Customer interfacing-lessons learned

Customer interfacing is the process through which one works with and relates to one's customers. Often in the technical world, modelers find it easier to interface with computers rather than customers. It is not uncommon for those involved in the technical field of simulation to enjoy the more technical and analytical aspects of making a model. Consequently, customer interfacing is not performed well. Unfortunately, a valid model cannot be "ivory towered". One must consistently work with one's customers to produce a valid representation of the customer's system. This paper discusses a few lessons learned in interfacing with customers. It presents some of the prime opportunities for customer interfacing during a project and looks at the habits of good interfacing.