Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)
STS Industrial’s Vendor Managed Inventory solutions help customers reduce stockouts, improve efficiency, and keep critical materials available without the burden of constant manual ordering. By aligning replenishment with real usage, our VMI programs support stronger inventory control, improved visibility, and more efficient day-to-day operations.
Whether your team depends on fasteners, gaskets or other essential industrial products, STS helps ensure the right items are stocked and ready when you need them.
Reduced Downtime
Keep critical materials available and avoid delays caused by missing inventory.
Better Inventory Control
Gain clearer visibility into usage, replenishment, and stocking levels across locations.
Flexible Replenishment
Support replenishment strategies based on usage history, bin capacity, and operational need.
Full Traceability
Maintain confidence with lot tracking, barcoded materials, and accessible documentation.
What Is Vendor Managed Inventory?
Vendor Managed Inventory is a proactive supply solution in which STS Industrial monitors, manages, and replenishes inventory based on your usage patterns and operational requirements. Instead of relying on reactive ordering or spending valuable time tracking inventory manually, your team benefits from a structured inventory program designed to keep critical products available.
This approach is especially valuable in environments where supply interruptions can lead to lost time, added cost, and unnecessary frustration. VMI gives customers better control over inventory while simplifying purchasing and supporting more reliable operations.
How VMI Works
On-Site Setup
Inventory locations are set up to fit your operation, whether that includes bins, shelving, or point-of-use supply areas.
Usage Tracking
Stock levels are monitored based on actual consumption, helping reduce shortages, overstock, and guesswork.
Scan & Upload
Users open the VMI app on a smartphone, scan required items, and upload the completed order directly from the field or facility.
Packed by Location
Material is packed and shipped directly to the correct site or stocking location for faster, easier restocking.
Program Flexibility & PO Options
Support for Multiple Locations
VMI programs can support multiple sites and multiple stocking locations within each site. Each unit can maintain its own setup with separate usage tracking and reporting for clearer visibility and better control.
Flexible PO Structure
Customers may use one unique purchase order per order or a single blanket PO per site or unit. Each site or unit can also maintain its own blanket PO when needed.
Inventory Control & Stocking Levels
Min/Max Levels
Stocking levels can be established using historical usage, unit or plant data, and bin capacity to support a more accurate inventory strategy.
Ongoing Adjustments
STS can regularly review and update min/max levels based on usage history so stocking stays aligned with changing demand over time.
Critical Parts Coverage
Higher stocking levels can be maintained for critical parts when additional availability is needed to support uptime and reduce risk.
Simple Scan-to-Replenish Ordering
Consecutive Scanning
Unique bin IDs make restocking easier and can be location-specific or serialized. Multiple VMI locations can be scanned consecutively, and each location generates its own separate order for accuracy and cleaner fulfillment.
50% Fill Scan Logic
A bin location can be configured so one scan represents 50% of maximum fill. If a bin is half full, one scan signals replenishment to full. If it is nearly empty, two quick scans indicate a full refill is needed.
Once submitted, material is packed and shipped directly to the correct site or location. Packing lists can include PO number, job number, contact name, and ship-to address, and materials can be labeled by bin location for easier restocking upon arrival.
Products Managed Through VMI
Common Product Categories
- Fasteners, including bolts, nuts, washers, and related hardware
- Gaskets and sealing solutions for critical applications
Connected Supply Support
VMI is most effective when it is tied directly to the products your team uses every day. Linking these categories within the page helps visitors move naturally into your broader product offering while reinforcing the range of industrial support STS provides.
Quality, Traceability & Documentation
Barcoded Inventory
Materials can be barcoded and stored in unique locations to support isolation, tracking, and inventory accuracy.
Lot Tracking
Full material traceability is maintained from receipt to delivery, with lot numbers labeled on delivered material.
MTR Availability
Material Test Reports are available for all heat-treated items to support quality assurance and documentation needs.
Electronic Certificates
Certificates can be stored electronically and provided with order headers for easier access and recordkeeping.
For customers looking to further streamline sourcing and operations, STS Industrial also supports custom manufacturing and additional value-added services designed to improve efficiency across the supply chain.
Ready to Simplify Inventory Management?
STS Industrial can help you build a Vendor Managed Inventory program that improves efficiency, supports uptime, and keeps your team focused on the job instead of chasing materials.