Leading fastener and vendor managed inventory (VMI) provider East Sussex-based TFC will be exhibiting at Farnborough International Airshow at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre taking place from 18 to 22 July (Stand 3028).

Aerospace and defence companies can discuss their technical design and supply chain challenges with TFC's experienced team. Visitors to the stand can learn about the compliance, control and productivity benefits of TFC’s newly launched VMI Smart Solutions, which introduce real-time automation into vendor-managed inventory supply chain management. This customisable portfolio leverages partner company Inventor-e’s market-leading real-time automated technology to complement TFC’s decades of experience delivering VMI solutions, ultimately to give manufacturers better visibility and control over their supply chains.

VMI Smart Solutions are of particular value to Maintenance and Repair Operations (MRO), where inventory is expensive and needs to be kept secure. Smart technology, such as iVendSecure, allows manufacturers to manage and control high-value assets by keeping them safe in restricted lockers. Real-time monitoring provides a clear overview of asset whereabouts, and intelligent reporting of collected data can help aerospace and defence companies to improve traceability and compliance.

Inventory management
Brian Vince, group quality manager at supply chain specialist TFC, said: “The new AS13100 requirements for aerospace engine design have led many in the industry to rethink their current inventory management techniques.

“For businesses in the aerospace and defence industry where compliance and control are an absolute must, Smart VMI is the natural evolution of VMI. It can offer a whole host of extra benefits, including automated stock replenishment, alongside increased traceability of components and high value assets.

Chris Billinge, business development director at TFC, said: “UK manufacturers seem to be busier than ever. The ongoing unpredictability of demand has caused many manufacturers to rethink their supply chains as they look to maximise capacity, productivity and efficiency in their production processes.

“Vendor-managed inventory puts supply chain management into the hands of an experienced partner, who will have the expertise, local knowledge and global connections to streamline and simplify the process.”

TFC will also showcase its ARaymond and Smalley product solutions, such as the ARaymond VDA low-push connector and the Smalley Revolox self-locking retaining ring alongside a range of other connector, ring and spring solutions. Design engineers and other industry professionals can gain direct access to the latest products and services TFC offer, gaining insight into key industry trends from its technical team.

TFC is a leading supplier of Smalley and ARaymond products, as well as an expert at providing inventory management solutions that deliver increased productivity and profitability.