Expediting: The Key Service to Ensure On-Time Deliveries

What exactly is expediting?

In today’s competitive and fast-paced environment, meeting delivery deadlines is essential for a company’s reliability. This is why expediting, or monitoring the progress of an order, has become a highly valued service to ensure compliance with contractual delivery commitments.

But what does expediting involve? In simple terms, it is a set of activities aimed at ensuring that suppliers adhere to the timelines for each step of production. The goal is to prevent delays or, where possible, expedite the delivery of ordered materials. This involves a thorough review of all aspects of the supply process, identifying and addressing potential issues that could impact final delivery, and promptly informing the client about the actual status of the order and the actions taken.

Expediting activities include maintaining regular contact with suppliers during the production process, requesting updates on manufacturing progress, conducting site visits, and monitoring the issuance and approval of all necessary documents at every stage of production. Effective expediting helps address potential delays and optimizes the supplier’s production schedule, reducing the risk of missed deadlines.

There are three main types of expediting, each tailored to specific project needs and production site locations: Field Expediting, Desk Expediting, and Document Expediting.

Field Expediter

Field Expediting: A Field Expediter directly monitors production progress at the manufacturing site. They review production schedules and take necessary actions to ensure the order is completed on time. The Expediter also verifies that sub-orders are placed and executed according to schedule, assessing their impact on final delivery and resolving any delays. If challenges arise that could delay the project, the Expediter works proactively with the supplier to address them and provides the client with detailed updates on the actions taken and expected results.

Desk Expediter

A Desk Expediter oversees the progress of the order remotely, focusing on document issuance, sub-orders, and production plans. This role involves analyzing the information provided by suppliers, identifying potential issues, and taking action to resolve them. Activities are conducted through calls, virtual meetings (via Teams, Skype, etc.), and email communication. Key responsibilities include tracking the progress of purchase orders and addressing any challenges that

Document Expediter

A Document Expediter ensures that all required documents are issued, reviewed, and approved within the agreed timelines. They confirm that the documents are distributed to the relevant parties promptly to support smooth project progress.