How Lawson Products Managed Inventory Can Transform Your Workflow
Every business runs a little differently, especially when it comes to staying stocked and ready. Whether you’re a growing enterprise looking for hands-on support or an established business ready to own more of your ordering process, we have a managed inventory solution to meet your needs. At Lawson, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all—that’s why our services are flexible, scalable, and designed to grow alongside your business.
Our three managed inventory services make it easy to get what you need, when you need it, while minimizing downtime and cutting unnecessary costs. Here’s how each program works and the benefits it brings to your operations:
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI): High-Touch, Fully Personalized Support
If you’re looking for a completely hands-off inventory management solution, our Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) program is the perfect fit. We take the burden of organizing, replenishing, and tracking inventory off your plate so you can focus on what really matters—running your business.
With VMI, Lawson’s dedicated representatives become an extension of your team, learning your business inside and out. We’ll install customized inventory systems directly at your worksite and make regular visits to reorder and reorganize stock, ensuring every item is exactly where it needs to be. Say goodbye to overstocking, last-minute scrambles for supplies, and operational downtime. Scalable for businesses of all sizes, our VMI service streamlines your workflow, reduces downtime, cuts costs, and empowers your team to focus on productivity and growth—not inventory. With Lawson, you don’t just get supplies—you get a trusted partner who’s always there before you need us.
What you get with VMI:
• Fully managed inventory at your site
• Tailored storage systems to optimize organization
• Regular check-ins with your rep, stock replenishment and supply checks
• Fewer delays and disruptions on the job
• A streamlined workflow that saves you time and money
With VMI, you can breathe easy knowing your inventory is taken care of by experts who understand your needs. That means your team can stay focused on what matters most—getting the job done and growing your business. It’s a hands-on solution that works for operations of all sizes.
Dedicated Lawson Representatives Get to Know Your Business
Our highly trained representatives don’t just visit and check a few boxes. They get to know your business and become a trusted partner in your operation, understanding all the intricacies of how you and your staff operate so that they can anticipate your inventory needs.
We start by visiting your shop, listening closely to you and your team to get a true understanding of how your operation runs. They learn what is working well, what your pain points are, what your goals are, and how we can help you optimize it all. Our experts then customize an inventory system that will streamline your processes for maximum efficiency and ease.
Free Installation & Personalized Organization
Your dedicated rep will assess your current inventory storage, order Lawson bins and storage containers, and set up your new system, tailored specifically for your workplace needs and ready to transform your team’s routine.
We’ll even organize your existing inventory and ensure that no parts go to waste in the new system. Our reps are optimization experts, driven by a passion for impactful solutions and a dedication to helping customers take their business to the next level.
Custom Schedule for Visits & Replenishment
Once your new, organized system is in place, you and your Lawson rep will set a visit schedule that works best for you. During each visit, they’ll check in on how things are running, fine-tune the setup if needed, and make sure you’re fully stocked—placing orders and even unpacking inventory so you don’t have to. It’s all about keeping your shop running smoothly and letting your team focus on the tasks at hand.
They’ll also touch base with your team to find out if you have any new jobs coming up that might necessitate an increase in parts, or if you need to order any specialty parts you don’t normally carry.
Through these regular visits and conversations, our reps learn your business like it’s their own, offering advice and guidance, and anticipating your needs. We walk alongside you, helping in moments of need and making recommendations to keep you ahead of the curve.
VMI Storage Setups and Product Assortments
When it comes to VMI, having the right organizational system is just as important as having the right products. We offer a wide range of durable storage solutions designed to keep your workspace clean, efficient, and easy to navigate. From heavy-duty cabinets and modular bins to mobile carts and wall-mounted racks, we’ll tailor a setup that fits your space and your workflow. Our VMI experts design your layout based on how your team works—ensuring frequently used parts are always within reach and your inventory stays neat, visible, and easy to manage.
The heart of your VMI setup is the inventory itself, and Lawson delivers with reliable, high-performance assortments. We stock everything from Grade 8 hex cap screw assortments to industrial-strength nuts, bolts, washers, and more, all organized and labeled for fast access. Our fastener assortments are packaged with efficiency in mind—ideal for job sites, repair shops, and manufacturing floors where every second counts. Whether you need a comprehensive mix of products for general maintenance or specialty tools for high-demand applications, our Lawson VMI ensures you're always prepared with the right supplies.
Flexible & Scalable
Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, our VMI service is flexible and scalable. As your business grows, we adjust your inventory accordingly, so your supply chain remains efficient and effective no matter how big your operation becomes.
Customer Managed Inventory (CMI): A Hybrid of Support and Independence
For businesses that want a mix of expert guidance and independent control, our Customer Managed Inventory (CMI) program offers the perfect balance. We work with you to set up an efficient inventory system tailored to your operations, providing the framework you need to stay organized and fully operational. Once you're up and running, our online experience makes it easy for you to take charge of your ordering while still having our advisors just a call or email away for support.
What you get with CMI:
• Initial product orders and inventory system setup
• Ongoing access to advisors for questions or guidance
• 24/7 ordering options through your secure customer portal
• Transparency and accessibility for independent inventory management
• The flexibility to scale services as your needs grow
Plus, with our seamless digital experience, you can explore new products anytime through our new website— a smarter, faster, and more intuitive platform. Later this year we’re expanding our digital offerings with the launch of our mobile app, making it even easier to manage your inventory from anywhere.
Digital Experience: Empowering Businesses with Smarter Tools
At Lawson, we know time is your most valuable resource. That’s why our seamless online experience is designed to streamline your inventory process from start to finish. Whether you're managing with CMI or just need a better way to connect with your inventory, our brand-new website puts control at your fingertips.
Here’s what you can expect with online ordering:
• Easier navigation and smarter search tools
• A secure customer portal for 24/7 access to inventory and ordering
• A user-friendly platform to explore new products and services
• Improved efficiency, reduced inventory errors, and better decision-making
Our digital experience is constantly evolving to meet our customers’ needs. The upcoming release of our mobile app adds even more convenience, offering faster, on-the-go inventory management and notifications to keep your team ready for anything. We also offer E-procurement and EDI solutions, based on your company’s needs.
Smarter Inventory Starts with the Right Partner
Whether you prefer a hands-on solution, a hybrid approach, or self-service tools that put you in control, our managed inventory services are designed to grow with you. From VMI to CMI to fully digital options, we meet you wherever you are in your business journey.
With Lawson as your partner, you can focus on running your business, confident that your inventory is in expert hands. We are driven by the thrill of transforming operations and the satisfaction of empowering customers to focus on what truly matters in their businesses. Our goal is simple: to make inventory management effortless so you can focus on what you do best.
The right products, the support you trust, and the team you rely on—always there for you, even before you need us.
Unlock the full potential of your business with Lawson’s VMI. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your success.