Online calculation tool cuts more corners

Unannounced, Kobout already launched its online calculation tool for threaded rods and within ten minutes the first order came in on it. Coincidence or fulfilling a clear need? Either way, it shows that this family business specializing in fasteners is constantly working to make things as easy as possible for its customers. And that with over 25,000 different products in a 13,300 m2 warehouse.

Kobout has been a total supplier of fasteners for 45 years. The family business has an important goal: to unburden its customers. With this firm belief, Kobout regularly develops new services to support all processes associated with the procurement of fasteners. From logistics advice to the most recent innovation: an online calculation tool for threaded ends.

Director Joost Kunst: "Wire rod is supplied as bar material in various lengths. It practically never happens that customers need exactly that length, which means they have two choices: order a standard length and saw it to size themselves or order the desired length from us. Now, as a rule, anything "not standard" costs more time and money, for both parties. With the online configuration tool - as far as I can see unique in our market - we have found an effective solution for this."

Operation

The solution is brilliant in its simplicity: the customer navigates online to the tool on Kobout's website and there enters the necessary data: diameter of the threaded rod, material, length, any surface treatment, the number and the desired delivery time.  

At the touch of a button, the tool calculates the cost. Unrealistic inputs are not accepted. When the customer agrees, he confirms and the order is in the virtual tray of the sawmill as an order. Art: "This cuts several ways: customers can order their threaded rods to size without the intervention of anyone from Kobout. This is therefore faster, easier and can be done at a time that is most convenient for the customer. Because an order can be placed directly online, the delivery time will also be shorter; after all, we can get started right away. For us, of course, it also saves time when orders come in ready-made; we have plenty of sawing capacity with ten sawing machines. There is always a possibility."

With obvious affection, Kunst outlines the sawmill where people with a distance from the labor market perform the sawing work daily with great pleasure and a great sense of responsibility. "Three of the ten saw benches are used by them. And only for jobs where there is no pressure, so they can finish their job in peace. This works great and we are all proud of the final result."

New developments

Although Kobout was already convinced of the usefulness of the online tool, the launch was even better than expected. Art: "We had not yet publicized the tool when it came online, so how great was it to see the first order come in less than ten minutes later!"

Kobout would not be Kobout if possible extensions to the tool were not already being considered. Art is thinking of small mechanical operations such as a straight or bevel. "Other operations such as a bore in a bolt, for example, are more difficult to standardize in a tool. For that, as a workshop, you need a drawing. But possibly we can offer an extra treatment of the saw end such as applying a zinc spray to give this 'open' side extra protection. Incidentally, we clean all sawing parts so that the fastening is always effortless. That too is unburdening. Of course, our sales staff is always available by phone. Each customer can call their own contact person for advice."