What kind of hardware should a start-up facility have in stock? A basic, universal starter packet is probably adequate, say many shop owners (see box entitled “Starter Kits,” on page 68). When I spoke with shop owners in larger, metropolitan areas doing $1 million in sales a year, I found that the amount of money tied up in hardware inventory can be quite substantial. Not including run-of-the-mill bolt assortments, hardware inventory for a larger shop ran as high as $20,000 - and that was just for fasteners used to attach parts, components, trim, etc., to the vehicle exterior or interior we’re not even talking about paint-system materials or support items, such as sandpaper, used on a daily basis.
CLIPHOUSE BODY FASTENERS SOFTWARE
Many shop owners track their inventory of fasteners, clips, nuts and bolts with computers, but the software used to keep tabs on hardware doesn’t always keep up, say some. Losses due to lapses in inventory-management software were reported by several owners. “Although we utilize a computer inventory system with a built-in monthly re-order program, we sometimes lack specialty clips and other fasteners,” says Randy Austin, owner and manager of Auto Body USA in Springfield, Mo. Operating two locations, Austin says that, on average, he has $4,000 to $5,000 in hardware inventory. Like other issues in the collision repair industry, it will take some time to satisfy all the concerns shop owners have with regard to hardware inventory. The continued explosion in hardware design alone calls for some real changes in the marketplace in the near future and, hopefully, the OEMs will consider body shops when putting those new vehicles together bolt by bolt and fastener by fastener. Perhaps manufacturers will consolidate some part numbers and cancel a few that can be substituted adequately. In the distant future, other solutions now thought unfeasible may find new support. How about virtual pools of hardware items located at a supply warehouse out of which shop owners could grab what they needed? Buying in any quantity, such as by the pound or by the dozen, may then be viable. Such a system could drive down inventory costs, as well as help maintain a profitable time-line for production. Increased trade with other countries also could open new avenues for supply, making those hard-to-get items readily available and stimulating a more precise stocking network.ġ. “Christmas tree” retainers (one-time use only recommended).Ī.
Door/trim panel clips - 7/8-inch diameter head (half-moon design), 24/32-inch length, 150 pieces per pack.ī. Door/trim panel retainer - 1/4-inch hole, 3/4-inch long, 100 pieces per pack.Ĭ. Hood insulation retainer - 2-inch diameter head, 21/32-inch long, 50 pieces per pack.ĭ.
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