We met last week to discuss how best to work with contract service providers in our AZBio Peer-2-Peer luncheon. The session took two perspectives – utilizing services and providing services. The following outline captures some of the key points that were brought out in the discussion.
- What important factors do you consider when selecting a service provider?
- Clear needs?
- Good capability match?
- Cost competitive?
- Delivery speed?
- Total service offering (i.e. "package")?
- Partnership opportunity?
- Culture match?
- Clear needs?
- How do you maintain good communication with a contract service provider?
- Verbal communications (face-to-face where possible)
- Frequent communication
- Open and transparent with issues
- Multilevel communication
- Taylor to match personal style/preferences
- Be flexible with communication approach
- Verbal communications (face-to-face where possible)
- How do you ensure that service providers deliver on schedule?
- Establish series of deadlines/milestones
- Document expected deliverables
- Do a good job defining the scope of work
- Establish clear specifications
- Document agreements
- Use tools (online and email) to keep schedule visible
- Establish contingencies
- Establish series of deadlines/milestones
- How do you ensure service providers satisfy your quality expectations?
- Set expectations at the outset
- Keep Quality Control people in the loop
- Perform audits along the way
- Utilize certifications
- Establish a quality agreement
- Work with first with a good reputation
- Set expectations at the outset
- How do you build long-term relationships with service providers?
- …. Ran out of time.
- …. Ran out of time.
Many of these ideas are common sense but it's good to be reminded of them. Feel free to add your comments to this list.
