GALVANISES SUPPLY CHAIN
Since VITAL NEWS reported on ‘ FPS Super Branches ’ to boost customer reach in 2014 , FPS continues to reinforce its supply chain network with the streamlining of inventory for same-day parts and adds 3 more Super Branches to the list .
As technology continues to advance , product ranges in the automotive industry are expanding faster than ever . This has led to a greater demand in aftermarket variety where the supply chain is expected to be ever-ready to provide same-day support despite time and space constraints . The challenge of ensuring that the right products are always stocked , has escalated .
FPS continually seeks to narrow the gap between motor factors and the products that they need to serve customers better . Following the marked improvement of product availability , delivery frequencies and stock profiling as a result of the initial Super Branches , FPS has added new Super Branches in Southampton , Cardiff , Newcastle and Barking , to expand the reach of branch availability across the UK . Furthermore , FPS has recently injected £ 200,000 worth of stock into the smaller branches across the network to ensure that if the customer wants the part on the same 120 day , they will receive that part , on the same day .
ROTATING ELECTRICS
THE SCIENCE OF PRECISION STOCKING
FPS operates out of a network of 23 sites and carries more than 120,000 product lines covering automotive parts , maintenance & accessories and travel & leisure . On top of having the breadth of range , it is important to maintain needlepoint precision in stock organisation and coordination .
1500 SHOCK ABSORBERS
• GLASGOW
LIVERPOOL •
CARDIFF • • BRISTOL
CASCADING SUPPLIES AND SALES
• NEWCASTLE
• LEEDS
• BIRMINGHAM
£ 200K STOCK INJECTION IN BRANCHES
• SOUTHAMPTON
1500 NGK PLUGS
COLCHESTER •
• BARKING
While FPS branches come in varying sizes , capacities , customer bases , resources and van runs , the expectation to maintain excellent and reliable service stays at the same high standard . With the National Distribution Centre in Sheffield at the core of all logistical operations , the Super Branches are designed to bring greater stock variety closer to the customers .
Different parts carry a different level of urgency . Being known as a reliable same-day business , the shelves of FPS branches are under constant scrutiny to ensure that they are well optimised to match the demands of customers .
Every year since the launch of the Super Branches , FPS has reviewed the performance of all parts to identify those in demand and the ones that are needed urgently . The findings from these valuation reviews allow FPS to strategically shift and house the correct stock in their branches .
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BRAKE CALIPERS
The next step to ensure a more efficient supply chain is to improve the quality of stock on the shelves of the smaller branches . By stocking known volumes and parts that have been identified as suitable based on sales history and sales potential , FPS is stocking deeper locally in each individual pareto . Smaller branches now have more of the ‘ right ’ stock in place to serve motor factors better .
TODAY AND TOMORROW
950 COIL
As automotive technology continues to evolve ,
SPRINGS
FPS works hard to provide the best service in the aftermarket . By fortifying the supply chain through a proactive approach to fine-tuning branch and stock analytics , FPS aims to spot a market trend before it catches on to live up to the FPS promise – we deliver .
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 44 FPS SUPER BRANCHES 13