FEATURE: PAUL DAWSON
SUBCONTRACTING TO THE RAIL
INDUSTRY R
Words: Paul Dawson
ail manufacture is an advanced and safety-critical business. Trains are getting faster and management systems more complex. Rail
components increasingly need to be smaller, more streamlined and required to deal with harsher environments – from intense heat to high speed impact from debris thrown up from the track.
Compromising quality can be costly, and even fatal. Rail manufacturers must meet strict standards with guarantees that parts are of high quality material and made to precise specifications. It’s in everyone’s interest to get it right, from those issuing the tenders, to those responsible for rail safety and those delivering the finished product.
Choosing the right supplier to produce these parts is important, not just for getting the product right, but also for meeting deadlines and running an effective business. It’s a decision which is sometimes rushed into, but with a little understanding of the processes involved, better and more informed decisions can be taken.
44 RailCONNECT Why does it matter?
The tendering process tends to focus on results – what can you deliver and by when. But those issuing tenders for rail manufacture should make sure that the contractor is able to deliver, and this means looking at the capabilities of the contractors and their subcontractors. This applies throughout the supply chain, from big tenders for new fleets
Having good engineers who understand the process – and don’t just follow instructions – reduces the chance of mistakes and increases the chance of spotting them if they do occur.
of trains to the batches of fixings that hold them together.
For simple and generic parts the cheapest option may be the best. For complex, safety critical areas, much higher standards must be expected, and so a more rigorous selection process should be employed.
Quality is important but not the only factor. Those commissioning manufacturing work should satisfy themselves that the contractor has the ability and capacity to deliver the contract, including having a network of capable suppliers who can fulfil any missing needs.
What to look for in a manufacturing supplier
A simple starting point is certification, which usually comes in the form of ISO 9001:2008, the international standard for the quality management. This shows the contractor consistently provides products that meets customer and regulatory requirements, and aims to enhance customer satisfaction through various means. Whilst this is a good
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Paul Dawson, Managing Partner and Sales Director at Dawson Precision Components, discusses his experience working with the rail industry, what rail manufacturers look for in a supplier and some of the processes involved.
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