Considerations in Evaluating Regional Converting Services to Complement Mill Finishing and Logistics Strategies, 1997 Finishing and Converting Conference Proceedings

D.P. Van Hoof and M.L. Reinhardt <>

Progressive Converting

Shorter press leadtimes, increasing demand for make orders and reduced inventories have put increasing pressure on the milk finishing and logistics departments to meet the service requirements of the market. Utilization of regional distribution centers and outside converting arrangements are approaches that have helped mills meet these challenges. Establishing an outside converting program as a complementary extension of the mill's operation requires careful planning and evaluation. Before the potential benefits of increased capacity, order fulfillment efficiencies, and better support of marketing and sales programs can be realized, a mill must be attentive to the details of integrating the supplier into its operations. The mill must be confident its supplier(s) can meet the mill’s requirements in a wide variety of areas, including inventory space, systems considerations, familiarity with IS0-9000 documentation, spoilage and trim loss verification, packaging aesthetics, and claim resolution procedures. success of regional converting arrangements hinges on establishing specific objectives for the program and then evaluating the requirements necessary for successful implementation.