The role of a system supplier in the value chain

of mechanical and plant engineering

The industrial value chain is a complex network of manufacturers, suppliers, and end customers. System suppliers play a particularly important role in this structure. They not only act as suppliers, but also as strategic partners. System suppliers are indispensable, especially in mechanical and plant engineering, as they ensure that electromechanical components are optimally tailored to the requirements of machine manufacturers.

A system supplier differs fundamentally from traditional component suppliers. While a conventional supplier merely produces and delivers individual parts, a system supplier plays a central role in the value chain by combining individual components into ready-to-assemble systems. It acts as an intermediary between component manufacturers and mechanical engineering companies, taking the specific requirements of the mechanical engineers and translating them into functional, standardized solutions.

In addition to providing assemblies, it is important that all components are optimally coordinated with each other. This requires a high degree of technical expertise and close coordination with customers and suppliers. A typical example of this are modular control cabinets, which contain prefabricated function modules instead of complex individual wiring. This approach significantly reduces installation times and minimizes potential sources of error.

The contribution of system suppliers to value creation extends far beyond the mere delivery of assemblies. By taking on complete assemblies, they enable machine builders to concentrate on their core competencies. Companies also benefit from a significant increase in efficiency, as standardized assemblies optimize assembly processes and accelerate production flows. In addition, they make a decisive contribution to quality assurance. By coordinating all components within a system, they can ensure that machines and systems function smoothly. This leads to a reduction in downtime and minimizes the risk of production disruptions.

Close coordination with machine manufacturers and producers is a key success factor for system suppliers. Only when the end customer's requirements are precisely understood can tailor-made solutions be developed that meet the specific needs of the industry. This requires a high degree of flexibility and early involvement in the machine manufacturers' development process. Co-engineering, in which system suppliers and customers work together to develop new systems, is particularly important in this context. As a system supplier, LQ also takes on the coordination and consultation with component manufacturers and ensures that the customer can concentrate on their core competencies. This reduces interfaces, optimizes processes, and ensures smooth implementation.

Logistics is equally essential. In mechanical and plant engineering production, just-in-time (JIT) and just-in-sequence (JIS) deliveries are indispensable for ensuring smooth manufacturing processes. System suppliers must therefore not only be able to provide high-quality assemblies, but also deliver them exactly according to the requirements of the machine builders.

Increasing globalization and the challenges it brings pose further challenges for system suppliers. Geopolitical tensions, economic fluctuations, or natural disasters can disrupt supply chains and jeopardize production capacity. To counteract these risks, modern system suppliers rely on flexible procurement strategies to ensure a reliable supply.

As a leading system supplier in the field of control and installation technology, the LQ Group specializes in reducing complexity for machine builders and offering them innovative, ready-to-install solutions. With cable assemblies, complete installation modules, and pre-assembled energy chains, LQ ensures that machine installations can be carried out efficiently and without errors.

By continuously adapting to new technological challenges, LQ actively contributes to the further development of the industry and sets new standards in the value chain.