ST2400 Sourcing for Adhesive Lines

An adhesive line that stops for want of binder costs more in a day than a year of price negotiation saves. Sourcing is therefore a reliability question first.

Supply Reliability

Ask how the supplier handles peak demand and what stock position they hold for regular customers. A supplier who allocates during peaks is a risk to your line.

Two approved grades with one primary and one backup is a reasonable hedge for a high-volume product, provided both are validated in the recipe.

Documentation

A certificate of analysis per batch, a safety data sheet and a statement of composition cover most markets. Ask which of them the supplier produces automatically and which have to be requested.

Keep the technical file for the grade alongside the product file. When a customer audits your plant, both are requested together.

Order Rhythm

Set a standing order rhythm and adjust the volume, rather than placing irregular orders and hoping for capacity. Rhythm is what makes a supplier hold stock for you.

Review the rhythm against your production plan each quarter, and give the supplier the forecast rather than the surprise.