VOA 商务英语 lesson23

（单词翻译）

Diaolog 1
Stay on schedule, component¹
F:The supplier is another important player.
M: absolutely critical, we need good suppliers to stay on schedule.
(表赞同，of course/exactly/You bet/you’re right)
F:They supply computer components² to the hub.
M: where the computers are assembled.
F: but again, you can’t have a huge inventory³ of components.
M: For the same reason, the components become outdated⁴.
F: but you need enough components on hand to assemble the computers as they are ordered.
M :We can’t afford to wait for missing components.
Q:How do the components get to the hub?
A: The suppliers send the components.
Dialog 2
Logistics(后勤工作)
F: You operate on a very tight schedule.
M: You bet, these components have got to be the hub or else.
F: You have 3 hubs, it must be a logistical nightmare.(感叹困难)
M: Only if the right component isn't on hand at the right time.
F: your suppliers need to know which components to manufacture.
M: which components and how many.
F: and when and where to send them.
M: each hub requires different quantities of components.
What is a logistical nightmare for suppliers?
Send the right number of components at the right time.
Dialog 3:
Flexible
F: you need to be well-organized.
M: We are well organized.
F: The components you need must change (from) month to month.(表频率，from day to day)
M: week to week in some cases.
F: How do your suppliers stay on top of(掌握) changes in technologies.
M: the smaller suppliers are more flexible, they can change more rapidly.
F: You must pay a premium⁵（extra cost）for that flexibility⁶.
M: I do , I pay a premium for flexibility and knowledge.
Q: What is the advantage of a small supplier?
A: the smaller suppliers are more flexible.
Small talk(为迟到道歉)
――I am so sorry I’m late/I hope I didn't keep you waiting/the traffic is terrific /My bike had a flat tyre.
-----don’t worry about it