Remaining operational during the coronavirus crisis: reliable procurement processes with online manufacturer FACTUREE

Digitization, automation and networking as the only solution: large manufacturing network offers free capacity and short delivery times

Remaining operational during the coronavirus crisis: reliable procurement processes with online manufacturer FACTUREE

Berlin, March 20th 2020 – The coronavirus is not only paralyzing much of public life, but sections of industry too, with far-reaching consequences. Many manufacturing companies are coming under massive pressure, unable to manufacture at their usual rate due to closed borders, cut-off supply routes and quarantine measures. As a result, they are turning to the procurement of parts via an online manufacturing network. Online manufacturer FACTUREE (www.facturee.de) is currently experiencing a massive increase in demand, as the Berlin-based company, with its steadily growing worldwide network of manufacturing partners (currently more than 500), can offer free capacity through reallocation and short delivery times even in times of crisis. It’s expected that the approach will eventually replace conventional contract manufacturing.

“Due to the crisis, we’re currently experiencing a massive surge in online manufacturing. Across all industries, the digitization, automation and networking of processes is becoming more important than ever – there’s really no alternative. Procurement processes via an online network have significant advantages over those of traditional contract manufacturing. If a conventional manufacturing facility has to be closed down completely due to a coronavirus case, supply is interrupted. As an online manufacturing network however, we can avoid supply bottlenecks even in difficult times by reallocating production, while our state-of-the-art infrastructure enables us to quickly adapt our production activities to the circumstances”, explains Lukas Schlicker, Head of Purchasing at FACTUREE.

Global network of partners ensures high availability

Thanks to its global, ever-growing network of over 500 partners, online manufacturer FACTUREE is able to offer its CNC, sheet metal working, 3D printing and surface treatment services even during the coronavirus crisis.

With its extensive network of CNC machining and surface technology partners, FACTUREE has over 6,000 CNC machines available for projects at any given time. All partners comply with the requirements of a continuous data-driven quality management system certified according to ISO 9001.

Lukas Schlicker adds: “We’ve received many enquiries as to whether we still have sufficient capacity and can maintain our usual short delivery times. And the answer to this continues to be a definite ‘yes’. We’ve also confirmed with our logistics partners that reliable deliveries are still possible. Of course, in a global crisis situation like this, FACTUREE may also experience delays, but we will be able to resolve these very quickly. Our risk of a long delay is also inherently much lower than in conventional contract manufacturing”.

Rigorous digitization of internal work processes at FACTUREE

FACTUREE has immediately implemented all recommended measures and codes of conduct at its location in Berlin. As the company has always had advanced systems in place, no changes were necessary as a result of the coronavirus crisis – employees were already ready to work from home. Staff in the logistics department have been split into small teams that will work in shifts for the time being. FACTUREE is also supporting its manufacturing partners in implementing the safety measures currently required.

Lukas Schlicker explains: “We’re able to maintain our operations and our range of services without any significant restrictions and thus help our customers remain operational, giving them a certain degree of stability in uncertain times. We believe that the crisis is a major opportunity for us, because many companies will now realise that this new way of purchasing offers great benefits in terms of availability and efficiency, as well as very high quality – and that it’s the future, even after the crisis”.

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