Integrate Suppliers into the Operational Process
The integration of suppliers into the operational process involves
strategies and activities which help simplify, standardize, and
synchronize the operational processes of the company. Evans and
Jukes (2000) suggest that synchronization can be achieved through
the following four key steps: process standardization, knowledge
sharing, alignment of existing practices, and continuous elimination
of waste within joint development cycles. They highlight
the importance of joint team-working and multicompany
involvement within the alignment process. To achieve effective
planning and delivery of a project, the expertise and knowledge
of suppliers should be integrated. The case studies described by
Khalfan et al. (2008) demonstrate that such integration efforts
can yield both cost savings and enhanced relationship-building
opportunities.
In this study, “integrate suppliers into the operational process”
is defined as the set of strategies and activities directed at simplification,
standardization, and synchronization with the operational
processes of the company. The goals include increasing
speed, support, service, and client satisfaction, reducing logistical
costs, and improving asset utilization/cash flow, the speed of cash
flows, and cross-enterprise relationships, decision-making and