Why Change Grinding Wheel Suppliers? The True Cost of Doing Nothing

Congratulations.

If you are reading this article, you might realize that your company could benefit from change. Maybe it has been on your to-do list to explore better grinding wheel options, or maybe you are simply tired of lack of support from your current supplier. Regardless, you’ve made it to the point of googling “diamond grinding wheel supplier” (or similar terms), and are taking action to search for smarter solutions. No matter the path, we are glad you are here.

We realize that when it comes to switching suppliers, fear plays a role. The fear of investment, wasted time, or lack of support have something to do with almost every company’s resistance to change. It is easy to immediately think of the worst-case scenario. You may wonder, “What if this doesn’t work?”.

But have you considered, “What if it does?”

“The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.” – Warren Buffet

This quote sums up everything about our resistance to embrace change – even when it is something that will benefit us, like switching suppliers. We are creatures of habit because we like the familiar.

For example:

You’ve been with your current supplier, ABC Grinding Wheels, for ten years, and even though they don’t have a guaranteed stocking solution, you stay with them because you are too busy to worry about it and it’s just “the way you’ve always done it”. You hope nothing goes wrong. Between meetings and 163 unread emails demanding a reply, looking into a new supplier just isn’t at the top of your list. You also noticed that your diamond wheel could be improved, but you don’t know who to contact. When you call suppliers, it is an endless voicemail loop. When you do talk to someone, you feel pressured to buy. For now, it is not a big deal. It’s easier to keep going, until it isn’t.

But then, your wheel breaks and ABC Grinding Wheels cannot get a diamond wheel to you for weeks. Your production has stopped and your customers are restless. Downtime in manufacturing costs a company in terms of direct labor dollars and additional overhead costs that can be incurred in terms of overtime, expediting costs and parts. This waiting period may also trigger additional waste in the form of manufacturing defects if the waiting triggers a flurry of activity to “catch up”. The chaos results in standard work not being followed, or shortcuts being taken.

As you look back, you also know that had you been able to get more parts manufactured out of ABC’s diamond wheel, you could have increased profits. They did not offer a custom solution or engineer support, so you have no idea if your wheel was actually the best option for your application. Did you leave money on the table?

This is when you are forced to pivot.

Many companies settle for underperforming grinding wheels UNTIL the pain of staying with their current supplier is greater than the pain of searching for a new one.

It doesn’t have to be this way. 

The reality is that you don’t have to wait to experience a major issue to make a change. Being proactive and looking for options beforehand is a smart move. It is commonly thought that reaching out to a new supplier will initiate commitment and pressure to buy. With Eagle, that is not the case. Being able to ask questions is vital to your success, and we understand that. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make the best decision for your company– whether you purchase from us, or not.

Many companies assume that switching suppliers is risky, but have you considered the cost of not switching? The larger risk often comes when companies continue to use an underperforming wheel that ultimately costs you (and your customers) in the long run.

Being that you are a key part of the procurement process , it is crucial to weigh the small potential risk of switching or upgrading suppliers against the significant risk of continuing to use unreliable suppliers and less than ideal grinding wheels. In manufacturing, every choice, purchase, schedule, and cost has major implications down the road. It’s important to be aware of the total cost you’re paying by staying still.

A grinding wheel that performs poorly, a supplier with long lead times, or even lack of timely support can lead to profit loss. Like a dripping sink, the effects aren’t always seen immediately. Until you look back at total loss, it is hard to see what costs you are incurring by not exploring your options. Moreover, it must be taken into account the intangible costs of staying with a supplier who doesn’t deliver. Some of these include a damaged reputation, dissatisfied customers, and the headache of wasted time.

Maybe you are ready to explore a change, but the “what ifs” are keeping you stuck. Does this sound familiar? You’re not alone.

There are many common fears companies have about switching grinding wheel suppliers. Most of these fears come from the unknown:

• Will a new grinding wheel perform as well as the last one?
• What is the testing process? 
• Am I going to experience downtime because of it?
• Are custom options more expensive?
• Will I get support?

Once you decide to evaluate possible issues with your current supplier, reach out for support, and strategize to win, change will happen. In all aspects of change in your business, or personal life, how many times do you say to yourself that you wished you had made “the change” earlier?

When you’re ready, we’re here. Eagle’s engineers are personable, knowledgeable, and ready to help. We offer free consultations to assist you in determining where improvements can be made. Should you decide to make the change to Eagle, you’ll be in great hands. There’s nothing to lose by giving us a call.