Thanks to digitalization, there are now many online ordering platforms for individually manufactured sheet metal parts. And they have rightly conquered their place, as parts and entire assemblies can be ordered easily, quickly and around the clock. However, the concepts differ considerably. While some prefer to place orders and rely on a network of external manufacturing partners, others rely on their own manufacturing expertise. Is there one ideal solution?
© Laserparts4you
For years, users of the online ordering platform have been calculating and ordering extensively processed sheet metal parts around the clock on their own computers, which they receive in an impressive range of materials, colors and processing options after uploading their files. One of the first online ordering platforms for metal and sheet metal parts was developed by a Swabian manufacturing company with extensive experience and considerable machinery.
What H. P. Kaysser from Nellmersbach near Stuttgart launched in 2010 with more than 200 machines, around 500 employees and all standard production processes and quickly sent onto the market as its own brand, Laserteile4you, immediately rocked the industry. In the meantime, numerous imitators have sprung up like mushrooms. With one major difference: most of them process the orders placed at the touch of a button by passing them on to external production partners. Their expertise lies in order handling and in selecting, commissioning and maintaining their network. Others, such as Laserteile4you, rely on in-house production capacities or those of their own subsidiaries.
From simple small orders to a market worth millions
In the early days of the online portals, it was simple steps in sheet metal processing and small quantities, but the business has now developed into a multi-million turnover area with countless processing methods and materials. The original idea of the manufacturing companies behind this is obvious: individual orders on a small scale and from (one-off or private) customers with a more artisanal or artistic orientation should not interrupt the series production of large orders. These orders are therefore placed in an online ordering system and are then processed when there is free capacity. The software for this is often individually programmed.
It should be easier for everyone. The craftsman can still calculate quotes at the end of the day and send them to his customers more quickly. The supplier is available around the clock and creates an automated structure that allows him to handle even the smallest orders without reducing his capacity utilization and sales effort.
However, conscientious manufacturing companies like the Swabians quickly recognized the potential. The systems with their own programs are now so sophisticated that an order is not only calculated and visible to the user in a matter of seconds, but is also scheduled and confirmed according to the ordering party’s deadline and the manufacturer’s production capabilities. All that is required is to upload drawing or CAD data. The leading providers guarantee their ordering customers flexible delivery times of between a few days and three months. This professional approach, which functions smoothly, has become an important part of the business model for many manufacturers.
© Laserparts4you
Does the “Amazon idea” also work with metal parts?
It is therefore only logical that resourceful imitators adapt and further develop the business model. And, of course, many are inspired by the “Amazon idea” of setting up an ordering platform without operating their own production facilities in the background. They look for manufacturing and delivery partners who produce and deliver the ordered parts. Initially, this does not require companies with extensive experience and expertise in all the processes and finesses of sheet metal processing. All that is needed are specialists for individual processes and procedures with the appropriate IT and the results are available as required and in varying degrees of quality.
As the number of online ordering platforms grows and usage increases, users and their requirements and wishes are also changing. What started out as small businesses and private individuals are increasingly becoming industrial companies, and individual parts and small quantities are increasingly becoming small and medium-sized series. And simple processes and sheet metal parts are now turning into complex machined workpieces and even sophisticated assemblies. The model has arrived in the B2B sector and is here to stay. Manufacturers such as H. P. Kaysser have noticed that existing customers are also using their own online platform Laserteile4you for certain orders and are happy to trust the proven quality.
Diversity increases the complexity that needs to be mastered
The software behind the ordering platforms is also becoming increasingly powerful. Commercial program providers are entering the market and facing up to the complex requirements of digital order processing. Highly professional manufacturing companies are happy to take advantage of this because they can show what is possible. However, the best of them usually continue to rely on their own programmed software, because this can of course better map and connect machines and processes in-house. In this way, orders placed online are also ideally integrated into the company’s own production network and customer and deadline requirements can be optimally taken into account.
The simple processing steps and laser cutting of earlier times have now become a huge range of materials, methods and complex interplay of several processes. Users are happy because they can choose from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass and more. They can quickly and easily order individual metal blanks, laser and punch laser parts, bending and tube laser parts, flame-cut parts from thick sheet metal and more from the best suppliers. In addition, there are countless other processing steps such as deburring, straightening, drilling, countersinking, thread cutting, reaming, press-fitting and stud welding. Numerous surface treatments such as powder coating, priming, KTL coating or electrogalvanizing can also be ordered online, as can laser marking, welding and disc grinding of flame-cut blanks. Previously processed 2D blanks have long since become 3D components and complex workpieces.
© Laserparts4you
Can logic and meaningful construction be tested?
The possibilities of the software may know no bounds and the machines may bravely take care of everything, but with this diversity and complexity, questions remain unanswered: Who checks the logic, reasonableness and feasibility of the uploaded drawings or data? Who in the work preparation department decides which process steps should be carried out in which order? Does the designer who creates the drawing or data know all the current options? Is he up to date? Is there a higher-level authority that assesses the economic and technical feasibility? The performance of the AI is also remarkable here. For example, Laserteile4you uses an AI tool developed jointly with the Fraunhofer Institute to check whether a part that is to be powder-coated also has a suspension option required for this process – i.e. a hole for the hook. But can it be done entirely without the scrutiny of an expert?
Anyone who has ever designed and ordered complex folded parts, for example, knows how important it is for an experienced specialist to be able to assess the drawing before production – and even more so the result after production. This is all the more valuable when the ordered components have to fulfill important functions in the customer’s products, units or machines. A logical assessment by experienced experts is desirable here. If a supplier can provide support beyond the online options and, for example, also point out design and manufacturing options or improvements, this ensures greater trust and security for customers.
© Laserparts4you
Access to production creates scheduling flexibility
For the intermediaries among the online portals, the complexity and possibilities of the parts and processes that can be ordered increase the care and responsibility they take when selecting manufacturing and delivery partners. And if flexibility in scheduling is added to this, the question arises as to how far they can access their partners in order to meet customer requirements in terms of capacities and slots. Suppliers with their own high-performance production facilities in the background may have an advantage here.
In terms of customer behavior, it is clear that the more complex the parts, the higher the demands on production quality, tolerances and delivery reliability. This also makes sense, as more and more added value is being outsourced. And if the manufactured part is needed in the company’s own product, delivery reliability is increasingly important. After all, delays also affect the online supplier’s promise to its customers. In addition, the coronavirus pandemic with disrupted or collapsed supply chains has intensified the focus on delivery reliability.
Online ordering platforms have arrived to stay
Metal and sheet metal parts can now be ordered online for almost 15 years. As the variety of materials and processing methods has grown enormously, the platforms have now earned their place in the B2B sector. This is also confirmed by the large selection of providers that users can access. They can choose between intermediaries and makers. Everyone can decide for themselves which concept is right for them. It is helpful for users to define their own preferences in terms of variety, quality, tolerances, adherence to deadlines, delivery reliability and expert insight. And if you are unsure, you can get in touch before ordering online and possibly gain that crucial bit of certainty and trust.
Background
Laserteile4you.de is a brand of H.P. Kaysser GmbH + Co. KG Systemlösungen in Metall based in Leutenbach. Established in 2010, the online portal is considered a pioneer in the professional ordering of customized sheet metal parts via the Internet. What started out as a cool and bold idea has developed into a state-of-the-art procurement portal. In Europe, more than 40,000 customers use the opportunity to calculate and order extensive sheet metal processing in an impressive variety of materials and colors around the clock.
