What is the first step in a typical Early Supply Involvement program?

In a typical Early Supply Involvement program, the initial step is to establish the customer need. This is fundamental because understanding the customer’s requirements lays the groundwork for all subsequent activities. By clearly defining what the customer is seeking, the organization can align its resources, identify key stakeholders, and set the direction for the project.

Establishing the customer need involves gathering comprehensive information regarding expectations, preferences, and any specific challenges that must be addressed. This focus on the customer ensures that any solutions developed are relevant and tailored to meet their demands effectively, which ultimately enhances the chances of project success.

The other steps, such as preparing project plans, identifying a project, and conducting value engineering studies, are crucial but occur at later stages in the process. They rely heavily on a clear understanding of the customer need to ensure that they are relevant and directed towards delivering value in accordance with those needs.