We all make assumptions in all aspects of our lives, but in business it can be particularly damaging. After all, assumptions are akin to guessing. And yet suppliers make assumptions about what installers want and expect from them every day. Installers make assumptions too about what their suppliers need from them and what their suppliers can do, and everyone makes assumptions about what is causing frustrations and inefficiencies in the supply chain. But assumptions, or guesses, are not facts.
The better we can all understand each other, the more equipped we can be to make improvements, boost efficiencies and ultimately do a better job.
Knowledge is power
Rhonda Ridge, MD Ab Initio
It can be difficult to start the process of building this knowledge bank because first of all life is busy! And secondly, when companies have worked together for years, that relationship becomes the status quo and might even feel OK. A lot of supply relationships last a long time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is delighted with how the relationship works, and if they are, do we honestly understand the nuances of why? We might think customers are sticking with us for one reason, when in fact it’s something else entirely. It is always helpful to challenge long-held beliefs and do our best to better understand the other side of the relationship.
In a bid to do exactly that, we commissioned Keystone Market Research to conduct an independent, major new research project – the UK Installer Insights Report – which will be free to download by anyone in the industry.
Using facts to improve the way we work
This is the first detailed installer survey to have been carried out for more than two decades and delves deep into the experiences, thoughts and opinions of this front line sector of the industry. In its entirety the research will span six published white papers designed to give installers, suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers a clear, evidence-based understanding of, and insight into, the market. We wanted to share the findings industry-wide because the real value of research like this isn’t just knowing the answers but using the knowledge to improve the way we work. And the more of us that do that, the better our industry will be.
Shifting priorities
AdminBase has had a close working relationship with installation companies for more than two decades, and because our CRM aims to improve efficiencies across the entire business, we probably have a better overview than most. We have seen first-hand how their working environment has changed over time, especially more recently with rising costs, changing regulations, administration, technology, and increasing customer expectations for quality, service and communication, all placing new demands on installers. Despite these significant shifts, there has been no evidence-based assessment of the impact on installation businesses and how these changes are affecting priorities today.
We wanted this study to be completely independent, so installation businesses feel free to share their experiences honestly, which is why we commissioned Keystone Market Research to carry out the survey and produce a series of insightful reports. Our aim is to help supplier relationships become even more efficient with more targeted services that benefit both the supplier and the installation businesses they serve.
The power of informed decisions
Gathering facts instead of using guesswork or outdated assumptions is a great starting point for improvement. Knowledge gives us the power to make better decisions that we know are on target for our customers. And sharing this knowledge industry wide helps to build a better understanding between installation businesses and suppliers and offers everyone the opportunity to discuss the findings and consider how we can collectively create a more efficient, productive, and successful industry for everyone.
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