Benchmark gains operational visibility with Lead Time Technology

21 May '08

4 min read

Within days of going live, we were able to identify inventory reduction opportunities due to optimal targets set by the tools, increased visibility to our planning horizons, and integrated operations planning for production and distribution."

Benchmark Rings, based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, manufactures and distributes high quality wedding rings through retailers across the country.

For more than 40 years, Benchmark Rings is recognized for its introduction of the "Comfort Fit" design that allows for a better fit since the inside of the ring is curved so that it doesn't cut into your finger during wear.

Benchmark Rings is also one of the few manufacturers to master the technology behind precision-setting. This process allows as much of the diamond's surface to be displayed while also providing superior security for the stones.

Faced with growing challenges to managing the complexity of its supply chain, rising inventory costs due to the price of precious metals and increasing transportation costs, Benchmark selected Lead Time Technology's newly released FastForward to improve operations planning, optimize inventory, better utilize its production resources, and improve forecast accuracy.

"We looked at a lot of different applications and vendors," said A.J. Tosyali, "but, in the end, LTT offered us the sophistication of highly specialized mathematics and process techniques in an affordable offering that specifically addressed our requirements. The product was implemented rapidly, with minimal staff training, and on budget with results exceeding our expectations."

FastForward considers all business processes, constraints, costs, and business objectives to determine the most profitable flow of materials and utilization of resources for any given planning horizon.

FastForward can be implemented at any type of manufacturer or distributor and is designed to be a low risk and cost tool to support manufacturers' and distributors' business planning needs including:
- Improve customer service - anticipates customer orders.
- Lower inventory - make only what is needed
- Improve data visibility across the supply chain
- Improve resource productivity and utilization
- Liberate working capital and increase revenue
- Daily make/move recommendations based on available inventory, forecast and orders on the books for every SKU at every factory or warehouse
- Easy to use reports and graphics for every level of the organization
- Pays for itself in less than six months!

"Benchmark Rings, as its name implies, is the benchmark for quality and precision in the wedding ring market," said Mike Bonelli, president of Lead Time Technology.

"With their implementation of FastForward, we are pleased to support their leadership and competitive advantage by setting new benchmarks for manufacturing and supply chain excellence in the jewelry industry."

Lead Time Technology

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