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Understanding the distinction between "production time" and "delivery time" helps to manage expectations and logistics 1 when ordering undercarriage parts for excavators 2.
"Production time" refers to manufacturing duration, while "delivery time" encompasses logistics after products leave the factory until they reach you. Both are integral to planning and expectation management for excavator parts.
Does "production time" end when the goods are finished, or when they are packed and ready to ship?
"Production time" definition nuances in the manufacturing cycle.
Production time concludes when goods are finished with all internal processes 3 and prepared for packing, but packing itself 4 is often part of the separate delivery phase 5.
Delimiting production
- Completion Mark: When manufacturing processes are completed.
- Packing Phase: Begins after production completion, transitioning to delivery.
Production phase
| Stage | Endpoint | Phase Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Completion | Finished Goods | From Production to Delivery |
| Packing | Post-Manufacturing | Entry into Delivery Phase |
Does "delivery time" mean the date the goods leave the factory, or the date they arrive at my warehouse?
Clarifying "delivery time" milestones.
Delivery time begins once goods leave the factory premises and includes transit duration 6, ending once the products arrive at your designated warehouse 7.
Delivery demarcation
- Starting Point: Departure from factory grounds.
- Ending Point: Arrival at specified warehouse or final location.
Delivery timeline
| Timing | Definition | Process Inclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Departure | Factory Exit Date | Logistics Initiation |
| Arrival | Warehouse Reception | Final Delivery |
How much time should I add to the production time for inland transport and port handling in China?
Factoring extras into the schedule.
Generally, add two to four weeks to account for inland transit and port handling within China 8, varying with distance and logistical complexity 9.
Additional factors
- Inland Transportation: Travel from factory to port.
- Port Procedures: Handling and clearing at the port.
Transport timeline
| Component | Estimated Duration | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Inland Transport | 1-3 Weeks | Factory to Port |
| Port Handling | 1 Week | Clearance Process |
Where in my contract should these two timelines be clearly defined?
Ensuring clarity in agreements.
Specify production and delivery timelines clearly under the "Terms of Delivery" 10 or "Logistics and Lead Time" sections of your contract to ensure mutual understanding and expectations.
Contractual clarity
- Section Allocation: Position within contract documents.
- Detail Inclusion: Precise time definitions.
Timeline definitions
| Contract Section | Position | Clarity Assurance |
|---|---|---|
| Terms of Delivery | Clause Outline | Expectation Management |
| Logistics & Lead Time | Detailed Specification | Comprehensive Understanding |
Conclusion
Differentiating production from delivery timelines is crucial for scheduling, receiving, and managing excavator parts orders efficiently and accurately, reducing misunderstandings and delays.
Footnotes
1. Learn best practices for managing logistics and customer expectations. ↩︎
2. Guide to the different components of excavator undercarriages. ↩︎
3. An overview of internal manufacturing processes and quality checks. ↩︎
4. The importance of proper industrial packing for shipment. ↩︎
5. Explanation of the stages in the international shipping delivery phase. ↩︎
6. How international freight transit duration is calculated. ↩︎
7. Tips for managing and receiving freight at your warehouse. ↩︎
8. Analysis of China's inland transport and port handling logistics. ↩︎
9. Understanding key factors that contribute to logistical complexity. ↩︎
10. Explanation of common "Terms of Delivery" (Incoterms) in contracts. ↩︎