The quest for balance between cost and quality is a mantra at companies. This is true both for internal processes and for those coming from different sources, reflecting directly on purchases. As a result, supplier quotes must follow a strategic logic, where suppliers must specify not only prices, but other information that is part of an ideal scenario and help in the decision process. The issue is to put this into practice in an assertive manner, regardless of the number of potential partners and demand complexity.<\/p>\n
Many companies still face difficulties because they perform quotes manually. After defining what they need, they contact suppliers by email or phone to send demands and collect responses. Proposals, in turn, are placed in spreadsheets or other file formats.<\/p>\n
Thus, the process is susceptible to some problems, especially when we talk about more complex cases. The most immediate issue is related to the time it takes professionals to analyze numerous responses from multiple suppliers. It is necessary to analyze each proposal in detail and verify if they match the purchase objectives.<\/p>\n
The consequence of this is to mobilize an entire team for bureaucratic and cumbersome work, which can result in errors and loss of good business opportunities. Something important may end up being lost amid countless emails and spreadsheets.<\/p>\n
Another problem caused by this manual work is limitation of the supplier horizon. If the time to make quotes is too long, restricting options to a few companies ends up being an easier solution, as it reduces the demand for resources to be applied in the process.<\/p>\n
Along with this, there is a risk of being dependent on some suppliers, with whom there is a relationship and the trust that they will meet all the stipulated requirements. At first, this may seem like a good thing, but, deep down, it hides a problem. The company stops looking for other partners that may offer higher quality and better costs. Once again, opportunities are lost.<\/p>\n
Now, imagine a solution that manages this entire process in a platform where customers post the demand and request suppliers to present their proposals. This is the Sourcing solution offered by Neogrid<\/a>, which makes quotes much faster, organized and assertive.<\/p>\n