Shortening Lead Times for Confident Project Planning

Whether you're in the medical, environmental, or industrial sector, knowing when you can expect your engineered products is key to keeping your projects on track. Here are five essential lead time factors to consider that will help you navigate the timeline of your orders with Fluid Metering.

What's the Typical Lead Time? 

Before placing an order, it's important to ask about the standard lead time for the product(s) of interest. This gives you a baseline expectation and helps in initial project scheduling.

Prototypes: While other companies can take up to 3 months, Fluid Metering’s rapid prototyping is available within *10 business days, so customers can start testing. (*Prototype requests are subject to availability of parts and materials. Fluid Metering will confirm availability within 2 business days and provide an estimated shipping date.)

Products Orders: Once you place an order, some pump manufacturers can take 6-12 weeks to fulfill it, but not Fluid Metering! You can usually expect to receive your order within 2-4 weeks.

Customization Considerations

Fluid Metering takes pride in the ability to provide our customers with customized microfluidic solutions catered to their unique project specifications and requirements. Since our designs are very modular, in most cases, all needed components are already designed, enabling shorter lead times. Lead times are only lengthened by customization that requires newly designed components.

Volume Variables: Quantity Matters

The number of units you need can influence lead times. Whether you require one item or a massive bulk quantity, we ensure all orders are managed effectively.

Standard Products:

• Orders of 1-10 pieces: 10-day lead time
• Orders of 11-50 pieces: 20-day lead time
• For quantities over 50, we recommend our customers establish a blanket order to shorten the lead time and ensure that we have enough parts to cover their demand.

Non-Standard Products:

For all non-standard products, we encourage our customers to establish a blanket order or share their forecasted timeline with us, so we can plan accordingly to be able to meet their demand.

Expedited Orders: When Time Is of the Essence

If your project timeline is tight, knowing the options for expediting production or shipping can be a lifesaver.

When a customer informs us that they are in a bind and need parts urgently, we immediately contact our Director of Operations and Production Team to see if we can meet the customer’s expectations. We verify that we have the materials and current availability to squeeze the extra demand into our build plan. Our constant, open communication with our vendors further aids in facilitating this entire process. Usually, we’re able to have a confirmed response within 24 hours.

In the scenario above, a minimal expedited fee would be applied. We also offer different shipping methods including ground and next day air service.

Communication Is Key: Staying Informed

Staying informed allows you to adjust your project plans accordingly. To ensure accuracy and stay on top of production, shipment, and delivery, lead times are reviewed by our team for every RFQ (request for quote) that comes in. We also confirm the delivery time after each order is placed.

External factors such as supply chain disruptions or increased demand can lengthen the delivery schedule. In the event of an unexpected delay, we’ll communicate with you about the newly estimated arrival time. Learn how Fluid Metering stays ahead of the crowd in mitigating risks and securing a dependable supply chain here.

Lead times are a vital component of project management in any industry. Fluid Metering goes above and beyond to provide short lead times that meet our customer demands and expectations. We are committed to providing you with both the highest quality products and the best service. From initial inquiry to final delivery, we're here to support you all the way to project completion. Contact us today to start planning your project schedule with confidence.