UVX, Inc. is seeking suppliers of components to be used in a new heavy equipment product UVX is introducing in the marketplace. The firm conducts a market intelligence analysis and spend analysis to determine feasibility. These findings are reported to the company stakeholders, who decide to produce 25 units every two weeks. UVX issues a solicitation for bids and includes the stakeholders' requirements with the specifications.
At the close of the bidding process, UVX receives one offer that can deliver enough components to produce 15 units every four weeks. The remaining potential bidders decline altogether, citing an inability to meet UVX's specifications.
Which of the following should UVX have done in order to ensure a better response to the solicitation?
Correct Answer: C
Early Supplier Involvement (ESI) is a practice where suppliers are included early in the product development process. This can help UVX, Inc. by providing the suppliers with ample time and in-formation to understand and meet the specifications and requirements. By involving suppliers ear-ly, UVX can also benefit from the suppliers' expertise in manufacturing, which may lead to better design decisions, cost savings, and improved product quality. In the scenario provided, had UVX engaged potential suppliers early on, they would have been better positioned to understand the challenges and constraints of the suppliers, potentially leading to more bids that meet the re-quirements. References:
*Monczka, R. M., Handfield, R. B., Giunipero, L. C., & Patterson, J. L. (2015). Purchasing and Supply Chain Management. Cengage Learning.
*Cousins, P. D., Lamming, R., Lawson, B., & Squire, B. (2008). Strategic Supply Manage-ment: Principles, Theories and Practice. Pearson Education.