About MERA–Outsourcing Service, Criteria and Caveats

Outsourcing Can Solve Service Problems IF You –

• Ask the right questions
• Pick a partner with the right attributes
• Take heed of possible pitfalls
• Commit to a real partnership

Ask the Right QUESTIONS

• Do we have the resources to outsource service?
• Can we reduce capital and fixed overhead costs?
• Can we reduce overall service costs?
• Can we expand geographic coverage?
• Can we provide quicker on-site service response with no increase in cost?
• Is everyone committed to a partnership with a third-party service provider?
• Will our top management fully support outsourcing service?

Pick a Partner with the Right ATTRIBUTES

• Experience with products, clients, programs
• Coverage, i.e.: service personnel where needed
• Responsiveness on site wherever needed
• Quality, measured by quality systems in place
• Cost-effectiveness, measured by cost savings

Take Heed of Possible PITFALLS

• Partner’s total focus should be on service only
• Expect start-up problems, resolve complaints
• Don’t expect perfection
• Communicate openly, regularly, at top level
• Don’t select on lowest price, go for value

Commit to a Real PARTNERSHIP

• Mutual commitment to the same goals
• Learning patience, respect, and trust
• Receptivity to different ideas and methods
• A willingness to change
• A carefully constructed plan

Reap the Benefits of a REAL OUTSOURCING PARTNERSHIP

• Greater geographic coverage, more local service, and an improved local image
• No fixed outlays for salaries, benefits, workers and unemployment compensation
• Reduced or eliminated, the cost of regional, district and area managers
• No capital expenditures for standard tooling, test equipment, and vehicles
• Significantly reduced costs, as you pay only for the service that’s needed

We’ve learned that a successful service partnership is not built in a day, or based solely on the boilerplate in a contract. MERA has more experience in developing and implementing service partnership plans with manufacturers, than any other supplier in the medical and laboratory equipment field.

For a more comprehensive explanation of how to evaluate and initiate outsourcing, click here for Service Planning Aids for Manufacturers, and request M6.

MERA has solutions to your outsourcing problems now! Click here to contact us. No cost, no obligation, just SOLUTIONS.