Case Study Tabula

The Customer

Founded in New Zealand in 2006, Tabula has a global reach serving 3,500-plus customers in 16 countries from its offices in New Zealand, Australia, and the US.

Tabula provides job management, guidance, and tracking solutions across agriculture, horticulture, aviation, and vector control - helping operators stay safe, reduce admin, and keep things running smoothly, both in the field and in the air. Their system logs more than 60,000 jobs a month, covering around 2.7 million hectares.

Their products deliver operational certainty for users by connecting field operators with real-time job data, mapping, reporting, and compliance tools. Its in-vehicle display units powered by leading proprietary software enable contractors, farmers, and land-owners alike to work more efficiently, safely, and transparently.

We spoke to Chris Gable, Supply Chain Manager who oversees procurement and supplier management about his experience with ASL.

Their Needs

Tabula went to market for a new electronic contract manufacturer because they needed greater engineering capability and a supply partner who could match their short fulfillment lead times. They looked for:

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturer who could provide a key component to include in their bespoke hardware and proprietary software product

New Zealand provider who could work with their high value, small volume needs

A true partner who they could build a strong relationship with and who cared about Tabula’s success

Chris says:

“ASL is very responsive to our needs and has the additional engineering capability we need.”

What We Did

Chris highlights that the communication and relationship between Tabula and ASL is “very strong”. Not just at a procurement level, but also at a product development level, where Tabula engineers talk to ASL engineers to find “customer-focused solutions”. He says:

“The team at ASL are a very good sounding board, pulling out potential issues, and leading to a better product overall. They have a knowledge base we draw on.”

Solutions included:

Full-service manufacturing: PCB assembly and testing for Tabula to meet DIFOT (Delivery In-Full, On-Time) to include in their product

Product Development Collaboration: ASL engineers work with Tabula engineers to resolve issues and find the best solutions

When asked if Tabula had considered in-house manufacturing, Chris simply answered, “no”. He says there is a greater level of sophistication in the PCBs ASL provide and in the specialised machines they have. It is a very complex and involved process that’s better outsourced.

ASL is an integral partner for Tabula and the relationship is highly valued. Chris says, “our devices and their components line up with tablets and proprietary software to produce our end product. The partnership with ASL is certainly one we value and do not want to change.“

Results

Chris speaks about ASL as a true partner.

“You know they're invested in your success. They want to make it work for you and will accommodate demands as best they can.”

“ASL is a partner. They’ve always seemed like one of those companies who cares about our success to me.”

Success to Tabula is measured by clear lines of communication, honesty, and resolve to take customer-focused actions. “We have an open and honest relationship.”

Would Chris recommend ASL to other businesses requiring a contract manufacturing ‘partner’?

“Absolutely, without a doubt. We have a 9/10 positive relationship with both parties pulling in the same direction. They are invested in our success.”

Get in touch

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