Lowest Vendor ? or High Quality Vendor?

I wanted to address an important topic regarding valve servicing and the overall approach towards vendor selection, particularly in valve repair and special machining industry where the longevity and reliability of equipment are of utmost importance.

As we progress in our efforts to provide the best solutions for our customers, it is crucial to prioritize high quality standards (Q1) over simply opting for the lowest bid (L1). While the temptation to select the cheapest option may result in short-term gains, it will undoubtedly lead to the deterioration of our assets in the long run. A valve can perform effectively for 12 decades if maintained properly, but only if it is placed in the right hands. Just customer is bothering about 12 months warranty and happy. The case is that customer is killing the 12 decades worth of asset to 12 months by giving to L1 bidder.

We must work to change the ingrained L1 tender culture and instead advocate for partnerships with high-quality vendors (HQ1). It is essential that we communicate this message to top management of all customers which include private players. many of whom may still be inclined to favor L1 bidders. Instead of High-quality API certified vendor.

Research has shown that L1 vendors often struggle to meet the requirements for Q1 outcomes. This is a global truth and should serve as a wake-up call for us to reassess our vendor selection criteria. API certification should be the minimum requirement for any vendor bidding on all valve tenders, as it guarantees an audit of both product and process. This is in stark contrast to ISO certification, which, while valuable, does not provide the same level of assurance regarding product quality. ISO is a system audit whereas API is product audit. Customers are doing repair, machining welding so API is relevant criteria to select a vendor.

Moreover, the fact that there are currently no servicing providers with API Spec Q1 highlights for valve servicing, a gap that can only be filled if our customers start demanding it. The lack of understanding around the differences between API and ISO certification levels must be addressed.

In conclusion, we have a crucial opportunity to advocate for quality in our valve servicing industry and ensure the longevity of our valves. Let's work together to educate customers and clients on the importance of choosing quality over cost.