“The smartest side to take in a bidding war is the losing side.” – Warren Buffet
‘Necessity is the mother of invention’, states an old adage. In modern times, necessity can manifest in a number of different situations and contexts, including scenarios wherein the best provider of products or services emerges through a competitive bidding process. Modernity has bestowed deep-ranging complexity inside the structure and expanse of such processes; such complexity arises from – for instance – the number of vendors that qualify to service a contract authored by government agencies. Complexity could also strike roots in the different particulars that attend a range of yet-to-be-undertaken projects.
- Enabling Good Design
Additional layers of complexity could emerge from the many points of contact between the actual requirements ingrained in a contract or work order, certain aspects of contemporary competition, the norms that attend budgeting and contract allotment, among others. In light of these facts, the modern bidding process must find description inside flowchart-like diagrams. These forms of modern illustration enable agencies to construct the different segments of said process with high levels of clarity and purpose.
- Data Streams
Data – when viewed as a stream of coherent, structured information – could form an integral part of a modern bidding process. Designers of such process could implement data and data structures inside flowcharts as part of attempts to streamline such process. The key benefit of this stance resides in the ability to tweak process particulars, and effect appropriate refinements, in tune with the data emanating from theoretical frameworks, as also real world conditions. For instance, a flowchart depicting a bidding process for a municipal corporation could integrate data streams into the flowchart; such data could contain multiple lines of information that seek to shape and mold the structure of the process and its many constituent flows. In addition, developers of the illustration could connect certain layers of data in a bid to boost efficient performance inside the bidding process.
- Utility of Multiple Criteria
Designing the criteria for selecting vendors and contractors could merit the creation of a separate edition of bidding process flowchart. In this context, creators could utilize different lines of information to formulate the criteria; simultaneously, they could institute an analysis of prevalent best practices as a step toward forming additional levels of criteria. Technical information, pricing data, deadlines, workflow particulars, details of agency offering the contract, prior experience in similar work contracts, information on financial expertise of potential contractors, etc. could find positioning inside the list of criterion. In addition, the bidding process designed within flowcharts could include a series of sub-stages that act as support for the primary layers of information encoded within the diagram.
- Probing the Fine Print
Contractors that wish to apply for a contract (or work order) could invest time in evaluating relevant details through flowcharts. Such effort forms a part of the pre-bidding process and remains crucial to the success of the potential application. A flowchart can enable contractors to assess the scope, depth, and expanse of the work order. The spaces of such illustration allow a minute evaluation of contract particulars, and remain instrumental in developing a comparison of different work orders. Subsequent to this, contractors could select to apply for a particular instance of work order. Additionally, the details etched inside the flowchart could empower contractors to develop internal systems and processes that equip them to negotiate the bidding process successfully.
- Buckets for Bids
A clear demarcation of the different bids remains central to the operational mechanics that animate a bidding process. Creators could categorize bids into different buckets etched within flowcharts. This stance promotes clarity, and enables contract administrators to locate the services of the most qualified contractor. For instance, a government agency could invite bids from multiple contractors; a part of the bidding process could require contractors to fill-in detailed information into a schematic supplied by the agency. Subsequently, this form of communication allows said agency to demarcate the vendors and proceed to final selection. Each agency could frame a different edition/variety of flowchart with variations in terms of headers, spaces, and stages; this allows the bidding process to proceed unhindered toward a resolution.
- Blueprints of Collaboration
Subsequent to the bidding process, a contractor could elect to develop collaborations with sub-contractors; such an arrangement could gain complexity depending on the scope of the work order. Flowcharts empower contractors to establish the details and fine print that could underlie such collaboration. In essence, the diagram could describe the many minor mechanisms wherein each sub-contractor works in tandem to drive progress toward the stated objective. The flows of money, materials, expertise, and human power could find adequate (and granular) delineation within the spaces of flowcharts. We could therefore state flow diagrams emerge as blueprints of collaboration that benefit, and indeed enrich, the domain of modern contracts. Additionally, completed illustrations could assist contractors to develop failsafe templates of collaboration that could find application in future endeavors.
- Review Comments
The reviewers of a bidding process flowchart may input a variety of comments based on the performance of said process. Such actions enable bidders to refine and re-furbish the details of their participation in process. Inputs from reviewers also benefit process administrators by enabling them to fine tune the details of process in tune with declared objectives. Refinements and suggestions could find incorporation into subsequent editions of the bidding process, thereby expanding the spatial expanse of the flowchart. Reviewers could also elect to alter the flows – or build greater levels of detail into the many stages of the bidding process. The outcome of such actions could result in a smarter, more aligned master mechanism – one that reinforces the integrity of bidding process and allows other agencies to replicate the mechanics in a range of allied actions and activities.
- The Re-Alignment: How?
Connected illustrations could assist policy makers to re-align the structure, and modify the velocity/contents of a contemporary bidding process. In this context, the flowchart appears as an embodiment of method, one that adapts its manifestation in tune with operating factors in the external environment. For instance, developers of process could build multiple editions of flowchart to match the specific requirements of different agencies that operate under government authority. In certain instances, multiple stakeholders could work together to frame the structure of flow diagrams; such a joining of forces enables better (more functional) demonstrations of diagram to gain shape. Any re-alignments could emerge through consultations, thereby enabling agencies to respond faster to the immediate exigencies that may attend a bidding process. Additionally, flexible illustrations remain best suited to incorporate emerging trends in terms of best practices.
- Original Ideation
A reading of these texts – aided by a critical eye – encourages us to explore/experiment with flow diagrams devised specifically for the many varieties of bidding processes. Ideation and exploration within flowcharts remains a key factor that allows agencies/sponsors of such processes to upgrade the rhythm, structure, and design of such mechanisms. Subjugate diagrams, when installed inside expanses of master flowcharts, enable these mechanisms to gain layers of fresh functionality, promote a graded idea of process complexity, and undergo refinement in a broad sense of the term.
Further to the above, developers could design extended versions of flowchart as part of attempts to diversify bidding processes. In enabling this ability, flowcharts unlock the potential for greater synergy between different agencies/departments that function under central/local authorities. We may therefore consider flowcharts as intelligent creations that empower the growth of modern civilization.
