You've probably heard of the chip shortages by now, but do you know how far the shortage reaches? How it affects every single piece of IT equipment? How it may even affect how long your construction project takes to complete?
Unfortunately, we believe the affects have only just begun.
We are in constant communication with all the major technology manufacturers and suppliers. Not only do we get the "inside scoop" but it allows us to get accurate predictability on what systems and what products are moving from standard intervals to half-year and longer delivery challenges. As a result, we know way in advance when and if product orders, product substitutions need to be places and how to break out pre-ordering equipment.
This has become a game changer for ensuring that IT isn’t the hold up on multi-phase, multi-stage projects.
Here are the Top 3 technology areas to watch closely:
#1. A/V Systems & Equipment - A/V is an area that is so fast growing that we have seen systems and equipment become "end of life" by the time they are even installed in a brand new building. Add in the chip shortage and this becomes very complicated quickly.
#2. LAN (Local Area Network) & Server Room Equipment - Equipment such as Firewalls, PDUs (Power Distribution Units) and even Server Storage Units have become so delayed in delivery, that the typical purchase date in the RFP Process, has been moved up by 3-6 months in the construction process. Not to mention, if one thing is ordered before the other, you have to ensure they will arrive at the same time and not delay the project.
#3. Specification, Construction Documents & Other RFP Related Documents - Between the timeline delays, product substitutions, restocking and credits, increased labor rates and misguided discount applications, the RFP documentation and process can become a big headache for the client and the entire design team. This shortage issue has even reached as far as requiring changes to how legal contracts with vendors are worded to ensure the client isn’t stuck with a lack of product and an extensive cost overrun.
TMC's Methodology as a Solution to the Problem
Having in depth knowledge, connections and daily updates from manufacturers, vendors and integrators that it becomes like an insurance policy for the project timeline and budget.
Having many other projects at all phases of the CD and CA portions of a project, this has allowed us to get accurate predictability on what systems and what products are moving from standard intervals to half-year and longer delivery challenges. As a result, we know way in advance when and if product orders, product substitutions need to be places and how to break out pre-ordering equipment.
We manage RFIs and CO requests to minimize financial impact, product substitutions and project timeline extensions due to consistently expanding supply chain challenges.
Additionally, our RFP pricing methodology ensures that vendors feet can be "held to the fire" for the initial bid clarification and award, product substitution, restocking and credits, level playing field on discount application and labor rates and estimate of hours to perform all required scope. We receive significantly better pricing for client, than they would for themselves due to the fact that we have worked with all major vendors over the past 34 years and they know we go above and beyond for our clients to get them to best terms and pricing.
We fully manage the RFP process and is the point of contact for all inquiries and questions so this doesn’t create more work for the client directly, and they can keep doing their regular job functions. Our RFP and specification writing expertise on any given projects results in far fewer questions from the vendors and a great possibility of the bid pricing coming in on or under budget despite the current purchasing environment.
Get educated and stay ahead of the technology shortages, delays and substitutions!
For more information, take a look at our capabilities overview or contact us!