Supplier Days
Make sure that suppliers have as much information as possible and keep the lines of communication open. The Invitation to Quote (ITQ) facility on the Buying Solutions website allows you to respond centrally to all suppliers, allowing everybody to have access to the same information. If a supplier is asking a question, then there is ambiguity in your requirement. Remove the ambiguity and you're more likely to receive an appropriate proposal.
Respond to supplier queries with input from those who will be using the solution. Ask those who will be using the new systems for their opinions and use the communications to clarify your requirement. Providing adequate time for suppliers to respond, you can post a draft specification using the ITQ facility on the Buying Solutions website stating that you will be inviting the suppliers to an open day where they will be able to ask any pertinent questions and help you refine your requirement.
Communication is key to ensuring that you get what you want and holding a supplier day is one of the most convenient ways to help achieve this. By issuing the ITQ prior to the meeting, suppliers will have the opportunity to fully understand your needs and gain further detail if necessary. For example, there may be information which is important to suppliers, supplementary to the ITQ. An additional advantage is that all suppliers have access to the same information ensuring there is no misunderstanding and the procurement remains fair and transparent. It's also cost effective and more efficient for you the customer.
Suppliers should then be able to develop a solution for your requirement with the freedom to use their marketplace knowledge and may well suggest more innovative solutions than those you had previously considered.
To create an ITQ or to view your exisiting ITQs please visit the Further Competition area of the site.
