When visiting a potential equipment supplier, how would you evaluate their readiness for a project?

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Answer Example
Experienced Example

A manufacturing engineer's opinion of a potential supplier will most likely be an important factor in whether or not the supplier is selected for a given project. It is important that the manufacturing engineer is capable of evaluating suppliers fairly and consistently. It is also important that the engineer's opinion is not formed strictly based on cost competitiveness. As with most other aspects of a manufacturing engineer's job, it is imperative that they use a structured and analytical approach to evaluating vendors. Your answer to this question should show that when evaluating a proposed supplier, you will be considering multiple aspects that affect the ability of the supplier to adequately deliver the products and services needed by your employer.

"When visiting a potential supplier, I always ask to meet with the management or owner of the business. I will ask that they show me examples of other customers and similar projects which they have completed. If they can supply examples of past work that make me confident that they can meet our needs, then I will ask to perform an audit on their shop. As part of this audit I will check on many aspects of the business that are required for proper support of our project, as well as the overall cleanliness and organization of the shop."

"I would ask to see their floor of operations. If it seems up kept, that is a plus. But the supplies/ tools should be stocked or at least seem operational. For example, if all of the CNC machines are turned off, and no machinists are present on a weekday, that is a red flag. Also, speaking with the staff and their impression - if they seem alert and capable, that is a good sign. Most important, though, is their level of concern with my presence - if they are customer oriented, it will show."

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How to Answer: When visiting a potential equipment supplier, how would you evaluate their readiness for a project?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Manufacturing Engineer job interview.

7. When visiting a potential equipment supplier, how would you evaluate their readiness for a project?

How to Answer

A manufacturing engineer's opinion of a potential supplier will most likely be an important factor in whether or not the supplier is selected for a given project. It is important that the manufacturing engineer is capable of evaluating suppliers fairly and consistently. It is also important that the engineer's opinion is not formed strictly based on cost competitiveness. As with most other aspects of a manufacturing engineer's job, it is imperative that they use a structured and analytical approach to evaluating vendors. Your answer to this question should show that when evaluating a proposed supplier, you will be considering multiple aspects that affect the ability of the supplier to adequately deliver the products and services needed by your employer.

Written by Jon Dale on January 31st, 2021

Answer Example

"When visiting a potential supplier, I always ask to meet with the management or owner of the business. I will ask that they show me examples of other customers and similar projects which they have completed. If they can supply examples of past work that make me confident that they can meet our needs, then I will ask to perform an audit on their shop. As part of this audit I will check on many aspects of the business that are required for proper support of our project, as well as the overall cleanliness and organization of the shop."

Written by Jon Dale on January 31st, 2021

Experienced Example

"I would ask to see their floor of operations. If it seems up kept, that is a plus. But the supplies/ tools should be stocked or at least seem operational. For example, if all of the CNC machines are turned off, and no machinists are present on a weekday, that is a red flag. Also, speaking with the staff and their impression - if they seem alert and capable, that is a good sign. Most important, though, is their level of concern with my presence - if they are customer oriented, it will show."

Written by Daniel Neuhaus on November 4th, 2022

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