Introduction

The British Fluid Power Distributors Association (BFPDA) is the national trade association for the distribution of hydraulic and pneumatic components and systems. The products are used in a diverse range of customer industries varying from mobile construction equipment, aerospace and transport applications to machinery used in industries such as food processing and packaging.

Distribution forms over 30% of UK business. The majority of fluid power distribution companies being small and owner managed. As such, in the main they have received little formal management training. They are often constrained by limited resources and available time.

Project Summary

We were approached initially to make an impartial analysis of the distribution sector and the supply chain through the manufacturers and the customers. The objectives were to apply our management training expertise to the fluid power distribution industry to provide a cost-effective opportunity to companies to assess their own performance and thereby raise the status of the industry.

The BEST project essentially was a research exercise using benchmarking to assess Business Excellence. It was based on the model developed by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). The technique in effect enables a company to identify its strengths and weaknesses and to compare itself with the best practice in the industry and to highlight those aspects of their day-to-day business where they need to take action.

Through a series of detailed questionnaires the initial study enabled distributors to look at the main factors affecting their businesses and their relationships with their suppliers and customers. The research questionnaires used in the exercise were subsequently augmented by a series of workshops enabling companies to discuss their findings and to learn from each others experiences.

It was clear from the exercise that there was a need for some form of management support pack. This was made available to all distributors within BFPDA thereby providing benefits on a day- to-day basis. The support packs were warmly welcomed and augmented with further workshops and offers of assistance with advice and training to individual companies.