A preliminary exploration of the internationally accepted methods for purchasing valves

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A preliminary exploration of the internationally accepted methods for purchasing valves. We have successively issued several standards related to valves, such as GB/T12252—89 regarding the requirements for valve supply, and GB/T13927—92 concerning valve pressure testing. Some of these standards are formulated by referring to or adopting relevant international standards such as ISO, while others are developed independently; they are neither identical nor equivalent to those standards, and there are significant differences compared to some foreign standards. The inspection standards also vary, which poses certain problems for direct international bidding. These standards can be used only if the other party accepts China’s GB standards; however, since China’s standards have little influence internationally, it is difficult to adopt them in international bidding. 4.3 Quotations are provided for products in accordance with the American API standards, German DIN standards, and British BS standards. With the progress of reform and opening up, we have introduced many large and medium-sized chemical processing units over the years; most of these units utilize technology from Europe and the United States. The pipes and valves used in them mostly comply with American ASTM and API standards, as well as German DIN standards and British BS standards. At present, there are already a considerable number of valve manufacturers in China capable of producing valves that meet these standards. This is a result of the ongoing need to introduce new technologies driven by market demands. From our cooperation with various valve manufacturers over the past few years, it appears that although some of them can meet the production requirements in terms of hardware and their product quality and inspection standards generally satisfy the requirements for international bidding, they still have shortcomings in terms of software capabilities. For example, there is delays in preparing documentation, the quality of such documentation is poor, and there are significant gaps in using computers for drawing technical drawings; in some cases, these manufacturers do not even know what documents need to be prepared or how to prepare them. 5. Requirements for suppliers under internationally common procurement methods: As we have already learned about the internationally common procurement methods, for suppliers, the procurement process should be ongoing throughout the entire process. From bidding and technical preparation after winning the bid, to production inspection, packing, delivery, quality inspection, and so on. 5.1 Bidding: From the perspective of quoting, upon receiving the inquiry, one should prepare to respond in two ways – by providing quotes for the list of materials to be purchased and by preparing sample materials – and submit these quotes promptly and accurately. Additionally, it is necessary to keep track of the progress of this project. Since it is a quotation, there is a possibility of winning or losing the bid; one should not ignore it just because they haven’t won the bid after several attempts, nor stop cooperating actively with the purchaser (or party making the inquiry). Because once we receive your quote, it means that we will have a fixed partnership for this project; we cannot set exorbitant prices nor be irresponsible. For those valves that our factory is unable to produce or that do not meet the technical requirements specified by the purchaser, we must not agree to them just to secure business. We need to be realistic and communicate thoroughly with the purchaser based on internationally accepted principles, so that these requirements can be implemented in production. If the supply does not meet the terms of the contract or delivery is not possible, liability for breach of contract arises, and severe compensation penalties must be paid; it is even possible to lose one’s reputation, making it very difficult to continue doing business. 5.2 Technical preparations after winning the bid: Once a bid is won (of course, this is subject to the signing of a contract), technical preparations must be carried out immediately. In accordance with the requirements specified in the bid document, computer-aided drawings of the valve’s overall assembly must be created, including details such as external dimensions, material of the components, dimensions of the connection surfaces, and relevant standards. These drawings should be sent to the purchaser for approval as soon as possible, and discussions should be held with the purchaser regarding any potential discrepancies. Questions raised by the purchaser must be answered; this process may require multiple rounds of back-and-forth communication until the purchaser signs off on the assembly drawings, after which production can proceed. This is crucial; domestic manufacturers, including some of the more competent ones, have produced many export products, but there is still a gap in this regard compared to the practices used in international bidding.