As a member of the Board at SMRP, we are currently in the process of establishing a clear definition of what constitutes a vendor. This issue arises due to the presence of board members who work for contract maintenance companies, with some overseeing maintenance functions while others focus on sales and acquiring new maintenance service accounts. Can anyone provide insight into a suitable definition for vendors in this context? Terrence O'Hanlon.
In today's market, everyone is engaged in selling products or services in one way or another, making us all participants in the world of commerce.
A vendor should possess the capability to offer essential resources and services such as manpower, materials, equipment, and technical expertise needed for successful project completion. Additionally, they should provide supervision, coordination, and quality assurance plans to ensure the work is done effectively. It is essential for vendors to offer cost-effective solutions that are sustainable in the long run, benefiting both the vendor and the client financially. Any deviations from standard norms must be clearly outlined in the contract document beforehand for transparency. This approach ensures a smooth and successful collaboration between all parties involved.
I am contemplating a different approach in determining roles based on the actual tasks being performed rather than focusing solely on the company's vendor status. Patrick, your role involves a significant amount of maintenance service, similar to when you were working at a mill. This places you in the category of a practitioner. If your role involved new business development, then you would be classified as a vendor. Do you see where I am coming from? By defining roles based on selling, we risk misclassifying individuals who do not engage in selling activities. This distinction is important for participation in SMRP, as it is a community created "for practitioners by practitioners." Terry O
Terrence, is there a divide between practitioners and vendors in the field of Reliability and Predictive Maintenance? I offer my services to clients in need of PdM and actively implement Reliability practices in my consultations. According to Josh's definition, I may be considered a vendor, but my focus remains on practicing and providing valuable advice to clients. To address this issue, we could take inspiration from the Vibration Institute's approach. They categorize certification levels and maintain a list of Certified Consultants, allowing for clear distinction between practitioners and consultants offering marketable services. Excluding vendors from the realm of reliability professionals would be detrimental to the industry as a whole. In the past, Reliability Magazine forums often included "Vendor Disclaimers" to ensure transparency when vendors discussed their products or competitor issues. It's important to recognize that vendors can provide valuable insights that help individuals make informed decisions.
Quote: Patrick, you now perform just as much maintenance service as you did while you were at a mill. Your role as a practitioner is evident in your job as a Dictionary Vendor. A vendor, by definition, is someone who sells goods or services. While a significant part of my job entails practicing, I also focus on selling my company's services and maintaining our reputation. Our success as practitioners relies on our ability to deliver on our contracts; otherwise, they won't be renewed. As the face of the company to our clients, I understand the importance of selling and showcasing our services. In the corporate world, a vendor is essential for providing services or products that complement others. Simply put, vendors cannot thrive in isolation. Therefore, it's crucial to focus on selling and promoting our offerings. Merely discussing by the water cooler or engaging in hobbies like rewinding motors won't generate income. A true vendor, whether an individual or a company, is characterized by their role in the corporate structure and their ability to provide value. They also know the importance of networking and relationship-building over lunch. This mindset is essential for success in the industry. At SMRP, participation is key, as it is a community "for practitioners by practitioners." The term practitioner refers to someone actively engaged in their field. However, in today's diverse landscape, anyone can claim to be a practitioner in various areas. When looking at the SMRP board members, many hold high corporate positions, and some may even be considered vendors. This diversity can lead to complex discussions and viewpoints. Considering a 'code of conduct' for vendors and all individuals involved in selling services is essential. Excluding vendors from the conversation seems counterintuitive, especially since many vendors have practical experience in the field.
In my perspective, a vendor within the context you provided could be operationally defined as any entity or individual that exists outside of the actual company, providing goods or services in exchange for a fee. They could range from contract maintenance companies to individual sales representatives. Essentially, the vendor is not an in-house functionary but an external source tapped for certain needs such as maintenance and new service accounts acquisition. Breaking things down this way might make it clearer to determine who fulfills the 'vendor' role versus who does not.
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Answer: The challenge arises from the presence of board members who work for contract maintenance companies, with varying roles such as overseeing maintenance functions and focusing on sales and acquiring new maintenance service accounts.
Answer: It is important to have a clear definition to provide clarity on the roles and responsibilities of board members who work for contract maintenance companies, especially distinguishing between those involved in maintenance functions and those focused on sales and acquiring new service accounts.
Answer: Members may share their perspectives on what characteristics and responsibilities should be considered when defining a vendor within the context of the SMRP Board, considering the different roles board members may have in contract maintenance companies.
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