In August 2012 the Uk govt announced the award of the contract to handle the West coast major line to FirstGroup. Initially this offer was thought to have saved considerable income for “the tax payer”. Subsequently it was found that the approach was flawed, thanks to numerical glitches that were only found adhering to a lawful obstacle by Virgin Trains, the incumbent supplier. As a outcome of the glitches the tender process has been restarted and Virgin Trains has had its agreement extended till completion of the method.
The key position is that although on paper in an RFQ response the headline numbers and advantages can seem to be to make a powerful circumstance for change, you could realise they are totally baseless in fact when you dig further…
The case in point of the West Coast principal line gained extensive protection and acquired a high profile simply because of the dimensions of the spending budget and because it associated community cash. The actuality is mistakes are produced in all types of RFQ processes for the provision of services, such as with suppliers of logistics companies.
When carrying out an RFQ approach for logistics provider companies, it is normally recommended to hold the incumbent in the method until the ultimate levels. The incumbent has knowledge of your company currently and their reaction (notice Virgin Trains) need to at the very the very least act as a great examine when evaluating other responses.
The crucial factor to make sure is that if you are supplied significant positive aspects in an RFQ response in contrast to the current operation then you comprehend how/if they can be achieved:
• Verify knowledge – see The value of accurate data in provide chain techniques
• Realize what is driving cost advancements e.g. productivity improvements
• Are proposed programs ready to handle your needs?
• What assumptions had been manufactured in the absence of data? What is the affect?
transport management software • What implementation assistance will be presented during changeover of suppliers?
Remember when you alter company make confident that owing diligence is extensive and the prospective positive aspects are considerable. In no way consider the determination to change provider evenly and ensure that someone with immediate experience manages the method from begin to end.
Considering the above, it truly is not stunning that in a high proportion of circumstances the incumbent retains the contract at the conclude of the tender process. Ahead of you start a tender approach, be positive that you are genuinely ready to adjust suppliers. Then take the time to get ready exact info and athorough description of the needs to guarantee providers are correctly engaged. This will provide out the greatest in all the suppliers – incumbent incorporated.
If on the other hand you are broadly pleased with the incumbent and just seeking for a benchmark, a strong contract assessment process is an option to a entire tender that usually delivers considerable benefits.