Think about the most important relationships to you: loved ones, friends, or colleagues. Regardless of the nature of your relationship, there is one overriding factor that will make or break the amount of arguments or miscommunications that occur: proper communication.
The same thing holds true for professional relationships.
Without proper communication, you could produce a substandard product or deliver a presentation on the wrong topic, which would cost your company dearly and create significant roadblocks.
Every relationship is a two-way street. Whether it is a friendship or a professional partnership, it is important to recognize how communication can greatly influence results and outcomes.
At ASG, we are constantly striving to find a good balance with our clients to ensure we are listening and always on the same page. However, this doesn’t mean that roadblocks are non-existent. We want you to fully understand why constant communication is essential to creating a successful atmosphere and facility for you.
First Step – Creating the Relationship
Source: Stellar Manufacturing
To ensure proper communication, you first need to establish the relationship. Let’s apply this process to an example.
At your facility, you need a customized control panel that will run the new machinery being installed as part of your modernization initiative. So, as the engineer in charge of this project, you are looking for a company that completes electrical design-build.
Since your team lacks the expertise needed, outsourcing this project is the best option.
During your research, you have found a company that works for you because of their quick response and immediate setup of a call to discuss the project. Without the initial call where the explanation of what you are looking for is fully understood by the manufacturer, no trust factor would be established.
Trust is an extremely important part of this process. On the call, make sure you are the one explaining your needs and the manufacturer is listening. If they are not truly listening to you, you will not be able to trust that they will provide you with the right guidance toward achieving your goals.
After discussing the project, you determine that XYZ Inc. is the right fit for you. So, you move forward on scheduling that next call.
The relationship is now created. XYZ has shown they will listen to your needs, and you trust them to create a control panel that will properly operate your new machinery, with the main goal of consistent and efficient production.
Next – Ensuring Constant Communication
From the first point of communication, you knew XYZ was the right fit for you because of the trusting nature they established from your first interaction. With the second call scheduled, it’s time to start the project. They initiated setting deadlines to keep the project on track.
Multiple meetings are set to go over the design, ensuring it fits the new machinery you’re investing in. To properly design this custom control panel, the engineers must understand exactly what products you are modernizing your facility with. Coming to these meetings prepared to discuss these aspects fosters great communication. No roadblocks will arise if both parties are adequately prepared.
With established deadlines, everyone is aware of what needs to be done to get this project completed in a timely manner.
The constant communication created a road of success for this project. However, it is seldom a smooth operation. Roadblocks, some beyond human control, do exist.
What Roadblocks Should You Be Aware Of?
Though your relationship with XYZ Inc. went smoothly, there could have been some situations that developed simply because of roadblocks you stumble upon. Understanding the importance of potential roadblocks and what can be done if you encounter them is a great tool to have for future projects.
Source: ASG
Lead Time
One of the most common roadblocks and misunderstandings that clients will encounter is lead time. Lead time is how far out your project is projected to be finalized by. When design-build projects come to fruition, it is not likely that all of the parts are in stock at the time. Parts need to be shipped to the facility in order to build the product.
The client may be unsure why the product is not currently in stock and why it takes so long to come in. The simple answer is every project is different and shipping times vary by company.
Tip: Expect lead times to exist going into your project of at least 3-4 weeks. Outsourcing your project does not mean that everything required to complete your project is in stock.
Labor Rates
Just as you encounter labor rates when you are getting your car fixed, you will encounter labor rates for a custom-build project for your manufacturing facility. Since this is customized specifically for you, the outsourced company must allocate a specific amount of time to build this project.
Depending on the complexity and size, and the varying labor rates that each company requires, this will greatly vary. Hourly, you should expect anywhere from $80 to $150.
Tip: Ask in the initial meeting. Every company will have specific labor rates, which can vary. This could be a differentiating factor for you, so ask upfront to be aware of the costs.
Misunderstanding the Build
Though a specific roadblock, it does frequently occur. Since you are outsourcing, it is likely that the knowledge needed to properly design this project is not in-house. In the blueprint, ins and outs of the product are implemented – you may not understand how different wires are connected to operate the facility. So, you may not comprehend the build in its entirety when shown the blueprint.
This is not something that you want to overlook. If you don’t understand it and never ask questions, you might be surprised by the final cost, wondering why so many different wires, connections, and labor were needed.
Tip: Ask questions if you do not understand. As the customer, it’s essential to ask and discover why certain elements are being implemented. This will create a better understanding and sense of trust.
Price
As with any product you invest money into, the price is extremely important, and too high a cost can be an enormous roadblock. From the initial quote to the final bill, the numbers can change. Maybe the amount of labor increased or decreased or perhaps the price of the products needed changed. Whatever the reason, it is important to be aware of these changes.
Tip: Ask to be in the loop. If you’re aware of any price changes along the way, you won’t be surprised when you get the final bill. Creating a transparent relationship, especially regarding price, is imperative.
There are many roadblocks you could encounter, and some may not be on this list. Ultimately, all these roadblocks can be solved with proper communication. It’s key to a successful client-manufacturer relationship!
How ASG Ensures Design-Build Success
As a company offering design-build and contract-manufacturing, we understand that this process can be grueling, confusing, and extremely time-consuming. But one thing we always make our customers aware of is the potential for unforeseen costs that can be a surprise.
From our first meeting, we can tell you how long the project should take, what the deadlines will be, and we strive to maintain constant communication. By implementing these practices, we believe we provide an environment where no questions are left unanswered.
If you are looking for a custom electrical design-build project, and have questions about our process feel free to contact us today! We are always looking to guide you in the right direction.
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