As customers become more demanding and lead times shrink, the use of technology can foster success at label printing companies. Anderson & Vreeland has touted the benefits of an RFID-enabled Vendor Managed Inventory System (VMI).

L&NW recently caught up with Robert Bodine, Midwest account manager at Anderson & Vreeland, to learn the best ways for customers to automate their inventory management and control processes.

L&NW: With ever present changes needed to meet production requirements, what guarantees do AVMI users have that will allow them to make adjustments on the fly to their inventory needs?  
RB: Inventory changes can be made 24/7 via your A&V customer service and account representatives. Either phone in or email your change requests and we can accommodate with immediate adjustments, adds and subtractions to our customers’ inventory needs.

Once a change is made, it is easily verified via the customers’ user interface. The reason A&V makes the changes is so that we can accurately prepare in a timely manner for any change requests desired on the customers behalf.    

L&NW: How does this process work?
RB: Our AVMI customers provide us with their inventory needs based on minimum and maximum values assigned to the inventory items within the AVMI.  Once the system signals our customer service to respond to fulfillment need, our customer service team will reach out to verify the need for fulfillment and create a purchase order request for the customer.  No shipments will be made without the customer’s approval and PO authorization.

L&NW: What is the benefit of AVMI to a label and narrow web printer?
RB: Revolutionizes your control over your inventory. Our goal is to help you achieve precision, traceability, and unlock new efficiencies in your workflow. AVMI assist in automating your inventory counting and verification process allowing you to quickly auto-replenish your parts and goods. When you need it it’s there.

L&NW: What are all the items Anderson & Vreeland can manage under this program?
RB: Anderson & Vreeland has over 60 years of providing a multitude of products and services for our Label & Narrow Web customers. Most customers using AVMI currently use it for Toyobo and XSYS photopolymer plates, Provident doctor blades and end seals, 3M and Tesa mounting tapes, cleaning chemistries for plates, anilox, etc.

Along with this it’s great for all those other items you have all over your shop like gloves, towels, wipes, boxing tapes, proofing inks/papers and other miscellaneous items. The best way we have found to help you identify ways to unlock these efficiencies is an onsite audit to better understand your environment.

L&NW: How easy is the process for operators to learn and employ?
RB: AVMI is an open architecture solution. What this means to you is we customize the system to fit in to your current SOPs. The idea is AVMI works 24/7 in the background for you and becomes tied in to your process. Let Anderson & Vreeland worry about your inventory so you can do what you do best.

L&NW: With a shortage of operators, how can RFID/VMI help fill the gap?
RB: Everyone has heard the term do more with less. The AVMI system helps to bridge this gap. AVMI helps eliminate the need to do physical inventory counts, stress over misplaced inventory and assist in eliminating rouge spending.

L&NW: What feedback have you received from your customers?
RB: The number one piece of feedback we’ve received has been how AVMI provides a piece of mind around inventory management. Once customer expressed how he used to be stressed out, even when on vacation, about his team running out of inventory. Now his team is so used to AVMI’s improved efficiencies that they don’t give their inventory a second thought.

L&NW: What are the sustainable benefits to using this technology?
RB: One of the initially hidden efficiencies within AVMI is the reduction of freight shipments. A&V helps your team with forecast planning with the expressed goal of limiting the number of shipments you require to stay fully in-stock. This helps you save on the expense of shipments while also limiting the trucks on the road every day. Less trucks on the road equals less CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions.

L&NW: How does the Anderson & Vreeland team help ensure a smooth transition for customers when adopting the technology?
RB: Just like with any product or service you use Team A&V for we’re here for you every step of the way. Our Account Manager’s, Customer Service Representatives, Service and Tech Teams are all here to support your team through this transition. Not only are we here to support through the change over but we’ve also assisted customers in refining their SOPs to help drive even greater efficiencies. This doesn’t just stop at inventory management but continues through the prepress, platemaking and pressroom departments.

L&NW: How do customers get signed up for this service with Anderson & Vreeland?
RB: Reach out to your local Account Manager or email us at [email protected] to get started, and we’ll take it from there.