Process

A proven approach – strategy and tactics

Overall plan and product portfolio – decide on what is included, for who, from where, when and how
Review what is practical and what is not, based on our assessment model
Define specifications of portfolio ready for tendering – establish infrastructure, specify procurement ‘t & c’ and policies
Tendering & evaluation of vendors, field work, train resources, address quality control and audit, and 3PP
Develop our ‘cost spectrum’ model to understand competitive advantage, check pricing and understand vulnerability to material cost changes
Sampling, negotiation and decisions on suppliers, using tools available to assess costs
Order placing, scheduling, inspection, storage and deliveries, complete handover to site

Extensive hand manufacturing processes – China still leads on many categories, but need to understand how other economies are developing on some products.
Lower volumes, specialized factories, not on ‘radar’, difficult to identify in cursory search, and time consuming to do from zero base
Need to know which factories can meet specifications, price targets, and meet deadlines for samples and production – advantage of previous experience
Understanding of processes, veneers, cores, finishes, steelwork, packaging, tooling, essential for success
Understanding cost trends and migration of manufacturing – this involves looking at options which are totally dependent on the product and level of technology, and our understanding of China’s competitors. An example is the emergence of Taiwan as an often ignored, but serious option to consider on certain projects
On the ground follow up mandatory on every project, with an experienced local team able to get beneath the usual veneer of the supplier, and into the real capability and suitability
Advising on process checking e.g. automotive type inspection processes and gauges to ensure consistency
Transparent approach with full disclosure of costs and suppliers, with SEL staff working with the client all through the process, and providing hard facts, not conjecture
Totally ethical approach to compensation, strict policies on compliance and process.