Practical Supplier Selection and Relationship Management

Reviews / Votes

Carter and Croome have written a book that is very readable, focused, practicable and if used by readers could make a very positive step change in the selection of suppliers , contract award, management and change in the attitude to the supplier relationships to the benefit of all. Organisations have tended to treat suppliers as subservient entities and not as an essential service support organisation that need to be nurtured and valued. For too long procurement and contracting staff have focused on the 'lowest cost', never mind 'optimised cost' or even "added value" and forget 'innovation.' Some have adopted "win /win strategies " as long as they have the most 'wins'. SRM has been weak, often very weak. Once the contract issued its often 'delegate and forget', just deliver. For standardised products requiring high volume through put operating in a limited global zone, it may have been acceptable, but not now. However , in today's world of global, regional supply chain, meeting an intense fluctuating demand for products impacted by rapidly changing political & economic controls, pandemics, terrorism, global disasters, rapid social fluctuating expectations demonstrated via social media, a much more practicable way forward is needed for supplier identification, selection , awarding and developing a really positive SRM experience for both with freedom to respond to change and allow innovation. The authors has shown a way forward, the 'future is now' to make a positive difference. - Richard Finch, CEO Tough Logistics