Vendor Shortlist vs Solution Shortlist: Different Decisions
Distinguish a shortlist of solution paths from a shortlist of providers and avoid choosing organisations before defining the solution.
Published:
A solution shortlist compares ways to achieve an outcome. A vendor shortlist compares organisations capable of contributing to a defined solution role.
Shortlist in the right order
Provider discovery can inform feasibility, but provider familiarity should not define the solution.
- 01
Object
Solution shortlist: complete paths. Vendor shortlist: candidate organisations for a contribution.
- 02
Evidence
Solution evidence covers fit and dependencies; vendor evidence covers capability and delivery.
- 03
Sequence
Bound the solution role before final vendor comparison, then revisit if the market cannot support it.
One solution, two provider roles
A path needs a platform and change partner. It creates separate vendor shortlists with different evidence criteria rather than scoring all companies as if they offer the same thing.
What this method cannot guarantee
- Evidence and operating conditions can change; revisit the record when a material input changes.
- This method structures evidence and judgement; accountable people still make and own the final decision.