SERVICES
1. Suppliers Selection
Enhance your selection criteria with additional considerations:
- Value for Money: Assess total cost of ownership, not just unit price (including logistics, duties, and after-sales service).
- Financial Strength: Verify supplier credit ratings, past financial performance, and investment in R&D.
- Technical Abilities: Request case studies, certifications, and manufacturing audits.
- Human Expertise: Evaluate workforce skill levels, training programs, and key personnel experience.
- Reputation: Conduct background checks, review past client feedback, and analyze their sustainability and ethical practices.
- Compliance & Certifications: Ensure compliance with industry regulations (ISO, GMP, etc.) and ethical sourcing policies.
2. Merchandising
Expand the role of merchandising to ensure efficiency and innovation:
- Market Intelligence: Track industry trends, competitors’ sourcing strategies, and emerging technologies.
- Product Development: Encourage suppliers to propose new materials, designs, or cost-saving innovations.
- Price Benchmarking: Use data analytics to compare supplier quotes with market trends.
- Order Tracking & Updates: Implement automated tracking systems to provide real-time updates on order progress.
- Customer-Specific Requirements: Maintain a detailed database of each client’s preferences and standards.
3. Quality Control
Strengthen quality assurance to minimize risks:
- Supplier Audits: Conduct regular site visits and third-party audits for compliance with quality standards.
- First Article Inspection (FAI): Approve initial production samples before mass production.
- In-Process Quality Control (IPQC): Conduct random checks during production to prevent defects.
- Testing & Certifications: Require suppliers to provide lab test results from accredited third-party labs.
- Digital Reporting: Use digital tools for real-time quality control reporting with photos and data.
4. Deliveries and Shipping
Optimize logistics and supply chain efficiency:
- Real-Time Tracking: Implement RFID, GPS, or IoT-based tracking for shipment monitoring.
- Logistics Optimization: Partner with multiple freight forwarders to ensure cost-effective and fast shipping options.
- Contingency Planning: Establish alternative suppliers and logistics routes to mitigate disruptions.
- Customs & Documentation: Ensure suppliers have expertise in handling import/export documentation to avoid delays.