Behind the scenes: Smartfit production relies on local partners

Anyone on the production line at Smartfit not only knows the individual components of the Smartfit systems – but also the people behind them. Many components, especially the wooden elements, come from companies directly in the Black Forest, some even from Freiburg itself. Smartfit also relies on German partners for other materials whenever possible. While IT hardware often comes from the Far East, a Freiburg-based partner ensures its smooth integration. Proximity to suppliers not only ensures reliability, but also rapid coordination and strong regional networking.

Flexibility throughout the season

While April is traditionally a busy month for bicycle retailers, the peak season for Smartfit begins early in the year. Many retailers take advantage of the quieter period to equip themselves with new systems for the upcoming season. This keeps the production team busy, especially in the early months of the year. The biggest challenge: ensuring all parts are in stock and that no bottlenecks disrupt smooth operations. Flexibility and forward-looking planning are crucial here.

Short distances, direct exchange

The close relationship with suppliers is evident not only in the selection of regional partners, but also in day-to-day collaboration. Suppliers – for example, for aluminum profiles or sensors – regularly visit the production site to exchange ideas and discuss any potential problems directly. Even if companies aren't located in the immediate vicinity, local sales representatives help keep communication streamlined. This allows for optimizations to be implemented quickly and potential sources of error to be identified early on.

Optimizations for greater efficiency

Concrete measures have been taken for the 2025 season to further improve production. One example: The packaging of the Smartfit Q2 system has been switched to recycled PE foam. While this investment may sound trivial at first, it actually makes the packaging process three to four times faster. Individual components have also been redesigned to prevent potential problems at an early stage. The goal is not only to produce faster, but also to require less maintenance – to the benefit of customers and support.

Bashi Bender

Conclusion: Small but well thought out

Smartfit's production demonstrates how much can be achieved with a small team and clear processes. Regional partnerships, a high degree of flexibility, and continuous process optimization ensure that customers receive reliable and fast deliveries. Behind every Smartfit system lies not only technology, but also genuine craftsmanship – and a team that thinks for itself.