Before you choose to work with the manufacturer, you need to know they’re reliable. This is part of your supply chain due diligence, and it’s a crucial step for any business that wants to increase efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
But how exactly are you supposed to evaluate the reliability of a manufacturer?
The Many Forms of Reliability
First, let’s explore the many different forms of reliability. Reliability is a concise, yet somewhat vague word that can mean different things to different people. Generally, you’ll pursue manufacturer reliability across a variety of disciplines and dimensions.
These include:
- Product quality. First, you need to make sure the products you order are the highest possible quality. For example, if you’re in the market for centrifugal process pumps, you need a manufacturer who can reliably produce the highest-quality centrifugal process pumps available. There are instant cases where it’s reasonable to make a sacrifice of quality in favor of something like price, but even then, you need to feel confident that you know what type of quality you’re getting.
- Product availability. You also need to determine reliability in terms of product availability. Sometimes, you’ll need a steady supply of a product in order to remain operational. Other times, you’ll need a reliable supplier in case something breaks and you need a part urgently. Either way, you need to choose manufacturers who reliably have what you need, when you need it.
- Product delivery. Similarly, you need some kind of reliability assurance when it comes to product delivery. If your manufacturer doesn’t ship your product on time, or doesn’t use reliable shipping services, or is too far away to ship a product quickly, the relationship may not work out.
- Troubleshooting and customer service. Even when your supply chain is running relatively smoothly, issues can arise. Flawed products, shipping delays, and other issues can complicate your otherwise mutually beneficial relationship. Accordingly, you need to work with a manufacturer who is reliable in terms of troubleshooting and customer service. If you run into an issue, are you confident you’re going to get the support you need?
- Communication. Along similar lines, you should consider reliability as applied to communication. If you reach out to this manufacturer, do they respond in a timely manner? Do they answer your questions openly and transparently? Can you get in touch with a representative and have a meaningful dialogue when things go wrong?
- Security. In the interest of supply chain security, you should also strive to understand a manufacturer’s commitment to security and privacy. Depending on your operation and local governance, you may need your suppliers to adhere to certain security standards, especially in the realm of data management.
- Longevity. Finally, you need to think about all these factors and more in the long term. Assuming you want to continue growing and sustaining your business, you’re going to need a manufacturing partner who can grow and sustain with you. What is this manufacturer’s plan for the future and how does that align with your own view of the future?
The Most Important Ways to Research Manufacturer Reliability
So how are you supposed to research manufacturer reliability?
- Initial research. You can start with simple Google searches and an exploration of your manufacturer’s website. You can easily ascertain much about their core values, their commitment to security, the types of products they sell, the types of support they offer, and much more. Most companies make a concentrated effort to promote themselves and paint themselves in a positive light, so make sure you follow up with more due diligence.
- Ratings, reviews, and testimonials. You should also look to ratings, reviews, testimonials, and other indications that businesses like yours have worked with this manufacturer well in the past. What do other people have to say about this manufacturer? What has their experience been like?
- Interviews. Reach out to the manufacturer directly and talk to them. Ask them lots of questions and see for yourself what their communication is like. You can learn much about their processes, their commitment to quality, and more.
- Visits and verification. Part of your supply chain due diligence is verifying the details of each supplier you want to work with. You may have been very comfortable talking with a representative of this manufacturer over the phone, but what does their facility look like? And can you verify the details that were provided to you?
- Supply chain relationship building. Finally, treat your research as the first step of supply chain relationship building. This is an opportunity for both of your businesses to know each other better.
The question of manufacturer reliability is an important one, especially if you want a sustainable path to business growth in the long term. With the strategies and tactics in this guide, you’ll have a much easier time finding reliable manufacturers who can strongly support your organization.
