Recovering Cores – Five Contact Points
Let’s go back to the basics of Cores: Identification, Recovery, QC, Packing. To delve further into the recovery of cores, let’s identify the five contact points for optimal core recovery within your existing workflow.
Vehicle Inventory – Unlike in the past when your parts puller or dismantler was the key person in a successful core program, your Vehicle Inventory Person is now the most important asset we have. The Inventory person has the data to identify the value and opportunity for cores. For parts dismantlers, the DOH (days on hand), QOH (quantity on hand), and request/sales data should be enough to identify if, and when parts should be added to the core list. For recyclers who don’t inventory parts, the VIN and instant core value identification give enough information to make valuable time/labor decisions to make a successful program. Bottom Line: I would rather spend a few minutes at the front end of the process making good decisions with good data, then pour scarce labor hours removing parts with low values.
Time of Dismantle – Perfect opportunity for Full-Serve Dismantlers or those that only dismantle when they have a major component sold. The key here is simplicity and efficiency. You have the software to narrow down which parts have value and are worth removing and you have a dismantler with the tools and ability to remove parts efficiently compared to out in the field. Think about access: if you are tearing down a vehicle for the drive train, you now have access to ABS modules, rack and pinions, components on the engine (steering pump, alternator, starter, a/c compressor), brake booster, etc. Don’t forget those parts internal to the vehicle, ECM’s, instrument clusters, EPS columns, etc.
Core Returns – Core returns present an incredible opportunity to reap value, in addition to the price the original part was sold for. Many recyclers only put core charges on the basic parts; alternators, a/c compressors, and starters. This is a mistake as there are so many core parts with substantially higher core values, i.e., steering, advanced electronics, brakes, abs modules etc. Let’s use any downtime at the counter or in the return area to properly identify value in cores returned by our customers.
Loose Parts Inventory – Often overlooked, our industry suffers from a disease called “Overstock”. While our Yard Management Systems identify quantities on hand, number of requests, and days on hand, I have visited hundreds of yards where parts are piled “higher and deeper” on our shelves. Utilizing software that can search a yard’s inventory by location, minimum price, days on hand, and other criteria, overstocked parts can be turned into cash for buying additional inventory vehicles. Core Companies are a “CUSTOMER”. It always amazes me how recyclers will say that they can’t sell a core to us because they are saving it for their customers. Core companies can be one of your best customers; not only do we pay for shipping, but the parts never get returned.
Pre-Crush – This is the prime opportunity for Self-Service and Auto Scrap Processors. Most Self-Service operations have their vehicles up on wheel stands so there is no issue with access to most of the auto cores. In many cases, the customers have dismantled the vehicle where core parts might be sitting inside the car. Where engines/transmissions have been removed, motor bay parts and rack & pinions are more accessible. It has been my experience that drain racks are not the ideal place to remove cores, plus we don’t want to slow down the draining process. For Auto Scrap Processors, segregating vehicles for cores and airbags is critical to maintaining two vehicle flows for maximum core recovery.
Do you want to know more about Cores as a Contact Sport? Contact me at pdadamo@coresupply.com or 401-458-9080.
Pauly D is not only the “Recall Guy” for Takata Airbags but has now morphed into the “Core Hunter” helping Recyclers maximize Core Profits by reducing deductions. Contact pauldadamo@coresupply.com or 401-458-9080.