Customer Testimonial

How Applied Engineering Helped Us Avoid a Costly Shutdown

July 2024

At my company, we don’t have the luxury of downtime. As part of the security screening and defense industry, every delay in production risks compromising critical operations for our customers. So, when I realized we needed 50 crucial units to keep our line moving—and then heard that a truck carrying the essential parts had been involved in an accident, delaying the shipment indefinitely—I knew we were in serious trouble.

Thankfully, Trevor Brodie, my account manager at Applied Engineering, didn’t see it as just our problem. From the moment I called him, he made it clear that his team would do whatever it took to find a solution.

Taking Immediate Action
Trevor quickly looped in April, their purchasing advisor, and Murray, the purchasing director. Together, they launched a full-court press on the supplier, following up relentlessly and escalating the urgency daily. Even though the situation was out of their control, Trevor treated it like their responsibility.

One thing that stood out was how well Trevor communicated. Even when he didn’t have new information, he kept me updated with calls and texts, letting me know we weren’t forgotten. That transparency gave me confidence to manage expectations on my side and reassured me that Applied Engineering was fully invested in solving the problem.

Thinking Creatively
Trevor and his team didn’t just wait for answers—they looked for ways to mitigate the impact. At one point, they proposed starting assembly without the delayed components so that when the parts arrived, we could finish quickly. Unfortunately, the missing parts were too essential for this to work, but the effort showed their commitment to finding every possible workaround.

A Breakthrough Plan
After two months of relentless follow-ups, Applied Engineering’s persistence paid off. The supplier began delivering the parts in small batches. Trevor immediately coordinated a partial delivery plan to ship us five completed units a week. It wasn’t the perfect solution, but it allowed us to keep production moving at a reduced capacity, preventing a total shutdown.

When Trevor called to explain the plan, I could tell how much thought had gone into making it work. That steady trickle of units was a lifeline for our business, and his determination to keep us running didn’t go unnoticed.

Why I Trust Applied Engineering
When the full order finally arrived, it wasn’t just a relief—it was a reminder of why I trust Applied Engineering. Trevor, April, and Murray didn’t just resolve a supply chain issue; they showed what true partnership looks like. They owned the problem, communicated clearly, and did everything they could to support us.

In the security and defense industry, trust and reliability are everything. Applied Engineering didn’t just meet expectations—they exceeded them.

If you’re looking for a partner who will stand by you in a crisis, I can confidently say Applied Engineering is the team you want.