A methodology for implementing a productcentred bid model for suppliers

Abstract

Early phases of product development are critical for next phases and impact the product definition. During bid process, suppliers generate offers for a customer that must both meet customer's requirements and be realizable in terms of technical aspects, costs and due date. Our aim is to propose a methodology for implementing a generic bid model, composed of context parameters, customer's requirements, the product i.e. technical solution, its delivery process, and associated risks. Key Performance Indicators allow to evaluate different solutions. The bid model is exploited with two different approaches. First, we use Constraint Satisfaction Problems to formalize expert knowledge and identify variables/constraints and relations. Second, we use case database to reuse past experiences. This model and the methodology are applied with a company developing harbour cranes. An initialisation phase allows to define existing bid process. Then, the generic model is adapted through a specialisation phase, using specific knowledge from company's experts. Finally, the specific model is implemented and tested in an implementation phase. Future work will be focused on a software tool development.