By Dan Starbuck, director, Star Fasteners
Despite the challenging economic conditions, at Star Fasteners we believe 2020 is still a year for opportunities and we are looking to embrace new challenges.
The fasteners market is greatly affected by the European and global economy and figures from quarter four of 2019 indicated that the first few months were always going to be a challenge. However, against a backdrop of slowing global economic growth, BREXIT, and Covid-19, there are still opportunities to develop as a business.
Digital transformation is a real challenge and is gaining in importance. As a business it is changing how we evolve and develop our working methods to become more responsive and efficient. We are adapting so that we can supply the service and immediate stock availability that our customers are demanding.
Innovation and creativity are also key factors and have always been part of Star Fasteners core business process. We can supply unique products and services that make us stand apart from other fastener distributors.
One key area that is quickly evolving is the need for traceability in the supply chain. We have batch and barcode traceability and using the latest software we are able to continue to drive efficiency, optimise stock holdings and availability.
Environmental concerns and climate change have seen new regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, which have driven companies to adapt their production processes and efficiencies. Customer expectations are rising and to remain competitive, OEMs are demanding higher quality from their suppliers. The Huck® advanced fastener range has always been a product that has been able to meet the need of shifting manufacturing preferences.
As a business we have also adapted our technology and integrated cloud-based software solutions, so that we can run our business from virtually anywhere. These solutions have brought together all of the data into a secure cloud environment, allowing employees and customers to easily access and share data and communicate in ‘real time’.
The way we consult and communicate with both our customers and suppliers is also continuously adapting. As a direct result of the Covid-19 restrictions, it quickly became apparent that a great deal of work can in fact be carried out remotely. We have been able to connect our teams and customers via online web-conferences, or video solutions like Skype and Facetime, as well as using Social media platforms. We are doing all we can to provide the best possible customer service experience available. This has even involved sending out emails with video attachments so that customers can receive technical training and watch how they can prepare a tool to install Huck fasteners used to manufacture additional hospital temporary buildings.
All of these risks and changes are connected and relate to one another. It is our mission as a leading fastener distributor to manage and embrace the challenges ahead. This will put us in a better position to ride out any storm, and hopefully rise above it.
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 12 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector – interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe. Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the brand is renowned.
