A sourcing strategy is the set of activities that organizations undertake to identify, evaluate, and select suppliers. It involves researching the market, assessing suppliers, and selecting the best supplier to meet the organization's needs. The strategy should consider the organization's specific needs, goals, and objectives, as well as the current market conditions. A well-crafted sourcing strategy can help an organization reduce costs, increase its competitiveness, and find new sources of value.
Each focus area has its own objectives, projects, and KPIs to ensure that the strategy is comprehensive and effective.
This Sourcing Strategy Template is designed for procurement professionals who need to identify the most cost-effective sources for their products. It provides guidance on how to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure the organization's goals are met, and can be used to evaluate, select, and manage suppliers. It also provides the necessary tools to help the organization measure and track the success of their strategy.
When creating a Sourcing Strategy, it is important to identify and define specific focus areas. These areas should be related to the organization's strategic priorities. Examples of focus areas may include cost reduction, supplier lead times, technology and automation, supplier relationships, and more.
Once you have identified the focus areas, you can begin to set objectives. Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, and relevant. They should be linked to the focus area and should help you meet your overall goals.
Examples of some objectives for the focus area of Source from most cost-effective suppliers could be: Reduce supplier costs, and Reduce supplier lead times.
Once you have established the objectives, you can set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure progress. KPIs should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). They should be linked to the objectives and should help you track and measure your success.
An example of a KPI for the focus area of Source from most cost-effective suppliers could be: Reduce supplier costs from $5.00 to $4.50 in 6 months.
Once the KPIs are established, you can begin to implement projects to achieve the KPIs. Projects should be linked to the KPIs and should help you reach your objectives. Projects may include negotiating with suppliers, developing strong relationships with suppliers, or automating manual tasks.
An example of a project related to Source from most cost-effective suppliers could be: Negotiate with suppliers for better prices.
If spreadsheets are holding you back, switch to Cascade Strategy Execution Software. Designed to outpace traditional methods, Cascade offers real-time updates, centralized collaboration, and automated reporting to keep your teams aligned and efficient. Enhance visibility and control over your strategies with our user-friendly dashboards and integrated planning tools. Say goodbye to the limitations of spreadsheets and experience how Cascade makes strategy execution smoother and more scalable. Sign-up for free or book a demo with one of our strategy experts now and see the difference for yourself.