Supplier identification converts market research into a named list of organizations that may satisfy a sourcing requirement. It is narrower than discovery because each candidate is tied to a specific need.
Supplier Identification: what the sourcing record should show
| Area | What to record |
|---|---|
| Decision | Use explicit inclusion criteria such as location, capability, certification, capacity, export experience or minimum scale. Apply the criteria consistently. |
| Evidence | Record the candidate’s legal identity, relevant facility, evidence source, inclusion rationale and any unresolved question. |
| Watch point | A recognizable brand may still be the wrong legal entity or production site. Identify the contracting and operating parties separately. |
When does Supplier Identification matter?
Use explicit inclusion criteria such as location, capability, certification, capacity, export experience or minimum scale. Apply the criteria consistently.
What should buyers check before approving Supplier Identification?
Record the candidate’s legal identity, relevant facility, evidence source, inclusion rationale and any unresolved question.
A recognizable brand may still be the wrong legal entity or production site. Identify the contracting and operating parties separately.
