How to streamline glass procurement for large-scale projects
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Procuring glass for big projects isn't always easy. Explore 5 ways to streamline the process – and how we at ToughGlaze can help.
They say the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry – and the same goes for the best-laid plans of large-scale project managers.
The ask is simple: high-quality glass, please, processed and delivered promptly. But sometimes the process can feel like navigating a subterranean maze wearing an eye mask. With your hands tied behind your back. In zero gravity.
Sometimes, glass procurement is more roadblock than road. Supply chain disruptions and delays throwing a spanner in the works – but only after the spanner has arrived three weeks late. Market prices that go up and down like a yo-yo on a trampoline. Materials that don't make the grade. And on it goes.
With so many headaches lying in wait, you may decide to cross your fingers and take a very long nap. But what if we told you there were steps you could take to streamline the procurement process and maximise the chances of your project's success?
That's right, you heard! So, without further ado, here are five steps to streamlining procurement. We hope it helps you nail those deadlines and get some rest.
1. Plan early
If you want to make a decent fist of procuring glass for your project, you should plan as far in advance as you can.
Putting out feelers, mapping out timelines, sketching out budgets: these are the project management equivalent of pre-heating the oven or batch-cooking your dinner for the week.
As so often in project management, the more detail, the better. Sure, there may be loose threads or tiny holes in the tapestry. But you'll be much more able to deal with these if the rest of the tapestry is tightly woven.
Leaving things until the last minute will only cause logistical pile-ups. Know what you need and when you need it for a smooth (and even enjoyable!) procurement process.
2. Communicate and ask questions
Glass procurement is a two-way street. Your supplier can only work with what they're given. For this reason, it's essential that you communicate your requirements clearly and in detail.
This includes the type and quantity of the glass, along with details such as tolerances and dimensions. It should also include your timeline.
If you're vague at this stage, chances are you'll have to return or replace your materials. This isn't just a waste of time – it's also a waste of money.
Asking questions is also a good way to find out whether your glass supplier is right for you. Are they happy to answer your questions? You could be on to a winner. Do they dodge the details or try to stun you with science? You and your project could do better.
3. Build relationships
Ask any project manager: you need to have confidence in the third parties you work with.
This is mainly for the project's sake. Knowing the materials you need will be with you on time and in one piece is a green light you love to see.
But it's also for your sake. After all, uncertainty can cause anxiety. And anxiety can cause you to take your eye off the ball or your foot off the pedal.
This is a key reason why you should seek, where possible, to build relationships with your suppliers. Have you got each other's backs? If the answer is yes, procurement will be that bit easier.
4. Limit the number of third parties you work with
One of the hallmarks of life in the 21st century is the sheer number of links in any given chain. Monoliths have given way to polyliths. Sometimes, it's unclear who's in charge of what – and who's going to take responsibility if something goes wrong.
This has its advantages. In theory, you can now optimise each stage of the process, finding the best service – and best price – for each one.
In reality, there's too often a lack of accountability. What's more, complex service chains can lead to bottlenecks – and bottlenecks are bad for your bottom line.
You can get around this by working with a company like ours that does everything under one roof. At ToughGlaze, we cut, process, treat and deliver all our glass products. If there's a problem, you know who to call and can be confident it will be fixed straight away.
5. Look for quality
If there's one thing that will delay a project, it's having to return or replace materials.
Sometimes, this is unavoidable. People are people, and sometimes mistakes slip through the net.
But often, these delays are caused by one thing: incompetence. So, how can you make sure you're working with a supplier or processor who'll do the job thoroughly and promptly?
In our view, there are three things you should look for in a glass supplier – three marks of quality that will help you avoid headaches and tears of frustration.
The first is industry accreditations. Industrial standards exist for a reason. They show that a company is meeting minimum requirements. If your supplier doesn't know their ISO from their BS EN, it's time to look elsewhere.
Then there's the question of experience. How long has your supplier been in business, and have they worked with a variety of sectors? It's not a foolproof way of identifying quality, but it can be when combined with accreditations and our third mark of quality: an extensive range of products.
A glass manufacturer that makes a wide range of products is likely to have first-rate equipment and bags of experience – two things that can help keep the procurement process nice and clean.
So, there you have it – five steps you can take to streamline the procurement process. We hope it helps with your next big project.
Are you looking for a new toughened glass supplier? Based in Bedford, UK, ToughGlaze has been supplying glass to big-name architecture and construction firms for more than 30 years. We're always happy to discuss new projects, so don't hesitate to get in touch with our experts.
