Procurement decisions greatly impact transformer reliability. Key choices include selecting the manufacturer and the capable factory.

A typical process for procuring transformers under a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract agreement involves several critical steps. These steps ensure that the selected transformers meet the required specifications and are delivered on time and within budget.

The process usually starts with the identification of needs and the preparation of a comprehensive specification document. This document outlines the technical requirements, performance criteria, and any other essential parameters that the transformers must fulfill. Referencing industry standards, such as the CIGRÉ Technical Brochure 528 for the preparation of specifications and Brochure 529 for conducting design reviews, is highly recommended at this stage.

Next, potential manufacturers are identified and assessed based on their capability and competency to meet the specified requirements. This involves a thorough evaluation of the manufacturer’s facilities, processes, and previous performance. The selection of the manufacturer and the specific factory is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of the procurement process.

Once a manufacturer is selected, a detailed design review is conducted to ensure that the proposed design aligns with the specifications and performance criteria. It's crucial to address any discrepancies or potential issues at this stage, as it may be too late to change manufacturers once the design review is completed.

Throughout the procurement process, continuous communication and collaboration between the purchaser and the manufacturer are essential. This helps to ensure that any potential risks are identified and mitigated early, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful contract execution and the delivery of high-quality transformers that meet the purchaser's needs.

While a good specification (refer CIGRÉ Technical Brochure 528: Guide for Preparation of Specifications for Power Transformers) is important, and the need for a thorough design review (refer CIGRÉ Technical Brochure 529: Guide for Conducting Design Reviews for Power Transformers) can never be understated, the selection of the factory at contract placement may often be the greatest risk in the whole procurement process. Before any contract is placed it is extremely important that the purchaser clearly understands what he will be getting for his money. This can only be ensured by an in-depth knowledge of the capability and competencies of the proposed manufacturer’s facility and what the manufacturer has understood and interpreted from the specified requirements. It should also be remembered that by the time the detailed design review is completed, it is often too late to change manufacturer. The importance in understanding the capability of a manufacturers’ particular factory is key to ensuring the procurement and commissioning of a quality product that is fit for purpose. This does not necessarily mean that there is a clear pass or fail criteria for the assessment system or a series of hurdles that the factory must clear, rather the assessment is intended to provide the purchaser with sufficient information on the factory’s processes and procedures in order to assist the purchaser in making an informed decision. Where the assessment highlights shortcomings in capability, these may be acceptable to the purchaser based on the balancing of the risks involved, or it may be that the purchaser can mitigate the shortcomings by committing more technical resources to work closely with the factory through the contract.