Any project manager sourcing materials and equipment suppliers should have two principal goals when evaluating companies: a substantial inventory of products from which to choose, and a depth of knowledge concerning those products such that they can offer germane advice, as needed, as well as excellent product support. Anything less is not good enough.
It is of little use if the company can grasp what it is you are trying to do, but do not have the products that would best fit the task. In such a case, a completely honest company will be sending you on to another supplier - meaning you have to start again with someone else; a less honest company will find a way to suit their available products to your need - and this might leave you with a second-rate result (or, at the very least, not the most suitable one). This is obviously a sub-optimal outcome.
Likewise, having lots of products without the expertise to properly assist you as you employ them can lead to the same problem: renting the wrong equipment, or purchasing products that are not the best fit. In this case, the problem may be overkill. Too much margin for error is, in the end, a waste of money. On the other hand, you are still vulnerable to increased likelihood of breakdowns and delays - and those delays might be further extended by a lack of detailed knowledge on diagnosing and troubleshooting the issues.
Technologies and standards are constantly evolving, as are the methods that are used to handle certain issues. For example, Geotextiles come in a variety of styles and shapes for use in different soil control or anti-erosion situations. That being the case, you need a supplier that has access to a wide enough variety of types and can best advise you on the most proper type for your particular needs - preferably based on real-world experience.
Even workhorse products that have been around for a long time (precast concrete products, for instance, or Steel Pipe) still require guidance and choice; these tend to be mature product lines that offer custom orders. A knowledgeable supplier can make sure you get exactly what you need.
So whether it seems like a straightforward project or a tricky one, do your due diligence with care. Ask probing questions of your potential suppliers. Make sure they have the knowledge you need to do the job you want with the best products.
One last consideration is post-sale support. You might need replacement parts for the inevitable construction snafus that tend to pop up. A supplier that cannot promptly service or replace equipment or products is adding risk to your project.
It is of little use if the company can grasp what it is you are trying to do, but do not have the products that would best fit the task. In such a case, a completely honest company will be sending you on to another supplier - meaning you have to start again with someone else; a less honest company will find a way to suit their available products to your need - and this might leave you with a second-rate result (or, at the very least, not the most suitable one). This is obviously a sub-optimal outcome.
Likewise, having lots of products without the expertise to properly assist you as you employ them can lead to the same problem: renting the wrong equipment, or purchasing products that are not the best fit. In this case, the problem may be overkill. Too much margin for error is, in the end, a waste of money. On the other hand, you are still vulnerable to increased likelihood of breakdowns and delays - and those delays might be further extended by a lack of detailed knowledge on diagnosing and troubleshooting the issues.
Technologies and standards are constantly evolving, as are the methods that are used to handle certain issues. For example, Geotextiles come in a variety of styles and shapes for use in different soil control or anti-erosion situations. That being the case, you need a supplier that has access to a wide enough variety of types and can best advise you on the most proper type for your particular needs - preferably based on real-world experience.
Even workhorse products that have been around for a long time (precast concrete products, for instance, or Steel Pipe) still require guidance and choice; these tend to be mature product lines that offer custom orders. A knowledgeable supplier can make sure you get exactly what you need.
So whether it seems like a straightforward project or a tricky one, do your due diligence with care. Ask probing questions of your potential suppliers. Make sure they have the knowledge you need to do the job you want with the best products.
One last consideration is post-sale support. You might need replacement parts for the inevitable construction snafus that tend to pop up. A supplier that cannot promptly service or replace equipment or products is adding risk to your project.
About the Author:
Joan Jaynes is a freelance online blogger who focuses on the building industry and similar technologies. She has a special interest in the various types of Geotextiles, as well as more standard products such as Steel Pipe.
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