Supplier sourcing is the work of finding, assessing and engaging suppliers that can meet a defined purchasing requirement. It starts with a clear specification and ends when qualified candidates are ready for a commercial process.
How Supplier Sourcing works in a sourcing process
A buyer should document the requirement, target market, search method and reasons each supplier entered the longlist. A directory listing or marketplace profile is a lead, not evidence that the supplier can perform.
| Area | What to record |
|---|---|
| Decision | A buyer should document the requirement, target market, search method and reasons each supplier entered the longlist. A directory listing or marketplace profile is a lead, not evidence that the supplier can perform. |
| Evidence | Confirm legal identity, manufacturing or service capability, capacity, quality controls, location, references and willingness to quote. Keep those findings with the sourcing event. |
| Watch point | Treating discovery as selection creates avoidable risk. Competitive pricing matters only after the buyer has established that offers cover the same specification and delivery scope. |
What buyers should verify
Confirm legal identity, manufacturing or service capability, capacity, quality controls, location, references and willingness to quote. Keep those findings with the sourcing event.
Treating discovery as selection creates avoidable risk. Competitive pricing matters only after the buyer has established that offers cover the same specification and delivery scope.
Related sourcing records
strategic sourcing, supplier prequalification, request for information.
