5 Keys to Project Success When Working With a Sheet Metal Fabricator
Selecting the correct sheet metal fabricator isn't just about the quality and expertise of the fabricator; you must also collaborate effectively and often communicate to ensure the project is done correctly.
TIW Machine & Fab prides itself on not just being one of the best in the industry but also understanding your unique project needs and implementing them with a knowledgeable hand.
This guide will explore five key factors significantly contributing to a smoother process as you build your project checklist, so you can better understand your needs.
Early Project Engagement
Engage and discuss with your partner as early on in the process as possible. It's vital to get the lay of the land internally, but once you have the initial ideation, ask your partner for feedback. Precision sheet metal fabricators, like TIW, will offer recommendations early in the project to ensure your vision is possible and carried out with fewer obstacles.
TIW Sheet Metal Fabrication Services include precision laser cutting, forming, welding, and machining, and the knowledgeable engineering team can provide pointers on design and implementation.
Quality and Quantity
If you find yourself in the middle of a project, you must choose a partner who is both understanding and can meet tight deadlines. Provide all pertinent information to improve quality and increase the speed of production.
If you have the requirements, let your partner know what you need, when, and the order or project volume. Review that you provided all necessary information to better match your expectations in due time and with strict adherence to regulatory standards to ensure that you get both quantity and quality.
Take advantage of TIW's cutting-edge Robotic Welding and Plasma Technology Services to uncover opportunities for accuracy and efficiency during fabrication.
Communicating through effective Channels
A close relationship with your partners and suppliers is necessary to help your supply chain and improve your offerings.
A recent study by McKinsey & Company found that companies with excellent supplier relations significantly correlated with strategic alignment, communication, and trust.
The communication channel is not as important as agreeing with your partners on the best avenue for communication. Once you have established the best method of communication, work out a regular cadence for scheduled updates, news, or milestones.
Make sure to also implement a direct channel for any ad-hoc or urgent messages, providing a smoother experience for everyone involved.
Discuss Pricing Open and Earnestly
Let's face it: pricing is a huge determining factor, which you must agree to early in the partnership.
Depending on where you are in your project's stages, you must discuss pricing and a payment schedule to get underway.
Initiating a quote request early on in your project is the best course of action, as you will get more price estimates and some options for flexibility. The project will feel more seamless once pricing has been agreed to and open communication and trust can flow smoothly. Putting this off until later may cause unexpected surprises, slow the project, and delay deliverables.
TIW is well-positioned in a community of sheet metal fabrication companies and employs highly experienced and knowledgeable staff. We can provide open terms and flexible payment schedules with state-of-the-art technology and facilities.
Consider Customization and Unique Requirements
There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach in fabrication, so establishing your unique requirements as early as possible is required to confirm and deliver your specs quickly and correctly.
Discuss with your team if you need a tailored solution, and bring this to the attention of TIW's engineering team. We can offer insights and recommendations to manage expectations of fabrication and collaboration.
Customizations must often be approved and checked against regulatory standards to ensure they comply. Doing this early on will ensure you efficiently use your resources and reduce the work and re-work necessary for you and your industrial sheet metal fabricators.
TIW Machine & Fabrication: Partners Who Understand Your Needs
Understanding these five key points is important to implementing a better project management schedule between you and your sheet metal fabricating partner.
When you and your partners align, it creates a harmonious balance between understanding and execution. Developing your strategy and project doesn't need to be done 100% in-house, as TIW can advise you on the best course of action early on - or at any stage of the process.
With decades of experience and advanced fabrication technology, TIW supports the community in excellent component parts and fabrication needs. Whether you need help designing and developing a prototype or a full-scale production request, request a quote and speak to us today to get started.