Inventory Stocking Program
We encourage our customers to take advantage of our inventory stocking program. The program coordinates inventory management between FCT and customers, enabling just-in-time (JIT) deliveries of finished parts while maintaining controlled stock levels.
Ideal for using within your supply chain strategy, it supports programs ranging from steady production to those with variable or unpredictable demand.
How the Inventory Stocking Program Works
FCT manages finished part inventory and stocking in coordination with customer requirements:
- JIT Deliveries — Parts are supplied on a just-in-time basis to align with customer production schedules.
- Safety Stock Option — Safety stock can be maintained upon request for products where demand forecasting is challenging or where sudden increases in demand may occur.
- Warehouse Locations — Inventory is held in FCT warehouses in the USA or Asia, depending on logistics needs.
- Coordinated Shipping — Shipments are dispatched in a coordinated manner to the customer's specified location.
This structure allows customers to order in quantities that support efficient manufacturing while receiving deliveries in the volumes and timing required for their operations.
Benefits of Inventory Stocking for Flexible Circuits
The program addresses common supply chain considerations for flexible and rigid-flex components:
- Coordination of inventory levels to reduce on-hand stock at the customer's facility.
- Support for JIT production schedules through timed releases.
- Provision of buffer (safety) stock for applications with difficult forecasting or rapid demand fluctuations.
- Flexibility in stocking locations (USA or Asia) to optimize shipping times and costs.
- Integration with FCT's manufacturing processes to ensure parts are produced and stocked under consistent quality controls.
These elements help manage total supply chain costs and risks associated with component availability.
Integration with Other FCT Services
Inventory stocking forms part of FCT's broader service offerings and connects directly with:
- Superior Design Assistance — Early design input influences production volumes and stocking needs.
- Prototyping — Transitions from prototypes to stocked production parts.
- Project Management — Oversight includes coordination of inventory and stocking schedules.
- Manufacturing, Assembly, and Product Box Builds — Finished assemblies or modules can enter the stocking program for JIT release.
inTFlex, the EMS group of Flexible Circuit Technologies, extends related electronic manufacturing capabilities.
Key Considerations for Inventory Stocking Programs
When evaluating an inventory stocking arrangement for flexible circuits or assemblies, consider:
- Expected production volumes and release patterns (steady vs. variable).
- Lead times for materials, components, and manufacturing.
- Demand variability and need for safety stock.
- Preferred stocking location based on shipping destinations.
- Coordination requirements for releases and forecasting updates.
FCT works with customers to tailor the program to these factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
The program manages finished part inventory on behalf of customers, providing just-in-time deliveries and optional safety stock for variable demand scenarios.
Parts are stocked in warehouses in the USA or Asia, with shipments coordinated to the customer's desired location.
Safety stock is available upon request for parts or products where forecasting is difficult or demand can increase suddenly without advance notice.
It connects with design assistance, prototyping, project management, and manufacturing/assembly to support a complete product lifecycle approach.