March, April, May Newsletter 2016
Posted: May 17, 2016 Filed under: DPA, MarketShift, NJMEP, SBA Emerging Leaders, Supply chain - manufacturing | Tags: aerogistics, Certificate of conformance, supply chain Leave a comment| Newsletter
Volume 18 May 18, 2016 March, April, May News Greetings and Happy Spring! Can you believe we are almost one third into 2016! On the business front, although the March PMI® index rose to 51.8% up from 48.2% in January, the April PMI® fell to 50.8%, and the outlook in manufacturing remains mixed. April’s PMI® highlights are that new orders and production is growing, employment and inventories are contracting, and supplier deliveries are faster. In this issue, we will cover some of the amazing resources available to the manufacturing and supply chain community. INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. SBA EMERGING LEADERS-RUTGERS CASE STUDY 2. MANUFACTURING RESOURCE ROUNDUP 3. WHAT THE HECK IS A CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE? 4 MF SUPPLY JOINS DPA 5. GOING LEAN? SBA EMERGING LEADERS-RUTGERS CASE STUDY April 27 was my final presentation from The RCG (Rutgers Business School Consulting Group). I received a 30 page report with a few strong recommendations for growth. The RCG recommends that MF Supply expands our web site and offers ecommerce for our top products, starting yesterday. They also projected that we will have the best ROI with email marketing rather than Social Media programs like Facebook and Twitter. So we have begun reworking our website and you will start seeing more emails from us. Please let us know what topics turn you on vs. what tunes you out. Check out our newly edited About Us section and let us know what you think. How important is e-commerce for you and your company as a buyer and as a seller? Do you prefer to shop online or by emailing in your Purchase Orders? And how about on the sales side? Do your customers want to buy your products on-line? Are your main competitors online? All the industry experts say that industrial buyers are starting to expect their work buying experience to resemble their personal buying experience. I am curious to know your thoughts. Interesting note for anyone working with buyers with “Set Aside” or “Diverse” buying requirements (hint: think the government) – the RCG hit a dead end while exploring leveraging MF Supply’s WOSB and WBE Certification as a differentiator. Too bad – the certification process was a ton of paperwork! If anyone out there is finding success differentiating yourself as a Small, Women, Minority, Veteran or other Disadvantaged business, I’d love to know how! And, a big thank you to the SBA for connecting me to Rutgers and many other resources. |
| MANUFACTURERS RESOURCE ROUNDUP
NJMEP Programs – Since I last wrote, I’ve attended 2 NJMEP workshops on Lean and Six Sigma. I highly recommend connecting with your state MEP. We also hired experts from the NJMEP to lead the MF team through their Destination Innovation program. Funded in part by the DOD, this program is intended to help companies in the Defense Department Supply chain grow in commercial sectors as DOD spending has decreased. They gave us tools to help define our unique value proposition and spur product innovation. One idea that came up was the concept of inventory planning for our customers. I will be reaching out to you to gauge your interest in having MF Supply help you do inventory forecasting as a value added service. Free Employee Training – Did you know there is free training available to your employees through state funded Workforce Development programs? During the first 2 weeks in May, we sent Dave & Andy to Excel training at Bergen Community College in Paramus, compliments of the NJ taxpayers! Thanks everyone for helping us learn and grow! Email us to create a pivot table for you (just kidding!). For more info about available programs in NJ, email Louisa Emirzian at lemirzian@bergen.edu. Commerce and Industry Manufacturing Roundtable – On March 14, I participated in the CIANJ sponsored Manufacturing Roundtable at Triangle Manufacturing in Saddle River. It’s a super cool facility that makes custom prosthetics and many other precision parts. We learned that the State of NJ is developing workforce programs and making investments in the following industries: Advanced manufacturing, Logistics and Supply Chain. Check out their Manufacturing Resource book for some great info. Women in Manufacturing – A new chapter of WIM is being launched right here in New Jersey! The first meeting was held at Sandvik Coromant on April 27th. If you know any women in manufacturing, please send them my way, I’d love to recruit them to join me and the growing NJ chapter. Amazon in NJ – Amazon is opening 2 distribution centers right here in NJ and is planning to hire over 2000 people. It’s not manufacturing, but it is logistics, which is a growth industry in NJ. Very exciting! What is Aerogistics? – Did you know that aerospace is growing and so are their logistic needs and supply chains? Hence, a new term: “Aerogistics” is coined. Check out the amazing resources available through UPS that help inform on market trends and solutions in the aerospace logistics world. |
| WHAT THE HECK IS A COC?
Do you or your customers require a COC for your products? Do you know if they are asking for a Certificate of Compliance or a Certificate of Conformance? In April we attended Webinar training from the Fastener Training Institute which clarified some of the most common concepts when it comes to Certifications, Test Reports and Lot Traceability. Here are a few definitions for your enjoyment: Certificate of Conformance – a record affirming a fastener has met the requirements of the relevant specification, contract or regulation. Certificate of Compliance – a Certification of Conformance signed by an authorized party. Material Test Report – a record signed by an authorized party, attesting the raw material is in accordance with specified requirements, including the actual results of required chemical analysis tests and examinations. Lot – a batch of one part number, submitted for inspection at one time. The “lot” has been made from the same batch of raw material and parts have been produced together under the same conditions and heat treatment process. |
| MF SUPPLY JOINS DPA
As a member of the DPA Industrial family, MF Supply can now help you with more product categories and pass along fabulous savings on many more items including:
Please email me at sales@mfsupply.com to request a full catalog. We’re eager to see if we can help save you time and money by becoming a single source for more of your industrial needs. |
| GOING LEAN REVISITED
So far this year I have attended informational training in the disciplines of Six Sigma, Lean Operations and Production and Inventory Management planning. We are determining which area has the best ROI – for ourselves and our customers and are interested in your feedback. Are the members of your team certified in any of these areas? Have you gotten value from your continuing education and are you using it to make improvements in your company? I’d love to hear from you regarding this topic. Regards, Robin Lieberman President robin@mfsupply.com |
Newsletter – January / February 2016
Posted: February 11, 2016 Filed under: DFARS, MS16995, MS16996, NAS1351, NJMEP, SBA Emerging Leaders, Socket Head Cap Screw, Uncategorized | Tags: MS16995, MS16996, NAS1351, NAS1352, Socket Head Cap Screw Leave a comment|
Newsletter Volume 18 February 12, 2016 January / February News
Greetings and Happy February! We started 2016 fast out of the gate and are ramping up for a strong Q1, despite a PMI index of 48.2%, reports of contraction in the manufacturing sector and the volatility that sometimes occurs during election years. I hope you are experiencing growth!
Today, I am continuing our discussion on thought leadership within the American Manufacturing community. Additionally, I am glad to get back to our “What the Heck Is that” roots and put the spotlight on one of our best-selling products, the Socket Head Cap Screw.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. SBA EMERGING LEADERS
2. WHAT THE HECK IS A SOCKET HEAD CAP SCREW?
3. MANUFACTURING ROUNDTABLE AND THE NJMEP
4. MF SUPPLY JOINS DPA
5. GOING LEAN?
Since graduating on October 27, I have been introduced to many amazing resources. One exciting development I wanted to share with you is that MF Supply was selected as a case study class for Rutgers Business School. What does that mean, you ask? Well, between now and April 20th, a group of smart and creative Rutgers MBA candidates are analyzing MF Supply and our marketplace. They will use BIG DATA and other tools, and present recommendations including an ROI on where we should focus our energies to grow. One of their initial thoughts was that MF Supply should be targeting companies with Set-Aside needs or Diverse buying initiatives. If you hadn’t heard, MF Supply is a WBE and WOSB certified business, which means if your customer has Set Aside needs, we should be talking! I am so excited for this project and am thankful to the SBA for connecting me to Rutgers and other resources.
If you are curious to know more about the SBA-EL program (in NJ or your state), or think you or someone you know might benefit from participating, please check out these two articles about the program inNJBIZ and American Entrepreneurship Today to find out more. To apply, please email Dominick.Belfiore@sba.gov and tell him I sent you!
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 Socket Head Cap Screws or socket caps, which are sometimes referred to by their trademarked name “Allen” screws, have become the standard among high strength fasteners needed to withstand the faster speeds and higher pressure of today’s machines, instruments and assemblies. They are externally threaded, with a cylindrical head with a flat chamfered top, and a hexagonal recess for internal wrenching.
Who uses Socket Head Cap Screws?
Because of their cylindrical shaped heads and internal wrenching installation method, socket cap screws need less space than alternative fasteners. This makes socket caps ideal for precision assembly work with close tolerances and applications that need a well tooled appearance.
Common uses include machine parts, die fixtures and assemblies.
Why use a Socket Cap vs a Hex Head Cap Screw?
We don’t want to play favorites, but here are a few advantages of using socket caps:
Size matters– The smaller socket head enables driving where there is not sufficient space for wrenches or sockets. In addition, Socket caps are available off the shelf starting as small as 0-80 diameter and are commonly available to diameter 1-1/2-6. Hex Head Cap screws start at 1/4-20 diameter.
Strength – Alloy Steel Socket Caps, though not measured in grades, provide greater tensile strength than equivalent size Grade 5 or Grade 8 steel Hex Head Cap screws. i.e. 1/4-20 Socket cap=180k psi min, 1/4-20 Hex Head Grade 5 =120k psi min, 1/4-20 Hex Head Grade 8 =150k psi min.
Torque – The 6 flat surfaces within the recess allow for high torquing without damaging the head, and with no side clearance restrictions or additional wrench space.
Thread fit- Socket products generally have a 3A thread fit. 3A threads have restrictive tolerances often used where safety is a critical design consideration. Hex Head Cap Screws are generally class 2A. 2A threads offer a combination of performance, economy, and convenience. Nearly 90% of all commercial and industrial fasteners have a 2A fit.
Economy – Socket Cap heads are smaller, hence, the size of the component parts can be reduced, reducing material costs. Smaller parts cost less to drill and tap, take less energy to drive, and weigh less than alternatives.
What options are available?
The most common variables are the head style, diameter and thread, length, material and plating or finish. Socket caps can also be captivated, vented, patched or pelleted. Below are some of the most common options:
HEAD STYLES
There are 4 main available head styles, and each serves a slightly different purpose. All commercial Socket Caps conform to ASME B18.3.
Standard Head – the standard in Socket Head Cap Screws (ASTM A574, F835, DIN912)
Low Head – Use in parts too thin for standard height heads and where clearance is limited (DIN7984)
Flat Head – Countersunk heads at 82 degrees provide maximum flushness and side wall contact (ASTM F835, F879, DIN7991)
Button Head – For use in materials too thin to countersink (ASTM F835, F879, DIN7380)
DRIVES
The most common and readily available drive style is a hexagonal socket drive, however, Socket Caps may also be available in security pin-in-hex, pin-in-torx, or six-lobe torx versions in certain sizes and materials.
Are there other factors to consider?
Of course! “Steel” Socket Caps off the shelf are alloy steel black oxide through heat treatment and come oiled. If you need greater corrosion resistance or a different look than black, consider stainless steel or zinc plating.
If you are considering zinc plated Socket Caps, proceed with caution! Because of their tight tolerances and 3A fit, zinc plating a Socket Cap will often change the thread fit to a commercial nut fit. If you need a 3A fit, you must specify that on your purchase order so the factory can meet your thread fit needs when creating and plating your screws.
Beyond color and plating, there are always other factors to consider, such as: domestic or import, commercial or mil-spec, with or without sprinkles :). And remember, Socket Head Cap Screws can also show up under their most popular domestic brand names (Holo-krome) and mil-spec number (MS16995, MS16996, NAS1351 and NAS1352). If you have any questions, please reach out and ask!
Socket Head Cap Screws available at MF Supply
Here at MF Supply, we offer:
For more detailed information on Socket Head Cap Screws, visit us at http://www.mfsupply.com/category_s/1869.htm
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MANUFACTURERS ROUNDTABLE – NJMEP
Did you ever get an invitation that piqued your interest, and show up at an event wondering if it would be worth your time? On January 27, I said yes to an NJMEP invitation to a Manufacturers Roundtable, hosted by Bergen Community College. I am so glad I went!
Assemblyman Gary Schaer, along with 30 manufacturers, educators and other advocates discussed ways we can support manufacturing in NJ. Many connections were made, and last week, a group of 10 of the students from Bergen’s current CNC training class visited MF Supply to learn more about the Supply chain. They were a bright, motivated and very impressive group of students. If you are hiring, great! I’d love to connect you to the team at Bergen Community College.
And get yourself on the NJMEP (or if you are outside of NJ, contact your state’s MEP) email list to find out about relevant events and programs that just might be a difference maker for your business.
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On November 1, 2015 we were officially welcomed into the DPA Industrial family. What does this mean for our customers? We can now help you with more product categories and pass along fabulous savings on many more items including:
Please contact me to set up a meeting to see if we can help save you time and money by becoming a single source for more of your industrial needs.
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GOING LEAN
Since our core values include striving for achievement, self improvement and growth, we are exploring Lean certification. Is being Lean one of your initiatives? Check out this inspirational video about how Lean processes lead to immediate improvements in a NYC foodbank. Enjoy the video by clicking here!
Regards,
Robin Lieberman
President
P.S. We are closed on February 15 in observance of President’s Day. Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy long weekend and Valentine’s Day from the entire team here at MF Supply.
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November 2015 Newsletter
Posted: November 17, 2015 Filed under: AWMI, DPA, Manufacturing Day, MarketShift, SBA Emerging Leaders, Supply chain - manufacturing Leave a commentNewsletter
Volume 17
November 17, 2015
NOVEMBER NEWS
It’s been a few months since our last update, but I am back and ready to finish the year strong! With less than 45 days left before we welcome in 2016, we have a lot to do and many exciting updates to share.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
- SBA EMERGING LEADERS
- NJ MARKETSHIFT
- AWMI – NUCOR STEEL MILL TOUR
- RECAP OF MFG DAY
- MF SUPPLY JOINS DPA
- COMIC RELIEF
In our last issue, I discussed some of MF Supply’s current initiatives, including 1) Building upon our business relationships; 2) Growing our business through referrals & alliance partners and 3) Thought leadership and helping the American manufacturing community grow.
Today, I am reaching out regarding initiative #3.
On October 27, along with 17 other NJ business leaders, I graduated from the NJ SBA Emerging Leaders class of 2015. Woo hoo! What a great accomplishment. I learned so much, including how to read and use financial statements and ratios, the difference between a prime and a subcontractor, ways to market to each and much much more! If you are interested, I am happy to share my 3 year growth plan and program highlights with you.
If you are curious to know more about the program or think you or someone you know might benefit from participating, please check out these two articles about the program in NJBIZ and American Entrepreneurship Today to find out more.
Are you part of the Aerospace & Defense Industry supply chain? If so, I recommend you get to know the NJMarketShift program. If you haven’t heard, NJIT was awarded a $5.67M (not a typo!!) grant to create MarketShift. Under the leadership of the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), they will use the money to change the face of the New Jersey Aerospace & Defense (A&D) industry. How, you ask? By helping members to:
- Build new alliances
- Find new customers
- Create new products
- Explore new markets
Since I was curious to see the program in action, on September 17, I attended the MarketShift NE NJ Design Forum at Sandvik Coromant in Fairlawn. Along with a group of about 50 attendees, I was introduced to MarketShift Intelligence, a database being developed to help fulfill NJ MarketShift’s mission. The application mines the New Jersey A&D supplier network for intelligence tailored to answer specific questions and drive action regarding potential alternative customers, partners, suppliers, markets, and technologies.
My key take away from this event was that the team at MarketShift is creatively looking to help the A&D Supply chain grow and there are many ways they can help. The Sandvik event was just one of the ways MarketShift delivers on its goal to increase the strength of NJ’s A&D economy in the global marketplace. So exciting!
If I’ve piqued your interest, let me know. I can hook you up with the right people to talk to. And by the way, Sandvik Coromant is an amazing company with extensive training and knowledge resources for manufacturers. Check out the training offered at their Fairlawn location.
I’d also love to hear from you if you have attended any of the Sandvik trainings.
Have you ever thought about how steel bar is made? On September 10, I visited my first steel mill (Nucor), along with 22 associates from the AWMI (The Association of Women in Metal – yes, it’s a real group). What an eye-opening experience! Nucor, a family of 200 facilities, is the largest manufacturer of steel products in North America. So awesome! GM Doyle Hopper talked with us about Nucor way (safety first!) and Nucor’s position in the global steel market.
The highlight for me was the tour of Nucor’s Wallingford, CT plant where they manufacture up to 300,000 tons of wire rod and rebar and 85,000 tons of wire and structural mesh a year. Wowser! I watched in fascination as superhot glowing metal traveled along a conveyor system beneath and then next to us, changing its size and shape as it went.
If you would like to find out more about AWMI (which is 40% men by the way!), please contact Marianne Steiner @ marianne@steinerind.com.
Did you participate in National Manufacturing Day on October 2nd? Here in New Jersey, 400+ attendees gathered at The Palace in Somerset, NJ for the annual Made in New Jersey event.
The celebration is designed to expand knowledge about and improve the general public’s perception of manufacturing careers and the industry’s value to the economy. Get the full recap and meet the winners, presented on the NJMEP website. Manufacturing is 8% of NJs GDP after all!
On November 1, 2015 we were officially welcomed into the DPA Industrial family. What does this mean for our customers? We can now help you with more product categories and pass along fabulous savings on many more items including:
- Industrial
- Safety Equipment & Clothing
- Packaging
- Janitorial
Please contact me to set up a meeting to see if we can help save you time and money by becoming a single source for more of your industrial needs.
COMIC RELIEF
Regards,
Robin Lieberman
President
P.S. We are closed on November 26-27 in observance of Thanksgiving. Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday from the entire team here at MF Supply.