My Supplier Said to Me: Just Use Different Screws

Mix of screws

On the eleventh (work) day of Christmas my supplier said to me ‘are you sure you can’t just use new screws that fit the thread in the parts we already sent?’  Specification issues arise in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some are big issues and make you pause to ask how it’s possible that […]

My Supplier Said to Me: Just in Time Delivery?

Man making just in time delivery on horse

On the ninth (work) day of Christmas my supplier said to me “We are working on it, but when do you REALLY need that Just in Time delivery?” The answer to the question in the title is, of course, Just in Time. Inventory management is critical for modern supply chains. The longer that parts inventory is held […]

My Supplier Said to Me: I’m Out of Office Next Week

Man out of office on a beach holding a surfboard

On the eighth (work) day of Christmas my supplier said to me “I’m out of office all next week. Could we wait till I’m back in the office to have this conversation?” A sure-fire way to experience a quality issue is to press for a quick resolution before key people and stakeholders are out for […]