Finding the right vendor for your project is very important to be able to stay on time and on budget. Here are ten steps to help sort through all the vendors who claim they have the right solution.
1. Find out if they are reputable: ask for at least 5 references.
o Complete knowledge of products to be installed
o Close working relationships with vendors
o The ability to provide end-to-end service
3. Verify that the vendor has detailed project management skills
During the reference process:
o Ask the vendor what software is used to track jobs.
o Ask the references to rate the vendor’s management skills in segmented jobs.
4. Ask for 3 to5 different technical solutions and an overview of each
There may be many solutions that allow you to meet your project needs. Gaining an overview of several different solutions ensures you choose the best solution.
5. Verify certifications and training
They should be certified in the software and equipment they’re installing and on testing procedures. Don’t be afraid to ask for documentation and in-house training procedures.
6. Use one vendor for the equipment solution
By doing so you will get what you need from a vendor who can provide it all.
7. Look at the vendor’s financial stability
Ask for yearly financial records and reference from banks and the vendors they do business with. A vendor that doesn’t have the financial means will prolong the project.
8. Avoid hidden costs
Avoid the myth that the lowest cost is the best. There might be added software and support after the project is complete, which will devastate your return on investment.
9. Find out what kind of system follow-up there is at project completion
They should be available to answer your questions or resolve issues anywhere
from one month to one year after the project is complete
10. Use a fully integrated vendor
The vendor should be able to design it, order materials, build it, test it, and support it. By choosing different vendors for different tasks, you become the project manager, which could inadvertently prolong the project and cost you more money.
Click HERE to view the whole webinar, Choosing the Right Vendor.
1. Find out if they are reputable: ask for at least 5 references. 2. Check their experience level
An experienced vendor will have:
o Thoroughly trained engineering staffo Complete knowledge of products to be installed
o Close working relationships with vendors
o The ability to provide end-to-end service
3. Verify that the vendor has detailed project management skills
During the reference process:
o Ask the vendor what software is used to track jobs.
o Ask the references to rate the vendor’s management skills in segmented jobs.
4. Ask for 3 to5 different technical solutions and an overview of each
There may be many solutions that allow you to meet your project needs. Gaining an overview of several different solutions ensures you choose the best solution.
5. Verify certifications and training
They should be certified in the software and equipment they’re installing and on testing procedures. Don’t be afraid to ask for documentation and in-house training procedures.
6. Use one vendor for the equipment solution
By doing so you will get what you need from a vendor who can provide it all.
7. Look at the vendor’s financial stability
Ask for yearly financial records and reference from banks and the vendors they do business with. A vendor that doesn’t have the financial means will prolong the project.
8. Avoid hidden costs
Avoid the myth that the lowest cost is the best. There might be added software and support after the project is complete, which will devastate your return on investment.
9. Find out what kind of system follow-up there is at project completion
They should be available to answer your questions or resolve issues anywhere
from one month to one year after the project is complete
10. Use a fully integrated vendor
The vendor should be able to design it, order materials, build it, test it, and support it. By choosing different vendors for different tasks, you become the project manager, which could inadvertently prolong the project and cost you more money.
Click HERE to view the whole webinar, Choosing the Right Vendor.
For more information visit http://www.ccisystems.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment