Reduce Usage of New Machine Tools, Increase Use of Regrinds
MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS MANUFACTURER
19.08.2025
CHALLENGE
A manufacturer of motor vehicle parts and accessories was suffering from a lack of inventory control. Although regrinds of tools were available in stock, new cutting tools were being used first — and at a rapid rate. Since tooling costs were reaching nearly $6,000 per day, a solution was needed.
SOLUTION
They partnered with Landwell Systems (a provider of inventory control systems, software and tools for industry) to solve the problem of inventory costs and consumption. Using Landwell Systems software and point-of-use Locker, a new system was developed to utilize regrinds and control access to new tooling.
Landwell Systems provided systems to dispense tools with a “forced reference” program that dispenses regrinds before new tools. Remote Locker Stations were also used to dispense regrinds before the new tools. The complete Locker system also included Landwell Systems Lockers and the Landwell Systems Data Entry Terminals.
RESULT
- Savings of $700,000 in new tool spend during first four months – with a reduction of 70% per day.
- Reduced consumption and inventory costs.
- Streamlined purchasing process with automated purchasing, which resolved stock-out and obsolescence issues.
- Reporting is available on usage, to highlight spikes and excesses.
- Tracking of all scrapped tools, with reports on the number of times each tool is reground.