The selection of a supplier of tooling or metal parts often begins with a price comparison. The problem is that the purchase price itself is only the tip of the iceberg. Working with a non-comprehensive supplier can mean a number of hidden expenses and problems that only become apparent during the project—and by then it is too late for simple changes.
Hidden operating and quality costs
It usually starts with a dispersion of responsibility – one company carries out the project, another manufactures the tooling, and yet another handles the implementation. Sounds logical? In practice, it is a recipe for buck-passing, delays, and… rising operating costs. Even a minor discrepancy between the design and the execution means that you have to invest in corrections out of your own pocket. Added to this is the lack of comprehensiveness of the process – many suppliers finish their work with the production of a single part. Hardening, galvanizing, or cleaning must be outsourced, which generates further quality and logistics costs. Often, it is only then that the customer discovers that the “finished” part still requires several more steps before it is even ready for assembly.
Another problem is the cost of ongoing tool maintenance. If the supplier does not have its own tool shop, any repair or replacement of tooling components involves shipping to a subcontractor, long downtime, and additional fees. At Prasmet, such maintenance is carried out internally, which shortens response times and reduces costs for the customer – check out our tool shop offer.
Risks to production continuity
Manufacturing parts at companies with limited equipment resources is risky. If a supplier has only one machine of a given type, its failure can mean a break in the supply chain. The lack of backup facilities or contingency plans leads directly to downtime and loss of orders. On the other hand, ordering components from distant locations, e.g., Asia, involves the risk of customs duties, extended delivery times, increased transport costs, and supply instability. At Prasmet, thanks to our large machine park and location close to logistics hubs, production is secure and delivery times are stable.
Learn about our technological processes.
Lack of price transparency
Non-integrated suppliers may surprise you with additional fees – for quality control, documentation, or packaging. The lack of clear calculations can make budget planning difficult, and price volatility makes it impossible to predict costs in the long term. At Prasmet, quality documentation, including PPAP, is provided as standard at no additional cost. This is important because in many industries, the lack of PPAP means that a part cannot be implemented into production.
Image and ethical risks
Cheaper materials of unknown origin may reduce purchase costs in the short term, but in the long term, they can damage a company’s reputation. In extreme cases, the use of components from embargoed countries or with uncertain composition can lead to legal problems and loss of customer trust.
Prasmet works exclusively with proven materials that meet industry and environmental standards, so customers can confidently promote their products as compliant with the highest standards.
Our offer also includes a measurement laboratory.
What should you keep in mind before choosing a supplier?
The purchase price is only the beginning. Operating costs, quality costs, and ongoing service costs can make a seemingly cheaper supplier turn out to be a much more expensive choice. Lack of comprehensiveness, scattered responsibility, unstable deliveries, and image risk are real threats that can be avoided by choosing a partner such as Prasmet. Thanks to its experience, modern machinery, in-house tool shop, and full control over the process, Prasmet eliminates these problems, providing customers with peace of mind, predictability, and real savings.
