The word “sourcing” can be intimidating. Why is there so much talk about the simple process of procuring goods, supplies, or services from another source? The idea seems simple, but the reality can be complex, labor intensive, and nuanced.
Though simple at first glance, sourcing can be an overwhelming endeavor. For a sourcing agent to find the best manufacturers and the best price points, they need to perform a thorough evaluation of potential sources for […]
If you are sourcing product from Asia, it’s likely that you dread that time of the year when the Chinese New Year (“CNY”) comes around. Why would one not look forward to a big holiday? If you’re managing quality, CNY will bring you a laundry list of issues, year after year.
In this blog post, we’ll detail the common quality issues that come with CNY and offer tips on how to […]
Selecting the right supplier for your business needs will allow you to deliver your products and services on time, at the right price, and in compliance with your quality standards. First and foremost, you need to know what type of supplier you want to work with. Having a clear direction will help in your research so that you’re able to find the right supplier. But, that’s often easier said than done.
So, how can you determine […]
When starting the sourcing process, it’s essential that you first define what it is that you are seeking. When working with a supplier, you should establish a clear joint commitment that includes:
After pinning down a solid plan, it’s time to dive into the process. Let’s now take a walk through each step of […]
Selecting the right supplier for your business needs is vital to ensure that you are able to deliver your products and services on time, at the right price, and in compliance with your quality standards. Creating specific supplier selection criteria will help you identify a supplier that will work with you to meet the demands of your customers. Here, we’ll offer key tips for setting those criteria and, in turn, finding a good supplier for […]
Is “quality provider” synonymous with “sourcing agent”? If you answered yes, this blog will clear things up for you. Here, we’ll identify the differences between the two terms to clarify that they are not the same thing. Let’s break it down.
What is a Quality Provider?
A quality provider performs quality audits to assess the quality systems carried out by manufacturers in accordance with the ISO quality system standard, ISO 9001. The chief purpose of these assessments is to measure the effectiveness of factories’ Quality Management Systems (QMS) to guarantee that the results are as intended. Product inspections are also a primary function of a quality service provider. Inspections ensure that specifications and quality standards are being met whether inspecting raw materials, during production, or final random inspections before the finished product is shipped. When compared to a sourcing agent, a quality provider covers a narrower scope.
Placing an order seems pretty straightforward, but there are actually plenty of ways one could easily mess it up. So, what kinds of things should you stray from when placing business orders? The following list outlines 5 ordering practices to avoid:
1) Don’t source solely on short lead times and cheap prices.
Unreasonably short deadlines create pressure; and, in order to meet those deadlines, suppliers end up scrambling to deliver on time, which often results in lower quality service. Furthermore, cheap doesn’t always mean ideal. Orders need to be well thought out and accomplish your company’s top priorities. Placing a subpar order demonstrates – above all else – carelessness.
