Industries
Buying processes and supplier due diligence.
How to choose · Procurement and suppliers
Select suppliers using weighted criteria agreed before looking at quotes: capability, quality, financial stability, security and compliance, delivery reliability, and total cost of ownership. Verify claims with references, site visits or audits and check legal standing and sanctions screening. Document the decision so it can be explained and repeated. Avoid choosing on unit price alone.
Comparison · Procurement and suppliers
Tenders suit large, complex or high-value purchases where transparency and competition matter. Framework agreements pre-qualify suppliers and agree terms so individual orders are quicker. Spot buying suits low-value or urgent needs but can lack leverage and control. Choose by value, complexity, frequency, legal rules and the need for supplier relationships, and keep records for accountability.
Problems & fixes · Procurement and suppliers
Handle supplier problems by documenting the issue, checking the contract for remedies, communicating promptly and escalating in stages. Distinguish one-off errors from systemic failures, quantify the impact and agree a corrective action plan with dates. Keep contingency options available. Seek legal advice for serious breaches, and review the relationship after resolution rather than only reacting.