Rolex, Schmolex

I recently came into posession of a handsome Rolex Daytona timepiece.  Full disclosure: my daughter picked it up in Shanghai for less than $20.  But, it looks great!  And, focused examination found all manner of signs of authenticity.

Alas, it is a faux Rolex, referred to, in some circles as a "Folex."  But, the uninitiated might not discover that sad fact until it no longer kept time, or it began to rust out.  The reality is that intimate knowledge of what constitutes authenticity is required to determine whether the watch is a lifetime companion and heirloom for coming generations, or is merely a superficially adequate device for telling the time of day, with a limited life span and "close enough" accuracy.

We see parallels in the world of supply chain business relationships.  Suppliers and service providers that look good on the surface might be candidates for decades of successful collaboration - or might not.  Two things are necessary to gain confidence in the potentials.

One is intimate knowledge of the real keys to authenticity; the other is intimate understanding of what your requirements really are.  If all you need is "close enough" for a short time, by all means spend the $20 on a Folex.

But, if what you are after is a long-term relationship and continuously improving performance, invest what it takes to get the real thing.  Btw, if you don't know how, it's worth getting some help.