Supplier discovery is the search stage used to identify possible suppliers in a target market or category. Sources can include industry databases, referrals, trade shows, associations, marketplaces and direct research.
How Supplier Discovery works in a sourcing process
Search against capability and requirement terms, not only product names. Record where each lead came from so the buyer can test independence and potential conflicts.
| Area | What to record |
|---|---|
| Decision | Search against capability and requirement terms, not only product names. Record where each lead came from so the buyer can test independence and potential conflicts. |
| Evidence | Capture legal name, operating location, website, product or service scope, contact route and the evidence supporting apparent fit. |
| Watch point | Discovery produces candidates. It does not replace supplier qualification, verification or competitive evaluation. |
What buyers should verify
Capture legal name, operating location, website, product or service scope, contact route and the evidence supporting apparent fit.
Discovery produces candidates. It does not replace supplier qualification, verification or competitive evaluation.
