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Can Small Vendors Play Big?

Posted December 11, 2008 8:27 AM

The coming months will test the fiscal strength of even the strongest companies. Some manufacturers will be nudged into new relationships and consider switching to smaller suppliers who promise equal or better quality and more service for less money. One recent commentary posed the question: Can small vendors play big? Do potential savings justify the risk?

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Guru
Engineering Fields - Control Engineering - New Member China - Member - New Member

Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: CHINA
Posts: 2945
Good Answers: 14
#1

Re: Can Small Vendors Play Big?

12/12/2008 7:34 AM

why not?

which big company is not coming from small one? sometimes smaller firm can offer more better service than bigger one. because they have litttle cost, this is just like get something for nothing.

for example if we take 20 photoes, the cost is that Hollywood only shoot one pictue for you.

if we design 10 circuites or do 10 projects, famous big companies can only do one or half.

no doult.

less risk, just to check or exam their skill to see if they could satify with your requiement.

thats why need mangement staff.

the writer must be a one from big company and havnt chat ever with firm. once take off the big company they will dont know where to go and how to do and wht to do.

haha.

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Power-User

Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: US - TEXAS
Posts: 196
Good Answers: 18
#2

Re: Can Small Vendors Play Big?

12/12/2008 8:13 AM

I don't know if it saves money, but consider this. A small firm has fewer working components.

For instance if you take your work to a larger engineering firm, the project will pass to the PE, who will pass it off to the Project Manager. If he is too busy he will pass it down to the designer, who will pass it down to the design/drafter who will direct the drafter on what to do. Once the project is done the process starts all over again in reverse. Each person/department reviews the work, makes corrections and passes it on. There is nothing wrong how they are doing this. It is simply the way most business is done.

With a smaller company the PE is usually the project manager, and the designer or drafter will probably work "hands on" with the engineer. Meaning there is a greater amount of time spent on this project by more experienced and trained personnel. The problem would be if the smaller company's intellectual property could handle the project in a timely manner.

Of course you could write a thesis on your question but lets keep it brief.

The main factor in deciding who will do the project should be built on trust. Do some investigation, discuss it with several people, trust yourself and make an informed decision.

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Anonymous Poster
#3

Re: Can Small Vendors Play Big?

12/12/2008 9:40 AM

Yes! Definitely . But do small vendors have facility which bigger one has like testing , equipments, funds ?

If quality standards are met there is indeed an opportunity!

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