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Innovative Postponement and Complete Configuration
Unlike many 3PLs, ModusLink's postponement and configuration solutions are underpinned by an ERP-driven planning and execution process. Our fully managed solution aligns and scales with customer demand, resulting in an optimized global network and a competitive differentiator for clients. By analyzing operating variables and supply chain costs we develop and execute a postponement strategy that defers configuration and packaging until the best time and at the most strategic location. Clients can leverage any combination of our Solution Centers around the globe, including those near manufacturing sites and in low-cost operating destinations — such as China, Mexico and Eastern Europe — for certain products; or postpone configuration until fulfillment, using facilities closer to the consumer.
The result is improved margins for our clients.
Configuration Services include:
Network Optimization and Simulation
We help our clients design global supply chain networks that can adapt to dynamic market conditions by first conducting an in-depth analysis of supply chain cost trade-offs. These include materials, conversion, logistics and inventory, while taking into account critical operating variables, such as location, capacity, taxes and lead time. We use the industry's leading technologies in network design, manufacturing and inventory optimization to determine the optimal performing supply chain to meet specific needs and objectives.
As part of the model network optimization process, we perform a data-intensive evaluation of areas for design and process improvement and facilitate real-world simulation and testing to predict how well the suggested network optimization model will perform. The resulting metrics on inventory levels, cycle times and transportation and warehouse fill rates are used to create a detailed cost evaluation of each scenario.
Light Manufacturing
Our light manufacturing services cover the complete range of assembly and product configuration activities. We don’t operate as an EMS or contract manufacturer. Rather, we manage the complexity of configuring a manufactured device or product for end-market consumption. Our goal is to create the highest level of inventory, service and production efficiency at the lowest total cost of operation.
In addition to managing the final assembly of components and parts into finished goods — leveraging build to order customization and a comprehensive postponement strategy — our light manufacturing capabilities involve a number of value-added manufacturing processes, including:
- Product testing
- Direct media load
- Multichannel packaging (Retail, B2B, B2C, end user)
- RFID tagging
- Product/service activation (including automated wireless activation for hardware vendors)
- Firmware load and testing
- Product flashing
- Language settings
- Personalization and engraving
Packaging Design
Product packaging is critical for manufacturers to protect products during shipping and storage and to prevent theft. It must also promote the brand image and be designed to attract buyers while sitting on the shelf. Add to that growing awareness of the environmental impact of plastic and other materials used in packaging, and the result is that the packaging is almost as important as design of the product itself.
Our packaging design team has developed a four-dimensional design methodology that solves for manufacturability, materials cost, logistics and the environment using industry-leading CAD, product visualization, logistics and sustainability tools. By doing so, we help clients creating packaging that supports brand positioning while enabling double-digit materials, labor and cost savings and improves sustainability positioning by using fewer materials and more eco-friendly material types.
Content Management and Content Load
Our content management services are designed to improve the management, revision control and secure storage of our clients’ physical and digital media content.
We leverage our integrated operating infrastructure to support a secure document repository for easy file sharing from any Solution Center across the globe. With best-of-breed technology we streamline master document management and revision control activities to ensure the delivery of consistent, high-quality content and artwork.
We also offer on-demand content replication (CD, DVD, DVD-9) and content load (SD, Micro-SD, USB and Flash), in addition to providing scalable solutions for content load and image load directly onto devices. These capabilities are enhanced with content protection and activation solutions and innovative packaging solutions.
Safeguarding our clients’ intellectual property is at the center of our operating philosophy and our commitment to the highest quality is unwavering.
The ModusLink Advantage:
- Postponement Expertise. We help clients improve lead time and customer satisfaction through product postponement while lowering transportation and logistics costs.
- Centralized Demand Planning. Our centralized planning and sourcing team of more than 200 takes full ownership of planning, supplier management and inventory management of locally sourced components.
- Inventory Management. We optimize component and finished goods inventory levels for less excess and obsolescence.
- Continuous Improvement. We employ standard lean sigma processes, supported by leading analysis and design tools to gain greater efficiency and meet future as well as current needs.