They list may seem obvious to seasoned sourcing leaders, yet we consistently see organisations struggling because one or more of these are missing.
Have a Strategy
Most companies don’t buy just one product—they source ranges from multiple suppliers. You can’t optimise each product in isolation; you need to optimise your overall supply. That requires a clear sourcing strategy aligned with your broader business objectives, ensuring every individual project supports the bigger picture.
Have a Process
Without a defined process, steps get missed and projects get delayed. Design and document an end-to-end process, track each task, and hold your team accountable to timelines. This is how you ensure new products are first to market—not last.
Verify, Verify, Verify
Never rely solely on online information or supplier claims. Independently verify every critical detail.
For example:
➡️ Visit the factory to confirm their capabilities.
➡️ Check their business licence to know who you’re dealing with.
➡️ Obtain certificates and test reports for compliance.
➡️ Approve a physical “gold sample” before production.
➡️ Conduct pre-shipment inspections to ensure specifications are met.
This is so vital, there’s a case for renaming the Sourcing Team the Verification Team. 😊
Be 100% Clear on Specifications
While early discussions can be flexible, the final specification must be crystal clear. This becomes your standard for quotation, production, quality control, and what you ultimately deliver to your customer.
Create Competitive Tension
Run a fair, well-structured tender process that motivates suppliers. Make it clear they’re competing, while also selling the value of working with you. Be prompt with decisions and feedback to maintain engagement and drive competitive offers.
In Summary
These drivers come down to verification, efficiency, and creating the right conditions to secure the best possible outcome.