This month, we would like to introduce you to a newer member of the PRO-TECH Design family.
Tim Smith joined the company only a year and a half ago, but he has already had a profound
impact.
During the pandemic, we recognized an opportunity to hire a new purchasing manager.
Someone to create systems and processes to anticipate and prevent component shortages and
negotiate advantageous pricing and supply agreements from our vendors to offset inflationary
pressures. Tim stepped in to fill that role and more.
One major benefit that Tim brought to the company is his professional background. He is an
experienced purchasing manager who has also worked in supplier sales. That combination
gives him a clear understanding of the motivations and pressures that suppliers experience and
he recognizes where they are coming from. It also gives him a leg up in that he knows where
savings opportunities exist.
From the moment he started working at PRO-TECH, he effectively applied his experience. By
shining the light on key component inventory, he almost immediately reduced stock shortages
and put auto re-order processes in place, both of which reassured customers that PRO-TECH
could be counted on to deliver their orders on time. In fact, vendor on-time delivery has
improved from 62% in 2023 to 91% in 2024 so far.
Tim also standardized cleanroom supplies across all three of our manufacturing sites and
centralized purchasing, which significantly reduced cost and waste. This allowed PRO-TECH to
be more efficient and to minimize price increases to customers while inflation pushed up prices
on nearly all our components.
Most importantly, he brought attention, analytical rigor, and discipline to a hidden part of the
company’s operations that are now better understood and celebrated. Purchasing and
inventory management have become a competitive advantage for the company and benefit our
customers as well.
When asked what he likes most about the company, Tim quickly replied that it is the family
atmosphere. Everyone has been very welcoming and appreciative of the expertise he brings.
The freedom, trust, and encouragement he has been given has made it easier for him to have a
meaningful impact.
Outside of PRO-TECH, Tim enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and his two dogs. He also
watches and participates in all kinds of sports. Coming from the San Francisco Bay area, his
favorite teams are the Giants, Niners, and Warriors as you would expect. He also enjoys
basketball and flag football in recreation leagues near his house. He is also a good poker
player and has won several local tournaments. One of his aspirations is to play in the World
Series of Poker one day.
Thank you for joining the PRO-TECH family, Tim! You have been a terrific addition, and we look
forward to all your future contributions to help the company continuously improve.