3 Tips For Successful E-Sourcing!
3 Tips For Successful E-Sourcing!
Having a structured e-sourcing plan in mind is one thing, but implementing that plan across the board is where the success can hinder on productivity. Most companies run in to the issue that they believe that the e-sourcing tool that they utilize will actually do all of the work for them. In actuality though, communicating with any and all suppliers during the entire process is what will make or break the project, although many companies will by pass this step entirely.
Project managers will need to engage any and all suppliers about the importance of their participation is during the entire process, instead of purely just waiting for a response from the suppliers. To ensure that all parts of the esourced project are taken care of, here are three helpful tips that will help to make the process that much simpler and successful.
Before The Project Communication
Informing any and all potential suppliers of the forthcoming RFI, RFP or RFQ project will enhance the amount of participation and bids you will receive for the project. Emailing or calling them directly to inform them about what the project will entail, when it will be available to bid on and letting them ask potential questions about this project will increase your potential R.O.I. and turnaround. This will reduce any type of communication from suppliers that may be confused as to what the project will be about. Giving out that little extra notice to the suppliers on which e-sourcing tool they can use to bid can bring on a nice amount of potential proposals for your business.
Communication During The Bidding Process
As the e-sourcing process begins, check daily to see which participants are utilizing your tool. Checking back on the potential suppliers will all you to make sure that participation is at a high amount and that you will be able to thoroughly choose who you would like to work with once the bidding has ended. If there are any changes that may occur during the process, let all suppliers know via direct emails or any type of message board they may be utilizing. Remember that over-communicating does not exist when working with any type of e-sourcing tool.
If necessary, you may also work with the suppliers to help them through the rfi process. Going that extra mile will allow you to have more proposals on the table at the end of the project, allowing you to find the one that brings the highest amount of value. Remember, the cheapest proposal does not always mean the highest return on investment.
Communication Once The Bidding Ends
More than likely, you will have the date that the bidding process will end engrained in you mind. As the deadline starts to slowly come to a close, contact the suppliers to make sure that they know what is expected when. The last thing you want is a proposal that is not submitted due to the supplier having the wrong dates in their mind. As the RFI/ RFP/ RFQ process comes to an end though, continue the communication with everyone who submitted a proposal to keep them in the loop. We would suggest sending out a short email thanking each and every business for their e-sourcing proposal, as well as letting them know what the next steps may be.
Suppliers have taken their time to work with your bid management software and are looking to work with your business now and in the future. All suppliers will want to know that they are in the running to work on the proposed project. Managing the post bidding process professionally and timely will make the suppliers know that your company is one that conducts business to a very high level.
In the end, the worst thing you can do during the e-sourcing process is to lack in the communication department. In any business, communication is key and when you are looking at outsourcing particular projects you should hold communication to an even higher standard. The success of every project deals with how well you communicate with the suppliers before, during and after the e-sourcing process has concluded.
