Supply chain solution for Torrent Trackside
14th November 2022 | 1 min read
The Challenge
Torrent Trackside (TT), a UK railway maintenance and renewal contractor, approached Unipart with the challenge of introducing a supply chain solution for its spares and consumables.
This was required in order to increase visibility of stocking levels and timely replenishment across their network whilst maintaining an exceptional level of service and availability for its customers. Another key area of focus was identifying a path to maintain minimum stock levels and avoid overstocking of material across Torrent Tracksides 8 maintenance depots and 55 mobile vans.
The Solution
Unipart implemented a flexible point-of-use material supply chain for TT. This solution, designed and implemented by Unipart’s expert practitioners, included:
- Introduction of a cloud-based Materials Management System providing stock visibility across depots and vans, and enabling improved stock audits.
- A stock management process with standard inventory levels and automatic replenishment notifications.
- Automatic next-day replenishment and distribution to all delivery points.
- Visibility of order status, including expected delivery.
- E-commerce facility for ordering via Unipart’s website.
- Service desk facility for queries.
- Training of TT staff in the new processes and systems.
97%
material availability
The Impact
Our solution delivered the following benefits to Torrent Trackside:
- Unipart now holds the inventory, with the customer only paying for materials as needed at their depots/vans.
- Contracted material is delivered to depots/vans within a 24-hour lead time.
- Implementation of a Materials Management System manages stock across all Torrent Trackside locations, including automatic replenishment for fast-moving materials.
- Achieved 97% material availability with 24-hour delivery.
- Improved stock integrity.
- Training and coaching were provided to employees across all 8 depots and over 50 mobile technicians, enabling them to place orders with Unipart and maintain agreed stock levels.
The project was delivered on time and within budget by multiple practitioners working simultaneously across different UK locations.
