Project Planning: Which Roles Need to Be Filled by the Vendor - Essay Example

The software, in particular, happens to be the backbone of a reliable computerized billing system. The accuracy, reliability, and robustness of such items can be ensured by a reliable vendor only. Facilitator: Though a vendor in principle is supposed to supply the items to the company on a pre-agreed set of terms and conditions, for third-party products being supplied to the company, the vendor can act as a facilitator, if the need arises.

Such facilitations often come in handy in getting company officials trained in operating the equipment or software, maintaining and repair of the system, or for future upgrades. Independent Observer: While the system is being implemented, a vendor can act as an independent observer at each stage of system implementation and planning. Because the vendor has supplied such items to similar companies and for similar purposes, at times even minor suggestions from the vendor prove crucial during system validation, testing, and implementation.

The First Customer: Well, there's every possibility that we need to pay the bills of the vendor as soon as the system becomes functional. This payment depends on the number of items supplied and the terms of payment. In this way, the vendor becomes one of the first customers of the company, which helps in making the system compatible with our requirements. Trainer: At times, when the supplied items are not of very large value, implying that the company is not in a position to arrange independent training for its staff in operating the system, the vendor's experience comes in handy.

The vendor helps in training the manpower, by arranging short-duration training sessions of a day or two. Long-term partner: Once the mutual expectations are met, the company and the vendor feel comfortable in dealing with each other, thus giving scope for better understanding. This helps in leveraging this partnership in future expansion plans 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the vendor in these roles for this project: The following advantages could accrue to the company if the vendor comes up to the expectations.

The company has a reliable billing system. The company can offer higher standards of quality to its customers. The costs associated in the form of delays and errors get eliminated. The company can get its personnel trained at reasonable costs and without much delay in making the new system operational Company's officials get to test the project workflow software with more confidence. Open lines of communication between the vendor and company can help in resolving minor glitches during the operations.

Timely advice often proves very crucial. vii. Whenever in the future the company feels the need for an upgrade or replacement of the system the vendor can help with his experienced advice. Disadvantages: There are some disadvantages as well in seeking a long-term partnership with the vendor. Such disadvantages are experienced when the vendor becomes too profit-oriented in all his dealings.