It's a jungle out there
A
Business Advantage Group product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Aug 20, 2002
According to a new survey, various CAD/CAM suppliers exhibit the attributes of reptiles, insects and sharks.
Managers of CAD/CAM related activities beware.
There are CAD/CAM suppliers out there with the attributes of reptiles, insects and sharks, according to recent research conducted by The Business Advantage Group.
Managers responsible for CAD functions at 246 UK-based mechanical engineering sites were asked to name an animal with comparable attributes to their main CAD/CAM supplier during telephone interviews conducted in July 2002.
Half (123) answered this question and the resulting analysis was based on this sample.
The overall sample was taken from Business Advantage's database of 20,000 UK CAD/CAM user sites.
The research found that one in five managers visualised speedy animals, with half of these likening their supplier to panthers ("because they are so damn efficient and quick", said one).
Leopards, hares, eagles, horses and even a road-runner made up this group of speed merchants.
A further one in five managers named animals with sly/slithery/devious reputations, with one in ten visualising a fox ("because they are sly money grabbers").
Other animals mentioned in this category included snakes, a hyena, a wolf, a tiger, a monkey and a weasel ("because he worms his way in and is a perfect pest").
One in ten picked out the wisdom of their suppliers, mainly mentioning owls ("they know everything we want to find out about"), but also a dolphin and a chameleon ("suits many environments").
One in 20 named solid or supportive animals such as dogs ("supportive and helpful"), a cat, an elephant and a horse.
Other miscellaneous comparisons included a terrier ("once they've got hold of you they don't let go"), a dinosaur ("painfully slow") and a cockroach ("they hide in the corner in the dark and never give you any information").
Chris Turner, Managing Director of The Business Advantage Group, observes: "It is surprising that over two fifths of our sample visualised negative characteristics in animal form.
Our previous studies of attitudes to CAD/CAM suppliers have shown very positive results, with very few CAD managers considering switching to a new one.
Perhaps there is a significant proportion with a wicked sense of humour to add to a vivid imagination".
The full report, entitled "Our supplier is an animal", can be read free of charge on the Business Advantage Group website.
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