Supplier Partnerships - part 2!

Yesterday we wrote about "supplier selection to support reliability." Suppliers have a key role to play in your plants reliability efforts - but beyond reliability, what criteria should we use to select and manage supplier partnerships? Consistent with our philosophy of "keep it simple" here are eight key performance indicators and objectives:

- Partnership agreements should be documented and should detail the basis for the agreement.
- Supplier stocking and consignment terms and methods for reducing physical inventory and costs should be in place.
- Use blanket orders to the maximum extent possible.
- Maintainability and reliability requirements should be specified (see yesterday!)
- A feedback process for resolving problems should be documented. I know this seems obvious, but this can be easily overlooked.
- Use electronic communications, data transfer, order entry, etc to the maximum extent possible.
- Measurement- with the goal of minimizing emergency, spot, or "out of agreement" orders.
- Measurement of stock items and types.

We also think that "partner" suppliers should routinely provide spare part recommendations, and the frequency of preventive maintenance requirements (PM, PdM, CBM, etc). Synchronous experts are prepared to assist you in developing your key, and critical supplier partnership relationships. For additional information send us an information request to Sales@SynchronousLLC.com, or review our complete portfolio of service offerings at our web site www.SynchronousLLC.com .

Please be advised that effective 1 September 2007 we will transform our service offering to providing industry and operational excellence concepts and advice, but we will no longer provide on-site consultations or engage new clients. Current customers can continue to expect the same fully dedicated support and advice, but on limited hours of availability as we have already communicated to designated company contacts - usually the project manager. Thanks to all of our loyal and dedicated clients, who have allowed and honored us to be part of their transformation efforts...

Thanks my friends, Rob Baldwin, Managing Principal