Innovation
to be a lack of effective communication and collaboration. The launch of the new platform, Link-up Engage, aims to overcome some of these obstacles. Link-up Engage will allow greater opportunities for suppliers to differentiate themselves and to market their products as well as simply making it much easier to join the community and prequalify for the UK rail industry. Going forward, more features to support collaboration will be introduced.
Value of networking However, Link-up cannot exist in a silo. Breaking through the closed door of supply chains entrenched in legacy relationships is a process that has to occur through networking. SME's mustn’t underestimate the power of networking as it can help develop familiarity and a pre-requisite to inclusion as part of future tenders. Pre- qualification puts fears to rest, a strong relationship with a buyer can remove any other doubt. Link-up will list the community online, but must be supplemented by face- to-face interactions. It is these vital human relationships that will open up the supply chain and uncover essential opportunities. Only a connected supplier will have any chance of making sure their latest idea sees the light of day. Networking can unlock lucrative sponsors
and large organisations who have the financial stability to support SME's and invest in innovation. Innovation in isolation can be limiting; networking, openness and collaboration are the keys to restoring the ambitious pursuit of change to the heart of the rail industry.
Buyers a vital cog in embracing innovation Ultimately, the process of promoting innovation within our culture must begin with the procurer. Infrastructure managers need to allow contractors the space and freedom to decide upon suppliers within their own projects, and the contractors must become more willing to trust external audits and see innovation as a mitigated, rather than overwhelming, risk. Every innovation is an opportunity for improvement, therefore the more they are embraced by the buying community, the more the industry will take positive strides forward. To ensure continued innovation in the rail sector over the next decade, as an industry we need to make the process of securing a buyer as smooth and effortless as possible. We need innovation forums that encourage the development of new ideas, support the promotion of products and facilitate networking. The community of Link-up needs to be replicated offline into a creative hub that
unites buyers and suppliers and realises the dream of a collaborative and truly innovative culture.
Advice to SME suppliers: • understand the fears of buyers and use certification to assuage them
• network extensively • understand the supply chains that cultivate the rail industry – where are the opportunities and where is the demand for innovation. Don’t just target Network Rail and Transport for London – go a rung down and speak to their principal contractors who are much more likely to have responsibility for tangible opportunities
• take advice from organisations that support the promotion of innovations such as the Rail Alliance
• communicate with similar suppliers – understand the market
The benefits of Link-up Engage to SMEs: • proof of audited qualifications • personalise your brand – photo, logo and description
• find all your potential buyers in one place • buyers can now communicate directly with potential suppliers.
Annette Gevaert is director of Rail and Transport at Achilles, a provider of supplier information management services
www.achilles.co.uk
A Towering Presence Planet Platforms – Leading manufacturers of bespoke access solutions for the Rail Industry Rail Clients: Track/Infrastructure/ Communications maintenance
LUL – London Underground GTRM Thales
Balfour Beatty Amec Amey
Train Operating Companies
South East Trains South West Trains First Great Western Docklands Light Railway Sheffield Super Tram
Train Manufacturing Companies
Bombardier Siemens Alstom
Tel: 0800 0854161 Email:
info@planetplatforms.co.uk Web:
www.planetplatforms.co.uk Page 82 June 2013
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