Why is strategic sourcing important?

Strategic sourcing can provide considerable benefits to manufacturing companies, the most visible of which is cost reductions. Businesses can assure they are always obtaining high-cost savings by sourcing suppliers using this strategy and continuing to analyse the shifting industry.

This strategy also allows organisations to connect component sourcing with their business goals, increasing supply chain efficiency and reducing risk. Due to the process of analysing suppliers on more than just their initial product cost, these business goals may be matched with the best available suppliers in order to realise them, resulting in high value at low cost. The ability to form long-term partnerships with suppliers is at the heart of strategic sourcing. Because suppliers are chosen based on their capability and suitability with the business’s expectations and goals, an efficient transaction model between supplier and OEM is formed.

This dependability has more benefits than just having the proper parts when you need them; it also encourages the OEM to consider the supplier for additional sourcing decisions, and it encourages the supplier to keep up the good work so they may secure future business.

Strategic sourcing process steps

• Identify the product categories used by the company, spending patterns, and processes and departments involved.
• Design an appropriate sourcing strategy.
• Evaluate the supplier market and develop a supplier portfolio.
• Establish criteria for proposals and templates.
• Negotiate with and select suppliers.
• Establishing and integrating suppliers into existing processes. Onboarding any new vendors and outsourcing providers.
• Optimize the sourcing plan based on performance metrics.

Primary responsibilities

• Develop procurement policies:

  Establish, analyse, and optimize the business’s procurement strategy ensuring alignment with business goals. Oversee e-procurement and digital transformation initiatives.

• Collaboration with stakeholders and internal teams:

  Work closely with executives, department heads, and business stakeholders to understand their business needs. After that, for procurement initiatives, determine the needs, scope, and criteria.

• Manage vendor selection:

  RFx tools can facilitate strategic sourcing and manage the RFP timeline. In a digital RFP management system, you may create, issue, and manage RFPs. Manage the evaluation of proposals and the ultimate vendor selection.

• Strategic Sourcing Benefits:

  The most obvious advantage of strategic sourcing is reduced total cost, but the benefits of rethinking the sourcing process can be far-reaching. Procurement is primed for change as firms take use of massive amounts of available data and digitise business operations.

  Increased knowledge of supplier markets may aid in the identification of possible risk factors and the development of sourcing strategies to manage them. Furthermore, the supply chain’s emphasis on continual development and sustainability gives enhanced flexibility and adaptability to external variables.

• Cost:

  This is the primary motivation for businesses to engage in strategic sourcing. For large-volume purchases, procurement officials can negotiate lower unit costs, lowering the cost of goods and services. As a result, the company can maintain its product prices low while increasing profits. Suppliers appreciate this arrangement because it allows them to sell a major amount of their output, making long-term planning and cash flow visibility easier. While most people associate prices with commodities, the same may be said for services, since purchasing essential necessities through a strategic sourcing model can save money.

• Supply Stability:

  The method aids in the development of reliable supply partnerships, ensuring that businesses do not find themselves in a scenario where they require something but do not have it. Businesses might be put in a bind if they don’t have the appropriate goods or services on hand on time, hurting product quality and ruining client relationships. Strategic sourcing ensures that future procurement needs are anticipated and prepared for, avoiding potentially dangerous circumstances that might harm the company’s reputation or bottom line. Good executives recognise the importance of strategic sourcing when it comes to supply stability.

• Risk Management:

  It can help firms lower the amount of risk in their supply chain. By maintaining close ties with suppliers, businesses can identify and resolve problems promptly. For example, if a supplier is experiencing cash flow issues, a main customer may advance working capital to enable the supplier to continue operating The use of strategic sourcing enhances communication between companies and their suppliers, ensuring no one is shocked. Both parties benefit from this type of working partnership.

• Organizational Excellence:

  The procedure forces company leaders to consider the long term. Strategic sourcing allows them to make long-term strategies while also giving them a breather from the day-to-day grind that can often overwhelm leadership. Firms may use strategic sourcing to plan for the future in both favourable and bad circumstances.