INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS


Getting What’s Promised


PILOT MODEL INSPECTIONS CATCH EARLY ISSUES, RESULT IN BETTER BUSES WRITTEN BY ERIC WOOLSON


R


igorously inspecting a bus rolling off the production line early in the procurement process can create a win-win opportunity for


manufacturer and buyer alike, say several professionals who favor the process. Rusty Mitchell, product management


director of the Fort Valley, Ga.-based Blue Bird Corp., said pilot-model inspections provide “value for all involved parties” because the process ensures the customer is receiving exactly what was ordered and promised.


18 School Transportation News August 2013 “We provide thousands of options and


configurations, and inspections are a great way for us to be assured our dealer has interpreted the specifications accurately and we are delivering a product that meets the customer’s expectations,” he continued. “Tis is a product that will be in operation many years, so we want to be sure it meets the customer’s needs for many years.” Te practice is not limited to a particular


size or type of client, and it’s not always predictable which ones will conduct inspec- tions. Mitchell said pilot-model inspections


have occurred at Blue Bird for at least as long as his 14 years with the company. “In most cases, it’s initiated by the


customer, and there can be any number of reasons they do it. Customarily, we’ll have an understanding when we enter into a contract what their expectations are, and they’ll indicate their intentions whether to come to our property to inspect vehicles to specifications,” he added. Te Boston (Mass.) Public School Dis-


trict has conducted pilot-model inspections over the years to ensure Blue Bird delivers


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