“What Cogent does best is deliver quality manufactured products in line with our moving order book and it’s all backed up with Open Book pricing. In the last 8 years our manufacturing partnership with Cogent Technology has given us time to focus on what we do best too!” remarks Chris Irons, Logistics Manager for Helvar, confidently when asked “What does Cogent Technology bring to your business?”

Helvar designs, markets, and sells Energy saving lighting control systems used by Architects worldwide for commercial and residential projects and refurbishments.

The company formerly manufactured its own lighting systems in house, before making a strategic decision in 2002 to focus on its competencies of Design and Marketing its products. Manufacturing was not core to the business and was identified for outsource to a trusted partner. Cogent Technology was awarded a manufacturing contract in February 02.

Transfer of Manufacturing to Cogent Technology in 2002

Chris Irons recalls this period and describes his experience. "We conducted an extensive exercise in identifying a CEM. Looking closely at many suppliers during consultation, Cogent scored very highly across all areas but there are just some things you can not measure on paper. What we found was quite unexpected; it was the enthusiasm to get things done right, that came across from the whole team. That was really the icing on the cake and hasn't faulted to date.

“Looking back, despite us knowing all the pitfalls to a business transferring manufacturing to a new partner, it was Cogent's great attention to detail in planning with a disciplined approach to the transfer management, that ensured the project happened very smoothly”, summarises Chris Irons.

Key strengths behind the partnership with Helvar?

“Well, these seeds were embed into the company philosophy when I first took up post in 2001”, says Nigel Slator, Managing Director at Cogent. He goes on to explain “back then we had a new management team coming together and during that period we planned our road map to take the company forward, at the same time adapting the culture along the way to total customer focus. This has delivered many positives to the business including the long term partnership that benefits Helvar.”

The Cogent service majors on the following:

• Clear timely Communication; in the supply chain, within the business and with the customer
• Open book policy
• Good working environment for staff
• Product Management from cradle to grave
• Low cost, managed off shore options for volume demand
• Customer access to the whole operations team
• Investment in the most up to date, efficient and reliable capital equipment
• Named account manager with intimate understanding of individual customer requirements
• Review meetings and frequent communication with customers ensure that any potential issues are resolved quickly.

The Commercial Advantage for Helvar

Outsourcing its manufacturing process had an immediate commercial benefit for Helvar. Quality improved, manufacturing costs reduced, cash flow improved and production was more responsive and flexible.

“There is a saying we have all used in life at some point, ‘the proof is in the pudding!’ Well after 8 years, I think I have enough evidence to say Cogent are one of Helvar’s top suppliers, they manage what ever we throw at them! Anyone looking for Contract Electronics should talk to Cogent. If they don’t, they genuinely could be missing a trick”, remarks Chris Irons.