What is most valued among the respondees to this discussion question? There are many answers so the questions touches upon an area of interest.
Some of the answers:
“I’d suggest that a supplier who helps you achieve your client’s goals whilst legitimately maximising their return from you would be ideal. Namely, consistently providing what they said they could (delivery/dependability); keeping to the commercial prices that they quoted (market understanding); moving with the market when it changes (innovation/adaptability); improving on areas that may be less well performing (ability to take on board feedback); and reporting back to you in a timely fashion with relevant data/metrics (understanding your requirements).”
“The obvious one is demonstrable savings, procurement will be tasked with getting savings and a supplier that makes it easy for them to demonstrate that solid savings are being made will have procurement’s support (they have to hit their targets too). …”
“The opportunity to create sustainable and long term value for our companies. This requires advanced supplier managment, supplier deveopment and supplier relationship skills and methods. Globalization adds another dimension to this role. Combining responsibilities for operational excellence with long term supply base managment and development strategies will enable generating short term success stories and long term reproducable results. “
and a great summary:
“Just to summarize : you are CUSTOMER and you have your requirments and goals, so try to be TANSPARENT ( double-check if your requirments are comprehensive and supplier knows how to meet them ), CLEAR in stating your KPI objectives ( address them at the beginning, check they are SMART and repeat frequently), HONEST ( nothing spoils relationship more than dishonesty, you will never go back on the right track) , PROACTIVE ( if you want proactive supplier – you have to show this approach as CUSTOMER first, teach them problem solving and predicting troubles) “
It has to be a win-win situation!
Group: Procurement Professionals (#1 supply chain & sourcing group)…
Discussion: What do procurement professionals value in working with vendor suppliers?