Chapter 68 Quarterly Meeting
After two months of screening and negotiation, the intelligent system supplier for the "Happy Elderly Home" project was finally determined.
This company named "Zhi Ling Technology" has rich experience in the elderly care field and strong technical capabilities.
Pei Song sat in the conference room and watched the negotiations enter the final stage.
Everything seemed to be going according to plan, but he always felt that something was wrong.
Sure enough, just as the contract was about to be signed, the supplier suddenly put forward new requirements.
"According to the latest cost estimates, the system construction costs need to be increased by 30%." The representative of Zhiling Technology pushed over a new quotation.
Pei Song frowned: "This is different from what we agreed on before."
"The market conditions are changing too fast and the cost of raw materials is rising. We are helpless." The other party looked helpless.
Not only the price, but also the delivery time and maintenance terms need to be greatly changed.
The originally promised three-month delivery period turned into six months, and the maintenance costs doubled.
"These terms were determined after many rounds of negotiations," Pei Song said solemnly, "Isn't it a bit inappropriate to change them now?"
The supplier representative said calmly: "Manager Pei, we have no choice but to do this. If your company feels it is not suitable, you can consider other suppliers."
Although the words were spoken politely, they clearly contained a hint of threat.
They knew that the project had reached a critical stage and changing suppliers was almost impossible.
The atmosphere in the conference room was a little solemn for a moment.
"Give us two days to think about it." Pei Song said, then stood up and left the meeting room.
Since "Happy Elderly Home" is a pioneering project in SNK's elderly care industry, the company has specially arranged for the project manager to report the progress of major matters directly to the president.
Pei Song went directly to Shi Yanchen's office and gave a brief report on the situation.
After listening to this, Shi Yanchen looked calm and asked: "What do you think?"
"When I visited Singapore, I specifically studied their supplier management system," Pei Song said. "I think we can learn from their approach and adopt a 'dual supplier' system."
He opened his laptop and said, "I have contacted two other suppliers of comparable strength and asked them to prepare a backup plan. Although this will increase some costs in the early stages, it will help us avoid being restricted by a single supplier."
Shi Yanchen nodded thoughtfully: "What else?"
"There must be a reason why Zhiling Technology suddenly changed its mind this time. I asked someone to check and found that they are discussing a big project recently, which is suspected to be related to Galaxy Real Estate."
"Follow this line of inquiry," Shi Yanchen said, "but don't alert the enemy."
At the regular project meeting the next day, Liu Yan openly questioned: "Changing suppliers is too risky. Why not accept the other party's conditions? After all, there is still room in the project budget."
Pei Song's sharp eyes swept across his face: "I'm afraid it's not a matter of price. A supplier who violates the terms of the contract at every turn does not even have the most basic business credibility. What kind of cooperation can we talk about?"
"You are just too idealistic.
"Liu Yan leaned back in his chair, a sneer on his face," This kind of thing should be handled flexibly.
Changing suppliers just for a few terms is not worth it. ”
Several people in the conference room echoed: "Yes, yes, for such a large project, time is of the utmost importance.
If we change suppliers now and the progress is delayed, who will be responsible? "
At this time, the Asia-Pacific quarterly meeting was held, and the heads of each region reported on the progress of quarterly work via video link.
As the regional head, Zhou Feng had to report on the "Happy Senior Home" project at the Asia-Pacific quarterly meeting, and he specifically asked Pei Song to attend the meeting because he was the specific person in charge of this project.
When it came to the "Senior Citizens' Home" project, the CFO immediately raised a question: "I heard that the supplier has put forward new requirements? Will this affect the progress of the project?"
"Yes," Pei Song said calmly, "but we have prepared a response plan. We have already contacted two alternative suppliers, and their technical strength and qualifications are very strong."
"The risk of changing suppliers is too great!" The director of the investment department suddenly raised his voice, "This is related to the core system of the entire project. Changing it now is simply playing with fire!"
"I agree," another executive said. "Even if we find a new supplier, the adjustment period will take at least three to six months. The project has been scheduled, and changing the supplier now will disrupt the entire schedule!"
"But Zhiling Technology's current behavior has already shown their unreliability," Pei Song argued, "If we don't take action now, there will be greater risks later."
"Hidden danger?" Another executive sneered, "Changing suppliers now is the biggest hidden danger! Manager Pei, are you too young to understand the consequences of this decision?"
"According to our assessment," Zhou Feng interjected, "the existing suppliers have major risks in terms of system stability and security.
Although changing suppliers will bring short-term schedule pressure, it will be worth it in the long run. ”
Shi Yanchen had been listening quietly, and when the discussion was about to get out of control, he finally spoke: "Let Manager Pei execute the plan."
Just a few simple words, but they made everyone quiet down.
After the meeting, Pei Song received news: Zhiling Technology suddenly changed its attitude and expressed its willingness to sign the contract according to the original conditions.
"Have you softened so quickly?" Shi Yanchen looked at the message sent by Pei Song with sharp eyes.
"Yeah, the change in attitude is a bit sudden." Pei Song also felt something was wrong.
"Let the legal department carefully review the contract," Shi Yanchen said, "especially the detailed clauses."
"good."
"Also," Shi Yanchen added, "have the risk control department send someone to monitor their financial transactions."
After work that day, Pei Song unexpectedly saw Li Ming and Liu Yan walking into the parking lot together.
The two seemed to be discussing something intensely, but immediately separated when they saw him.
Pei Song stood there, deep in thought.
The supplier's sudden change of heart, Li Ming's unusual behavior, Liu Yan's intermittent appearance...
Could these seemingly independent events be connected?
Just as I was thinking about it, my phone vibrated.
It was a message from Shi Yanchen: "Let's eat."
Pei Song hesitated for a moment: "I don't think so. There are so many things going on these past two days..."
"Come to my office." Shi Yanchen sent the second message without further ado.
Pei Song was stunned when he walked into the president's office.
Exquisite lunch boxes have been laid out in the large reception area, and the air is filled with the aroma of spicy food.
It is the most famous Sichuan restaurant nearby, and you have to make a reservation a week in advance every time you go there.
"Since you're not going out to eat," Shi Yanchen was already sitting on the sofa, motioning him to come over, "then let the food come to you."