The Pen | Jerry van Dijk Sales Manager of Kyocera Senco Netherlands B.V. in Valkenswaard

Greater efficiency in construction logistics

Increasingly, Kyocera Senco Netherlands B.V. - formerly PBT Fasteners - is being asked by customers whether it is possible to think along with them about logistics solutions for the construction site and/or production location. As a supplier of fasteners to parties in steel construction, concrete industry, civil engineering and greenhouse construction, we see that customers want to get rid of material that is often kept in stock for years - which is basically seen as waste. In order to counter this, simplify production processes and prevent costly rush shipments, we are asked to think along more conceptually.

In a future in which preservation is being implemented and many materials appear to become obsolete, fasteners will still continue to be used. Even in a future where complex steel nodes are 3D-printed. Upon inquiry, this is confirmed by the previous writer of "The Pen," Vincent Wegener, Managing Director of RAMLAB.

Unburdening

Kyocera Senco Netherlands B.V. from Valkenswaard, part of the globally operating Kyocera from Japan, thus sees that more buyers and project leaders are no longer just buying because complex steel components have to be bolted together, but are also demanding delivery. Such as just-in-time delivery on projects, but also that the internal production and logistics process be considered.

SIM (Smart Inventory Management) is one of the solutions Kyocera Senco Netherlands B.V. offers. Integration at any level and its implementation offers the customer the opportunity to further optimize all processes. This means that never again 'out of stock' situations arise and the production process comes to a standstill. Through optimal use of materials and digitalization of the inventory system, each builder can be served in a much smarter and customized way. Many parties from the concrete and steel world bring this issue to us. We unburden ourselves, for example, by supplying fully assembled hook anchor sets. Delivery to the construction site of these unique ready-made anchor sets is thus no longer a time-consuming and error-prone activity for the customer.

Joining forces

Sustainable, energy-neutral and circular construction: contemporary terminology to which much attention is paid. The fact that we as a supplier are asked to make 'just prices' still exists, but the requirements for norms and standards according to the European Directive on Structural Engineering must be taken into account. Much more important is to look at added value together with the customer, to jointly ensure a good and efficiently organized ordering and delivery process. When this coordination will take place more often, we too will do our part to prevent the waste of raw materials.

What matters in the end is the result achieved through quality and cooperation. And yes, that has mainly to do with awarding. Are you going to rig a project together, or are you stuck in the traditional construction column thinking and it's only about price? No, there is much more added value to be gained in collaboration.

Connections

Supplying bolts, nuts, studs - cut to size - and anchors is only a small part of a construction project, but oh so important. Supplying high quality fasteners, including CE markings, ensures the right connection in a load-bearing steel structure. The requirements are high, there is great demand for customization and in order to integrate this and optimize the customer's internal processes, knowledge must be exchanged back and forth.

The returns that everyone in the construction column is striving for can only be achieved if the connection is sought during this process between builder and supplier. Herein lies great added value: the motivation and the opportunity for future.