Clarification Request In the contract
manufacturing industry a successful long-term relationship with a customer is often developed on the ability to communicate effectively. The contract manufacturer ostensibly becomes an
extension of the customers operation when they elect to focus on activities such as engineering and sales rather than manufacturing. As a result it is imperative that the contractor be able
to share with customer important issues that requires their input.With many relationships this frequently occurs with informal verbal communications using conventional telephones. When
important information is communicated verbally a compromising situation is created between the two parties. Discrepancies occur when an issue is communicated verbally. Each exchange results
in two opportunities for a misunderstanding. The way the message was spoken and the way in which the message was interpreted. Each time the message is conveyed on to another colleague
another two opportunities develop. All too often when a misunderstanding occurs it is the contract manufacturer who, in an effort to sustain the relationship, ends up absorbing the cost of
correcting the outcome of the miscommunication. |