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Three steps to improve Supplier Relationship Management
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Robust supplier relationship management is essential for transforming your supply chain into a competitive advantage. By optimising your supplier relationship management processes, you can drive cost savings, operational excellence, and long-term strategic value.
1. Plan: Laying the Groundwork
- Segment and Prioritise: Identify and focus on the most business-critical supplier relationships that will benefit the most from targeted supplier relationship management initiatives.
- Plan to Succeed: Develop a detailed implementation strategy. Early planning with clear roles and responsibilities for both your organisation and your suppliers is the cornerstone of effective supplier relationship management.
- Establish Operational Excellence: Dedicate the first six to eight months of a new supplier relationship to solidify core service levels and performance standards, setting a strong foundation for ongoing supplier relationship management success.
2. Implement: Executing Your Strategy
- Measure What Matters: Set key performance indicators (KPIs) from the start to define and track what’s important. Accurate measurement is crucial for effective supplier relationship management.
- Standardise Tools and Processes: Equip all stakeholders with a uniform set of tools and templates. This common language supports collaboration and drives the success of your supplier relationship management program.
- Establish Governance: Implement a robust governance structure to hold all parties accountable. Resolving issues quickly and maintaining clear oversight are vital components of sustained supplier relationship management.
3. Operate: Driving Continuous Improvement
- Develop Strategic Relationships: Once core performance is stable, focus on evolving your supplier relationships. Enhancing strategic partnerships is a key benefit of proactive supplier relationship management.
- Optimise Internal Processes: Use your supplier relationship management program to not only assess supplier performance but also to identify and improve internal processes. Addressing root causes of under-performance can lead to significant overall supply chain improvements.