Humphreys, P., Huang, G., Cadden, T. (2005). A web-based supplier evaluation tool for the product development process. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 105(2), 147-163.

Format: Peer-reviewed article

Type: Research — Non-experimental

Experience level of reader: Fundamental

Annotation: Authors created and tested a tool for assessing suppliers involved in the design process, and demonstrated its application via a web-based platform called WeBID. The tool is designed for use at all NPD stages involving suppliers from the initial design specifications to actual materials or sub-systems purchasing.

Setting(s) to which the reported activities/findings are relevant: Federal lab, Government, Large business, Small business (less than 500 employees)

Knowledge user(s) to whom the piece of literature may be relevant: Brokers, Manufacturers

Knowledge user level addressed by the literature: Organization

This article uses the Commercial Devices and Services version of the NtK Model

Measure: Prototype web-based system, called WeBID, permitting manufacturers to assess their NPD requirements and match them against a variety of suppliers. The system has application at each stage where suppliers interface.
Case Study. Design and testing of prototype tool for assessing capabilities of various suppliers to identify best match.
Occurrence of finding within the model: Step 4.12, Step 7.1, Step 7.6

• Suppliers can contribute to the NDP process at multiple points in various ways including: 1) Developing specifications; 2) Identifying interchangeable parts; 3) Planning part standardization and simplification; 4) Suggesting part substitution; 5) Excluding parts with known problems.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Step 4.12, Step 7.1, Step 7.6

• The traditional pattern of a large, vertically integrated business, is being replaced by one consisting of complex networks of collaborating organizations and chains of buyers and suppliers. (Roy and Potter [1996])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Step 4.1