Problems solved.
Results delivered.

Real examples of supply chain challenges identified, solved, and prevented from recurring.

Case Studies

Situations like yours.
Solutions that worked.

These case studies reflect real types of challenges encountered across industrial clients. Specific company names are kept confidential.

⚠ Client names withheld by confidentiality agreement
Sugar Manufacturing · Supplier Qualification
Replacing a failing overseas casting supplier mid-season
A sugar mill was receiving wear castings from a single overseas supplier that had begun shipping out-of-spec parts. With harvest season approaching, a qualified alternative was needed fast — without disrupting the production schedule.
  • Two alternative foundries identified and qualified within 30 days
  • Sample production, dimensional inspection, and hardness testing coordinated
  • Parallel production runs managed to ensure inventory coverage through harvest
  • Supplier scorecard system established for ongoing quality tracking
Heavy Industry · Logistics Optimization
Cutting lead times by 6 weeks on critical forged components
An industrial manufacturer was experiencing chronic delays on forged parts from an Asian supplier, causing downstream production bottlenecks. The root cause was a combination of poor production scheduling communication and inefficient freight routing.
  • Production communication cadence with overseas supplier restructured
  • Freight routing shifted from transpacific consolidation to direct service
  • Rolling 90-day purchase order system tied to production forecasts implemented
  • Average lead time reduced from 18 weeks to 12 weeks
Importer · Tariff & Cost Reduction
Identifying $180,000+ in annual tariff overpayment on industrial imports
A mid-sized industrial importer had been classifying a product category under a broad HTS code for years without reviewing whether more favorable classifications applied. A systematic audit revealed significant overpayment and compliance risk.
  • Full HTS classification review conducted across all active import SKUs
  • Misclassified product categories eligible for lower duty rates identified
  • Coordination with customs broker to file corrected entries and reclaim duties
  • Classification review built into standard procurement process going forward
$180K+
Annual duty savings identified
3
Misclassified product categories
6 wks
Time to complete audit
Mining · Supplier Diversification
Building a dual-source strategy for mission-critical wear parts
A mining operation was sole-sourced on wear liner components from a single overseas foundry. When that supplier announced a 4-month capacity constraint, there was no backup — and no time to build one without risking a production shutdown.
  • Secondary supplier in a different sourcing region emergency-qualified
  • Production allocation split between primary and secondary source negotiated
  • Safety stock program built to protect against future single-source risk
  • Dual-source strategy documented as standard operating procedure
Distributor · Process Development
Building a procurement process from scratch for a growing importer
A fast-growing industrial distributor had scaled to $4M in annual imports with no formal procurement process, no supplier documentation standards, and no visibility into landed cost or supplier performance.
  • Supplier onboarding and qualification documentation framework designed
  • Landed cost calculation model covering freight, duties, and fees built
  • Supplier scorecard and annual review process created
  • Internal team trained on procurement workflow and documentation standards
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What types of companies do you work with? +
Primarily manufacturers, industrial companies, importers, distributors, and construction-related businesses that purchase products internationally. Clients typically range from $1M to $50M+ in annual procurement spend and either lack a dedicated sourcing expert or need specialized support on a specific challenge.
What does a typical engagement look like? +
Every engagement starts with a discovery call to understand the situation. From there, a scope of work is proposed with defined deliverables, timeline, and fees. Engagements range from focused project work (a supplier audit, a logistics review) to longer-term advisory relationships. Open-ended retainers without clear deliverables aren't offered.
How are your fees structured? +
Fees are project-based or retainer-based depending on the scope. For defined projects (a supplier search, an import compliance audit, a procurement process build), a fixed fee is quoted. For ongoing advisory work, monthly retainer arrangements are available. All fees are agreed upfront — no surprises.
Do you work with companies outside of Florida? +
Yes. Based in Tampa, Florida, but serving clients across the United States. Most work can be conducted remotely — supplier research, logistics analysis, procurement process development, and compliance review don't require on-site presence. For situations where a site visit would add value, travel is available.
Can you help us find new overseas suppliers? +
Yes. Supplier identification and qualification is one of the core services offered. Research spans suppliers across Asia, South America, and North America depending on your product type and requirements. Existing relationships in several industrial manufacturing categories can accelerate the search and qualification process.
What industries do you have the most experience in? +
The deepest experience is in sugar manufacturing, cement production, mining, and heavy industry — specifically around castings, forgings, fabrications, and wear-resistant components. That said, the core skills of supplier qualification, logistics management, and import compliance apply broadly across industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Do you help with customs and import compliance? +
Yes. Current HTS classifications can be reviewed, misclassification risk identified, tariff exposure analyzed, and coordination with your customs broker handled to ensure your import process is both compliant and cost-optimized. Note that this service is advisory — Dylan is not a licensed customs broker, but works closely with licensed brokers as part of every engagement.
How quickly can you start? +
Typically within one to two weeks of completing a discovery call and agreeing on scope. For urgent situations — like a supplier failure or an incoming shipment issue — a faster start is often possible. The best first step is scheduling a call to discuss your timeline and situation.

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