We often hear from our customers that in the past, they struggled to find a vendor that could consistently deliver custom projects on time, within budget and according to spec. But when you work with GSM, you'll get just that.
- Initial Interaction: When you contact GSM, an Account Representative, designated to you, will ask you some questions in order to understand your needs and your buying process. Then he will work with you to help clear up any gray areas, suggest potential cost-saving alternatives to your spec, or guide you through the design process.
- Design: When applicable, your Account Rep will visit you to get a better understanding of the jobsite and the factors involved. Depending on your situation, one of the following options may make sense to help you move forward:
- In some cases your Account Rep will make a sketch and take the field measurements he needs to supply a quote.
- For a more complex project, your Account Rep can help you define the concept, then work with you to set up a contract for your design work. In this case, a member of GSM's Design team will visit your site and provide a cost-effective solution that meets your needs, complete with detailed drawings for your entire project.
- If you're not sure if or when your budget can handle your project, your Account Rep can submit budgetary pricing based on the scope and other information available at the time.
- Quoting: Once your Account Rep understands your project, he will provide a detailed quote that includes:
- Scope of Work
- Shipping and/or Installation Dates
- Pricing
- Project Management: After the job is awarded, your Account Rep will typically be your single point of contact and act as the Project Manager for your job. Depending on your project and your preference, a different member of the team may be designated as Project Manager, and become your point of contact. In either case, you have the ability to interface with a single point of contact for all your questions and needs as the project progresses. If you prefer to deal with multiple members of our organization, such as a designer, programmer or shop supervisor, you'll have the option to do so (this is often preferred by customers who work with us on a repeat basis). Either way, your Project Manager is still ultimately responsible for your project, ensuring that nothing will "fall through the cracks."
- Pre-Fabrication: Before work begins in the shop, your Project Manager will collaborate with his support team to enter the order, purchase materials, program CNC equipment, and create an efficient plan and schedule for fabrication, shipping and/or installation, while touching base with you about any questions that come up, or updates or changes you may have.
- Fabrication: During fabrication, testing and finishing, your Project Manager will work with the Shop Management team to assure all aspects of the project remain on track and according to spec. You are welcome to come see the fabrication process first-hand, or request updates, pictures and test results.
- Shipping: As fabrication is completed, your Project Manager will confirm your shipping schedule, or make changes to meet your updated needs. He will also work with his support team to coordinate with the carrier and compile your Shipping List, Bill of Lading, and any other shipping documentation you require.
- Field Work: Before your installation or mechanical contracting services begin, your Project Manager will work with our Field Supervisor to coordinate delivery of equipment like lifts and cranes, and he will brief the field foreman (or sometimes the entire crew) on site. While our men are on your site, you can continue to interface with your Project Manager, or talk directly with the foreman to make on the spot changes or alterations to suit your needs.
- After the Job: When it's all said and done, your Account Manager will touch base to be sure everything meets your approval; and to find out if there is anything we can change to adapt our process to better meet your needs the next time.
