FACTUREE simplifies procurement with its digital procurement platform. The online manufacturer reduces complexity and saves valuable time and resources by offering a single point of contact. Engineers, purchasers and other manufacturing professionals can optimize procurement and increase productivity.
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Optimized procurement processes are a must
The entire Procurement process efficiently is a major challenge for companies Decisive lever. Regardless of the industry, shorter development and innovation cycles can lead to improved market performance. Software for purchasing and procurement can help.
In the Contract manufacturing online means fast prototyping faster tests. This leads to a Faster development and product launch. This shortened development cycle gives a company a competitive advantage. Advantage over its competitors and offers its customers the most modern solutions.
Unfortunately, various bottlenecks can slow down the development cycle, of which supplier sourcing is perhaps the most important. An R&D department can produce several viable designs for products per day. But if prototypes and components are not there in time, they are of no use.
Finding different suppliers and concluding a contract can be difficult. You have to wait for delivery. Then you have to coordinate the process with other contractors. This can quickly make a modern product seem outdated.
One Optimized procurement is therefore the The key to efficient product development. But how can this be achieved when an engineer sometimes works with different parties for technical advice, production, finishing and surface treatment?
Streamlined procurement with FACTUREE
FACTUREE headquartered in the Osram-Höfe, has taken on the complexity of the strategic procurement adopted. With modern technology, the online paver offers a seamless process. The KI procurement platform connects customers with the right suppliers for every need. From quotation to delivery, aall through a single point of contact controlled.
Instead of having to deal with multiple suppliers, customers benefit from FACTUREE's extensive network of over 2,000 qualified suppliers. All of FACTUREE's potential suppliers are managed to ensure the best match for each requirement.
The search for suppliers can be frustrating and slow. Companies need to find suppliers who have machines immediately available. They also need fast shipping and fair quotes. It is not always possible to fulfill all three points. For example, 26 percent of companies complain about the effort involved in coordinating suppliers when procuring components.
With FACTUREE, customers no longer have to take this time-consuming process into their own hands. FACTUREE's digital solution efficiently manages an extensive network of qualified suppliers. The digital procurement platform ensures that the best manufacturer is found for each project. FACTUREE simplifies procurement for its customers by finding customized solutions for every need and managing the entire process efficiently. Regardless of the quantity and complexity.
FACTUREE meets the The problem of supplier procurement among other things with the digital purchasing. This means that the company can quickly identify available suppliers for each production step via a single digital platform. This ranges from technical analysis to surface finishing.
FACTUREE also acts as a Central contact personwho handles all necessary contacts and coordination between the suppliers. So the online contract manufacturer enables a smoother and stress-free process. The customer can start his project almost immediately.
The online contract manufacturer modern technologies and artificial intelligenceto improve the traditional procurement process. Intelligent algorithms optimize supplier selection, automated processes ensure efficient and timely project execution. AI procurement ensures that the best possible paver is selected for each projectto guarantee a high-quality result. The digital solutions enable customers to react more quickly to market changes and realize innovative ideas in the shortest possible time.
FACTUREE acts as Strategic partner in procurementwho finds the ideal manufacturer for every need and ensures that the process is as efficient and uncomplicated as possible. Through partnership, FACTUREE drives theprogress and creates new opportunities for innovation. FACTUREE strives to understand the challenges engineers face and offer customized solutions that meet their specific requirements.
Free tools for production
FACTUREE's AI procurement solution drastically shortens product development cycles and can be used in various types of manufacturing. These include additive manufacturing, CNC machining, Sheet metal production and from 2024 also molding and casting processes.
In addition, there are surface finishing processes, large-scale production and other unique offerings made possible by FACTUREE's network of over 2,000 reliable manufacturing partners and their 15,000 individual machines.
To ensure a successful component, FACTUREE also provides free, advanced tools. These help engineers with standards, fits and tolerances. For several years now, these tools have been supporting engineers in design and development before they submit their technical drawings for online production.
- The first tool is the Rz-Ra Calculator, an industry-first online solution for converting surface roughness parameters. This is important for engineers. Customers from different industries have different preferences for roughness measurement. Ra indicates the average height deviations and complies with ISO standards. Rz shows the maximum peak-to-valley heights or extreme irregularities. Which value is most suitable depends on the application of the part.
- Another tool is a calculator for optimized fits. This tool calculates the maximum tolerance for a given dimension and type of fit. It offers a unique reciprocal fit calculation function that calculates the clearance fit and other fit classes based on a specific value for the inner and outer fit.
FACTUREE success stories
FACTUREE's seamless procurement solution is used by many large and small companies from different sectors. One success story is the conversion of ten cab ranks and 66 e-vehicles in Vienna and Graz in 2023.
This was achieved with the new Matrix charging stations from Easelink. This automated charging station is easy to operate. It helps the drivers. The "eTaxi Austria" project will make all cabs electric by 2025.
As part of the project, FACTUREE was commissioned to supply Key components for the core element of the conductive charging system commissioned. Various aluminum small turned and milled parts were required for one of the two core components. As FACTUREE was able to draw on a wide range of manufacturing partners, production techniques and surface treatments, it was possible to meet Easelink's requirements quickly and efficiently. Faster than if the customer had looked for suppliers on their own.
Another beneficiary of FACTUREE's products and services is the aerospace company Space Applications Services headquartered in Brussels, whose customers include organizations such as the European Space Agency (ESA).
The company needed CNC-milled parts for prototypes and qualification models for the aerospace industryafter the previous supplier was unable to meet expectations in terms of material quality, delivery times and pricing. The high quality of the parts supplied convinced Space Applications Services to continue using the service even after more than two years.
Conclusion
The challenge of finding suppliers for manufacturing, post-processing and finishing makes product development unnecessarily complex and slow. By using FACTUREE as the central Procurement platform companies turn this operational burden into a strategic advantage. FACTUREE acts as your Strategic buyerwhich, thanks to digitized processes, offers you full Transparency and control and enables your team to concentrate fully on innovation again.
Khan, Taga (2024): AI-Driven Procurement Solutions for Streamlined Engineering and Manufacturing (online). WeVolver. Available at: https://www.wevolver.com/article/ai-driven-procurement-solutions-for-streamlined-engineering-and-manufacturing. A translation from English.
FAQs on AI and procurement
Artificial intelligence (AI) in procurement refers to the use of intelligent technologies to automate and optimize purchasing processes. It analyzes data to identify patterns, create forecasts and provide fact-based support for strategic decisions, from supplier selection to contract management.
Common types include machine learning (ML) for forecasts and supplier evaluations, natural language processing (NLP) for analyzing contracts and communication, and robotic process automation (RPA) for repetitive, rule-based tasks.
AI increases efficiency, reduces costs and minimizes risks. It enables faster, data-supported supplier selection, optimizes stock levels through precise forecasts and creates more transparency in the supply chain.
The biggest hurdles are often poor data quality, high implementation costs and a lack of specialists. Integration into existing IT systems and ensuring employee acceptance are also key challenges.
The future lies in autonomous procurement, where AI systems act independently. AI will become a strategic partner that proactively manages risks and ensures sustainability goals (ESG) in the supply chain.
