MiTek Industries, Mezzanine Systems is a leading provider of custom-engineered mezzanine floor systems across North America and Europe.
With nearly 40 years of experience and over 20,000 projects completed, MiTek is well-known for transforming warehouse and distribution centre designs using automation, robotics, and digitalisation. Their major clients include industry giants like Amazon, for whom they provide mezzanine flooring solutions and comprehensive steel support structures.
The Challenge
Despite, and in some way due to, their success, MiTek found themselves grappling with inefficiencies in managing their supply chain. With a network of around 10 subcontractors and 150-200 suppliers, the need for a robust supplier management system became evident.
Before the implementation of Causeway Supplier Management, MiTek faced several significant challenges:
Inconsistent information: Supplier information was received and stored inconsistently across multiple locations, which led to outdated and inaccurate data becoming a persistent issue. This inconsistency made it difficult to maintain a reliable and current database, ultimately impacting decision-making and operational efficiency.
Manual processes: The reliance on manual processes created significant inefficiencies in managing supplier updates. These processes often resulted in the duplication of supplier details, which not only wasted time but also increased the risk of errors.
Lack of performance tracking: Without a dedicated system to evaluate and enhance supplier relationships, the company lacked a systematic approach to reviewing supplier performance. This meant that MiTek could not effectively identify and address areas for improvement, which is essential for maintaining high standards.
Expansion challenges: Entering new regions required painstaking research to find reliable suppliers, which added an extra layer of challenge to MiTek's expansion plans into Europe. This process involved extensive vetting to ensure that new suppliers met MiTek's high quality standards and ethical guidelines. The lack of established relationships in these new markets also meant that MiTek had to invest significant time and resources into building trust and negotiating terms. Additionally, understanding and adapting to local market conditions, regulations, and cultural nuances added another layer of complexity to the expansion process.
Compliance issues: Achieving and maintaining ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 certifications was cumbersome without a streamlined process for managing supplier documentation and audits. These certifications, which are critical for ensuring workplace safety and environmental management, require rigorous documentation and regular audits. MiTek faced challenges in consolidating and organising supplier documents, which were often dispersed across different systems and formats.
The Solution
MiTek implemented Causeway Supplier Management, a cloud-based solution designed to streamline supplier and subcontractor management.
This solution offered several key features and benefits:
Centralised database: By consolidating supplier information into a single, accessible platform, MiTek eliminated inconsistencies and ensured data accuracy. This centralised approach not only streamlined access to vital supplier information but also facilitated more efficient collaboration among different departments.
Automated workflows: The solution automated administrative tasks, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimising the risk of errors, saving valuable time for MiTek's team. Automated workflows ensured that repetitive tasks were handled seamlessly, significantly reducing the administrative burden. This led to accelerated processing times and allowed employees to focus on more strategic activities, ultimately enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.
Enhanced supplier relationships: With tools for faster processing of internal requests, PQQs (Pre-Qualification Questionnaires), and supplier onboarding, MiTek strengthened their supplier relationships and improved risk management. The streamlined processes not only improved communication and collaboration with suppliers but also ensured that MiTek could quickly respond to market changes and demands. This proactive approach to supplier management reduced lead times and mitigated potential risks associated with supplier disruptions.
Performance tracking and reviews: The ability to perform detailed performance review reporting allowed MiTek to assess and improve supplier quality systematically. Performance metrics were tracked consistently, providing insights into supplier reliability, delivery times, and quality standards. Regular reviews and feedback loops enabled MiTek to work closely with suppliers on continuous improvement initiatives, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
Easy supplier search: MiTek can now quickly find new suppliers in new regions, supporting their expansion strategy into Europe. The enhanced search capabilities allowed MiTek to identify and qualify potential suppliers more effectively based on various criteria such as location, capabilities, and compliance standards. This agility in supplier search and selection facilitated smoother entry into new markets and supported the company's growth objectives.
Compliance support: The platform's robust documentation management and audit support contributed significantly to MiTek's ability to obtain and retain ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 certifications. Comprehensive compliance features ensured that all necessary documentation was up-to-date and easily accessible during audits.
The intuitive and customisable user interface ensured a seamless transition for MiTek's team, with excellent support from Causeway's customer service.
"I have personally worked with the Causeway team for over 15 years, the last four being through MiTek and I have seen a vast change in not only the products and services they deliver but also in the way they respond to their customers. The technical team are very knowledgeable but explain things in a digestible way. Working in close collaboration with Causeway, we implemented the Causeway Supplier Management solution within only 6 weeks, which was incredible. I always feel like nothing is too much trouble and there is always a solution to everything.”
Fran Barnard, Business Improvement Manager, Mezzanine Systems at MiTek.
The Outcome
The implementation of Causeway Supplier Management had a huge impact on MiTek's operations:
Time Savings: The advanced reporting capabilities and centralised database provided substantial time savings for MiTek, as team members could now access all necessary data in one place. This centralisation led to more streamlined processes, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks and allowing the team to focus on more strategic activities. The efficiency gained from this integration freed up valuable resources and improved overall productivity.
Supplier Performance Insights: With the ability to conduct comprehensive performance reviews, MiTek gained critical insights into the quality and reliability of their suppliers. These insights empowered MiTek to make well-informed decisions regarding supplier selection and management. By understanding supplier performance in detail, MiTek could foster closer collaborations with high-performing suppliers and address issues proactively with those needing improvement. This capability ensured that MiTek maintained high standards in their supply chain and could quickly adapt to changes or challenges.
Faster and Efficient Data Searches: The centralised database significantly enhanced MiTek's ability to search for and evaluate potential new suppliers. Quicker data searches meant that MiTek could rapidly identify suitable partners, especially in new regions, thereby supporting their European expansion. This efficiency not only reduced the time to market for new projects but also ensured that MiTek could maintain the quality and reliability of their supplier base as they grew.
Enhanced Compliance: The solution played a vital role in helping MiTek obtain and retain critical certifications such as ISO 45001 and ISO 14001. These certifications are essential for demonstrating compliance with international standards for occupational health and safety management and environmental management systems. The streamlined audit processes and simplified compliance tracking provided by the solution ensured that MiTek could easily meet regulatory requirements and maintain their certifications without the burden of extensive manual documentation and tracking.
Operational Efficiency: Automating manual processes resulted in significant reductions in administrative workload and associated costs for MiTek. This automation allowed team members to redirect their efforts from routine tasks to more strategic initiatives that drive business growth. By reducing the time and resources spent on manual processes, MiTek improved their operational efficiency, enabling them to respond more quickly to market demands and opportunities.
Enhanced Service Quality: By streamlining supplier management processes, MiTek was able to enhance the overall quality of their services. Improved supplier management meant that MiTek could better ensure the reliability and quality of the materials and components they used, directly impacting the final product's quality. This commitment to excellence and sustainability resonated with their customers, reinforcing MiTek's reputation as a trusted and high-quality provider. The improvements in service quality also supported MiTek's long-term goals of building strong customer relationships and achieving sustained growth.
"Implementing Causeway Supplier Management has transformed our supply chain processes. We now have a centralised, efficient system that saves us time and helps us maintain high standards of supplier performance. The ability to conduct performance reviews and easily find new suppliers has been invaluable, especially as we expand into new regions, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of quality and compliances."
Fran Barnard, Business Improvement Manager, Mezzanine Systems at MiTek.
MiTek's partnership with Causeway Supplier Management has revolutionised their supplier management processes, driving efficiency, enhancing supplier relationships, and supporting their growth objectives. The integration of Causeway's cloud-based solution has positioned MiTek to thrive in a competitive market, ensuring they can continue to deliver exceptional service to their clients.
Looking ahead, MiTek plans to leverage Causeway's advanced features to further optimise their supply chain and explore new opportunities for innovation. By maintaining their commitment to quality and efficiency, MiTek is set to continue its trajectory of success.
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