Materials Engineering

TSE Helps Colorado Company Improve AVL

Background:

A Colorado Company needed to update its components approved vendor list (AVL).The accuracy of the AVL had reached a point where 50% of the parts had some inaccuracy in their descriptions.

The AVL needed to be updated quickly for several reasons: obsolete parts were still being called out on new designs; products were being manufactured in China and local part suppliers could not find components in the AVL. Several hundred boardsmanufactured in China had to be scrapped due to these AVL issues.The AVL contained about100,000 parts.

Challenges:
  • Parts Applications Knowledge
  • SAP Knowledge
  • Speed
  • Accuracy
Solution:

TSE put two experienced components engineers on the task of cleaning up the AVL. They utilized their knowledge and experience of components as well as web searches and calls to distributors and vendor reps to research the AVL.They developed a process to identify and correct errors in component vendors, component attributes and availability status of the components. Where possible, theyrecommended substitute components for obsoleted parts. They updated the AVL and linked it to the Manufacturer's SAP system. The total project took 4 weeks and is adding significant value to the company's bottom line.