimize the company’s delivery system in the United States. According to the company, the new center, which is part of a larger worldwide initiative to enhance customer service through supply chain improvements, serves as a “replenishment point” for Atlas Copco customer centers and distributors.
The distribution center also allows Atlas Copco stores to keep a leaner inventory, but still allows customers to benefit from shorter lead times on their tooling orders.
“Critical stock will continue to be maintained at the stores as needed, of course,” says Tammy Cairns-Buhler, an Atlas Copco RDT global optimization project manager. “But our global inventory control system lets stores get product sooner, and the quicker turnaround allows them to keep the rest of their inventory lean.”
Eliminating the need for stores to keep high stock levels reduces inefficiencies of inventory control and storage-related costs, Atlas Copco reports. Overall, the goal of utilizing the distribution center is to improve product availability and enhanced customer service, the company says.
