How To Reduce Supply Chain Lead Times for Panelboards and Switchboards

Utilize Eaton Satellite Plants to Get More Projects Done

Having trouble keeping panelboard and switchboard delivery on schedule due to supply chain lead times? You’re not alone. Raw material shortages and workforce constraints are creating significant supply chain delays, making timely delivery of panelboards and switchboards difficult.

What’s your plan to keep project timelines on track when construction material lead times shift mid project? Learn how utilizing Eaton’s satellite plants and support services can help you meet deadlines and get more projects done.

What Are Eaton Satellite Plants and How Do They Help Manage Supply Chain Lead Times?

Satellite plants are smaller Eaton manufacturing facilities with regional locations throughout the country. Eaton has 16 satellite locations that manufacture standard and customized panelboards and switchboards.

Satellite facilities were formerly used exclusively as custom shops for specialty panelboards and switchboards. Now they are used to expedite orders (at a premium) in addition to custom requests.

How Much Time Can Eaton Satellite Plants Save When Supply Chain Delays Put Your Project Schedule at Risk?

How much more work could you do by improving lead time from 30 weeks to 10 or 15 weeks?

Better question - how much more money could you make in those weeks gained?

Satellite plants can’t eliminate delays completely, but they can significantly offset supply chain lead times and help you complete more projects without schedule overruns.

Eaton adds an expedite cost for using the service, but it also pays to complete projects and meet your deadlines.

How Do I Use Eaton Satellite Plants to Stay Ahead of Long Construction Material Lead Times?

Talk to your Van Meter account manager early, especially if rising construction material lead times threaten your ability to meet project deadlines. From there, Eaton can assess how soon they can complete the project and what it will cost to expedite the order.

It’s probably not worth the extra cost on every order, but it is worth the tradeoff when you can meet tight deadlines and move onto your next project.

When Should I Consult Van Meter to Prevent Supply Chain Lead Times From Affecting Deadlines?

Earlier is better for expediting panelboards and switchboards, but getting help from Van Meter’s gear specialists can be useful at different stages of the project.

• Best case: Be transparent about your deadlines during the design or pre-bid phase. This gives the most flexibility on configuration and pricing.
• Still valuable: Consult a gear specialist during the post-award, pre-submittal phase. Satellite plants may still have capacity to shorten production schedules and meet your deadlines.
• Call now: If submittals stall or supply chain delays begin to threaten your deadlines, reach out to a gear specialist immediately to evaluate alternate configurations. Acting fast gives you the best chance of finding an alternate solution.

What Other Eaton Services Can Overcome Costly Supply Chain Delays?

In addition to satellite plants, Eaton’s services group and field technicians can offer additional value in the following ways:

• Local Support: Eaton can provide on-site support with local engineering consultants who are familiar with regional codes and requirements.
• Testing: They can do primary ground fault injection testing or give final approval that inspections are completed properly at your site before equipment is energized by the Utility.
• Retrofits and Specialty Work: Retrofit kits can be installed by Eaton’s services team during regular business hours or after hours. Do you have an obsolete breaker that needs replaced on an old Westinghouse switchboard? They can work on older circuit breakers you are not familiar with or perform specialty work you are not comfortable doing.

Eaton is not just selling materials. They’re helping you manage unpredictable supply chain lead times throughout the project lifecycle.

They’re supporting you throughout the project.

Get A Panelboard or Switchboard Quote

Want to understand how much time you can save by reducing supply chain lead times on your next project—and what the investment looks like? Reach out to your Van Meter account manager or a Van Meter gear specialist to discuss your timeline and receive a quote.