What makes an item a dead stock liability
Every business that deals with physical inventory—whether in manufacturing, retail, or distribution—faces the challenge of dead stock. These are items that sit in storage, don’t sell, and tie up valuable...
When to switch suppliers due to fulfillment performance
A reliable supplier is the backbone of any business. But what happens when fulfillment performance starts to slip? Late deliveries, incorrect orders, or inconsistent quality can disrupt your operations and...
Characteristics of ASTM A992 vs A36 for beams
When selecting structural steel beams for construction projects, two of the most common material specifications are ASTM A992 and ASTM A36. Both are widely used in buildings, bridges, and infrastructure,...
Common value-added processes: shearing, sawing, plasma
In the metals industry, value-added processes improve raw materials by cutting, shaping, or preparing them for final use. Among the most commonly used processes are shearing, sawing, and plasma cutting—each...
Differences between structural and mechanical tubing
If you’re working with steel tubing, you may come across two common types: structural tubing and mechanical tubing. While they may look similar, they have different properties, applications, and manufacturing...
Heat-treatable vs non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys
Aluminum is a highly versatile metal, used across industries like aerospace, automotive, construction, and manufacturing. But not all aluminum alloys are the same—some can be strengthened through heat treatment, while...
How stainless reacts to chlorides in coastal areas
Stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance, making it a popular choice for construction, marine, and industrial applications. However, in coastal areas, the high concentration of chlorides (salt) in...
How to set safety stock levels for volatile demand items
Managing volatile demand items is challenging—demand spikes unexpectedly, lead times fluctuate, and stockouts can disrupt operations. That’s why setting the right safety stock levels is essential to ensure availability without...
Price volatility in stainless due to nickel markets
Stainless steel prices are heavily influenced by nickel markets, making them highly volatile compared to other steel products. Since nickel is a key alloying element in stainless steel, fluctuations in...
Stainless steel passivation and when it’s required
Stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance, but did you know that it still requires passivation to maintain its durability? Even though stainless steel naturally forms a protective oxide...
