In today’s fast-paced HVAC industry, having quick access to specialized parts isn’t just a convenience: it’s a necessity. From helping businesses get a handle on their costs to speeding up project timelines, effective HVAC procurement solutions can offer significant competitive advantages.

Alas, the myriad challenges in HVAC purchasing mean that procurement is often more problematic and headache-inducing than it needs to be. To stay competitive, businesses must adopt modern HVAC procurement solutions that can minimize supply chain disruptions, mitigate the effects of rising costs, and avoid the long lead times that impact operational efficiency. 

5 Major HVAC Procurement Challenges

Vendor Inconsistency

There’s no shortage of HVAC suppliers on the market, but not all are created equal. Some suppliers offer quality parts at a reasonable cost, while others provide subpar parts at a higher-than-average price. Working with the wrong supplier can lead to poor results that impact customer satisfaction. 

Vendor inconsistency can also make it difficult to budget accordingly. In some cases, choosing the wrong vendors can have a significant impact on the bottom line. After all, the percentage of the overall budget that large-scale HVAC companies spend on procurement can be significant, in some cases as much as 60% of the total budget. Optimized procurement makes a big difference to a business’s profitability, and in a climate with so many options, figuring out which vendors to work with can be a challenge. 

Long Lead Times

In some cases, HVAC companies may have to wait for weeks — or even months — to get the parts they need, resulting in long delays that can make planning projects challenging. In some cases, shipping and logistics issues can delay things even further, and even the time of year can have an impact. High-demand periods, such as the peak winter and summer months, can put high amounts of pressure on suppliers. That can make it difficult for companies of all sizes to get the HVAC parts they need, but it especially impacts smaller businesses that may not receive the preferential treatment afforded to larger buyers. 

Complex Part Configurations

HVAC systems can be complex, especially those that form part of a large-scale project. HVAC companies can struggle to find parts that are compatible with a system or may find it difficult to ensure that the parts are compliant with energy efficiency requirements. 

HVAC parts sourcing from multiple vendors increases the chances of a mismatch, resulting in project delays. But in many cases, HVAC businesses could work with the complex parts if they could find them — but simply find that they’re unable to find suppliers who have what they need.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Supply chain disruptions are increasingly common, making it more difficult for HVAC companies to get the parts they need on time. Since it’s not always easy to predict when disruptions to the supply chain may occur, it can be difficult for businesses that have been solely reliant on one supplier to make adjustments should an issue arise. 

Rising Costs

Rising procurement costs can make it difficult to put together accurate project budgets, and in some cases can jeopardize projects altogether. Even in instances when rising costs can be absorbed, they can impact the profit margins and weaken the bottom line. There’s no shortage of factors that can lead to rising procurement costs, including shortages of raw materials and tariffs. 

How eParts Simplifies HVAC Procurement 

The HVAC industry faces unique procurement issues — but it’s also coming up with unique procurement solutions. The best HVAC supplier management tools, such as eParts, make it easier than ever for HVAC companies to get the part they need, on time and within budget. 

eParts offers an effective procurement solution that empowers HVAC to find the part they’re looking for, compare suppliers, and receive real-time updates on the status of the order. All contained within a single platform, eParts removes many of the pain points associated with HVAC procurement, allowing businesses to quickly order the parts they need for their projects. User-friendly by design, the platform has been designed to specifically address the challenges that both buyers and suppliers face on a daily basis.

The tool offers price transparency that allows businesses to make informed decisions that align with their budget. Additionally, with access to multiple suppliers, businesses can quickly shift to another supplier if their preferred supplier is unable to fulfill their request. 

If you’re ready to unleash the power of one of the best HVAC supplier management tools on the market, then don’t hesitate to request a demo by clicking here.