There are many KPIs to consider when evaluating an engineering or manufacturing RFP. Related to years in business and number of senior experts on staff, is the indicator of mature systems – processes and systems that have been seasoned over time to efficiently and predictably produce desired outcomes. Mature processes create historic data that is continually updated. Bugs have been detected. Problems have been anticipated, and results can be counted on.
While every project is different, a quality vendor will have mature, established processes that are adaptable across all projects, regardless of variances in size, complexity, and scope. This standardized process ensures that project goals are a priority throughout the development cycle, yielding several advantages.
Comprehensiveness. With mature processes, tasks are in place from defining the needs of stakeholders, to gathering requirements, to testing and validation. There is an established system for requirements specification and management, guiding the design and development. Changes to plans – and their ramifications – are identified and understood. Testing and QA is built into the process. The development process is not started from scratch each time – it’s further perfected each time.
Capacity. More mature processes mean less energy is spent on basic project administration, and more can be spent on customization and innovation. A framework is in place that ensures every project detail is addressed and nothing falls through the cracks. This gives the vendor time and resources to build on the solution, identifying greater efficiencies and creating more value.
Expertise. Mature processes showcase a vendor’s expertise. There is no learning curve that becomes an added detour in the project, costing you time and money. The vendor is an expert who draws on their experience to present tried-and-true solutions.
Communication. Mature processes reflect the importance of client communication throughout the project. They include standard elements such as project kickoff meetings and regular client and design meetings. There are vehicles in place for sharing files, managing projects, requesting changes, and following through on change orders. There are systems for project management updates, critical sign-off points, and email alerts and push notifications. The systems are refined so that projects stay on track and clients are kept informed.
Accuracy. Mature processes allow time and opportunity for design reviews at known critical junctures of the project. Because the same process has been used multiple times, any errors or potential errors are quickly revealed. Anomalies stand out, and accuracy of costs, deadlines, and performance increases.
Determining the maturity of a vendor’s operations can be very insightful when evaluating an engineering or manufacturing RFP. For more KPIs for confidently selecting an engineering or manufacturing vendor, read this RFP Evaluation Guide.
