Students ordering parts

[Michael Corsetto]

Originally Posted by mentos54

Thanks for the replies! Followup question:
If it's a specialty part (for example, a custom made actuator), should the student be calling the suppliers and asking about the possibilities available, or should a mentor handle that part and then decide if it works, or somewhere in between?

I love it when my students talk to suppliers!

It's definitely not for every student, but for the ones that have a strong grasp of technical topics, I encourage them to make the call (I'm usually at work when they call), and then I'll debrief with them afterwards to make sure they got the necessary information (cost, specs, delivery schedule, etc.)

Best,

-Mike

[rich2202]

We have one person responsible for purchasing. You talk to that person, and decide between the two of you how you want the part ordered.

If the part is ordered on-line, we e-mail that person a link, and the parts person orders it.

Sometimes, after discussion, we go to the hardware store. That can either be the team credit card (for someone over 18), or they submit a receipt for reimbursement.

Sometimes I (mentor) buy (without discussing) some parts (under $25) for something I am wokring on with the team, and submit receipts.

Students should always get permission first. With that permission will come the acquisition method. Mentors have more leaway, but then they also have the financial resources to eat the cost if there is a disagreement.

[marshall]

Originally Posted by Michael Corsetto

I love it when my students talk to suppliers!

It's definitely not for every student, but for the ones that have a strong grasp of technical topics, I encourage them to make the call (I'm usually at work when they call), and then I'll debrief with them afterwards to make sure they got the necessary information (cost, specs, delivery schedule, etc.)

Best,

-Mike

Do you have this automated at all or in a custom application or is it just a series of emails/spreadsheets? I'm not judging either way but I would like to know more about it. We struggle with parts procurement and getting all of our groups to get the necessary info to me, the ordering guy, in a timely manner.