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10 strategies and tactics for Supplier

What is Supplier strategy?

Every great achievement starts with a well-thought-out plan. It can be the launch of a new product, expanding into new markets, or just trying to increase efficiency. You'll need a delicate combination of strategies and tactics to ensure that the journey is smooth and effective.

Identifying the optimal Supplier strategy can be challenging, especially when everyday tasks consume your time. To help you, we've assembled a list of examples to ignite your creativity.

Copy these examples into your preferred app, or you can also use Tability to keep yourself accountable.

How to write your own Supplier strategy with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own strategies.

Supplier strategy examples

You'll find below a list of Supplier tactics. We also included action items for each template to make it more practical and useful.

Strategies and tactics for crafting a Supplier and Contractor Engagement Strategy

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Develop a supplier onboarding and verification process

    • Gather a list of suppliers from NHC for onboarding purposes
    • Create a standardized onboarding checklist including compliance aspects
    • Verify supplier credentials against NHC's established requirements
    • Implement a system to routinely price check with suppliers
    • Conduct regular training sessions on platform usage for suppliers
    • Form a dedicated support team for supplier inquiries
    • Launch a pilot program with selected suppliers to test processes
    • Collect feedback post-pilot to enhance the onboarding experience
    • Monitor supplier performance against compliance standards
    • Regularly audit supplier practices to ensure quality compliance

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Expand contractor engagement and support

    • Initiate marketing campaigns targeted at contractors for platform awareness
    • Organise webinars or workshops highlighting platform benefits
    • Gather and act upon feedback from contractors during pilot phases
    • Monitor the status of orders to assess contractor satisfaction
    • Increase outreach to onboard more contractors across different sectors
    • Build partnerships with contractor associations to boost adoption
    • Introduce AI solutions for contractors regarding material selection
    • Maintain open communication channels with contractors
    • Identify contractor needs and tailor solutions accordingly
    • Rapidly address challenges faced by contractors on the platform

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Implement long-term supplier and contractor collaborations

    • Strategically onboard additional suppliers from diverse regions
    • Develop partnerships with relevant industry organizations
    • Provide suppliers with regular training on new platform features
    • Conduct periodic compliance reviews to maintain standards
    • Execute marketing efforts to expand the contractor user base
    • Establish collaborations with key contractor associations
    • Develop platform features that enhance user experience
    • Implement user feedback-driven improvements on the platform
    • Ensure ongoing support and relationship management with suppliers
    • Promote a culture of continuous improvement across all operations
onboardingcompliancesupplier-managercontractor-liaisoncompliance-teamengagement-team
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Strategies and tactics for improving Indirect Purchasing Operations

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Enhance supplier relationships

    • Develop a supplier relationship management program
    • Create a schedule for regular supplier performance reviews
    • Negotiate fixed-term contracts with key suppliers to minimise price fluctuations
    • Introduce a preferred supplier list to streamline purchasing decisions
    • Develop long-term partnerships with strategic suppliers
    • Implement a supplier feedback mechanism to improve collaboration
    • Conduct joint business planning sessions with suppliers
    • Establish KPIs for supplier performance evaluation
    • Engage suppliers in cost-saving initiatives and innovation projects
    • Organise annual supplier summits for relationship building and performance review

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Optimise transportation logistics

    • Analyse current transportation routes and consolidate shipments where feasible
    • Negotiate more favourable freight rates with logistics providers
    • Explore partnerships with third-party logistics providers for cost efficiency
    • Implement a transportation management system for better route planning
    • Schedule regular reviews of transportation cost versus delivery efficiency
    • Introduce a dynamic scheduling algorithm to manage transportation more effectively
    • Consider bulk ordering or consignment stocking for frequently needed items
    • Set up periodic liaison meetings with logistics providers for performance assessment
    • Invest in staff training to improve transportation management proficiency
    • Explore collaborations with nearby companies to share transportation resources

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Leverage technology for procurement efficiency

    • Enhance the electronic procurement system with AI-driven analytics for better forecasting
    • Automate repetitive procurement tasks to free up employee time
    • Use data analytics to predict usage patterns and inform purchase planning
    • Implement a robust communication platform for faster approval processes
    • Regularly update the system with real-time data from suppliers
    • Conduct training workshops for employees on new system features and technologies
    • Establish a feedback loop to continuously improve the system's functionalities
    • Introduce digital dashboards for real-time monitoring of procurement KPIs
    • Integrate e-procurement systems with financial and inventory management software
    • Conduct regular audits to ensure data accuracy and process compliance
supplier-managementlogistics-optimizationprocurement-managersupplier-relations-specialistprocurement-teamlogistics-team
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Strategies and tactics for establishing a national framework for survey delivery by a sole supplier

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Engage stakeholders

    • Identify key stakeholders and their interests in the survey process
    • Hold initial meetings to understand stakeholder requirements and concerns
    • Form a steering committee with representatives from each stakeholder group
    • Develop a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed and engaged
    • Establish regular feedback sessions to ensure stakeholder alignment
    • Integrate stakeholders’ insights into the framework design
    • Create a mechanism for ongoing stakeholder consultation
    • Prepare stakeholder briefing documents outlining goals and responsibilities
    • Address stakeholder concerns proactively through collaborative solutions
    • Evaluate stakeholder satisfaction regularly to guide framework improvement

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Standardise survey processes

    • Define the scope and objectives of all surveys to be conducted
    • Develop standardised survey templates for uniformity
    • Establish guidelines for survey methodology and data collection
    • Train the supplier’s staff on standard operating procedures
    • Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all surveys
    • Implement a quality assurance system to maintain high standards
    • Create a centralised database for storing survey data
    • Develop clear protocols for data privacy and security compliance
    • Test and refine survey processes through pilot programmes
    • Regularly review and update standard procedures to improve efficiency

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Select and monitor the supplier

    • Draft a comprehensive request for proposal (RFP) for suppliers
    • Establish criteria for evaluating supplier proposals
    • Conduct a thorough market analysis to identify potential suppliers
    • Invite shortlisted suppliers for presentations and discussions
    • Assess suppliers’ capability, experience, and technology suitability
    • Negotiate contract terms focusing on performance and accountability
    • Set up performance metrics and KPIs to monitor supplier delivery
    • Establish a clear process for addressing supplier performance issues
    • Conduct regular performance reviews against the set KPIs
    • Foster a collaborative relationship with the supplier for continuous improvement
frameworksupplierstakeholdersuppliersteering-committeequality-assurance-team
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Strategies and tactics for desarrollando proveedores con cero defectos

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Optimiza la evaluación de proveedores

    • Implementa un proceso riguroso de selección y evaluación de proveedores
    • Desarrolla una lista de verificación de calidad para la evaluación
    • Realiza auditorías técnicas periódicas de proveedores
    • Monitorea el rendimiento de los proveedores a lo largo del tiempo
    • Incorpora estándares de calidad internacional en la evaluación
    • Establece métricas claras para medir el rendimiento de los proveedores
    • Proporciona retroalimentación detallada a los proveedores sobre su evaluación
    • Invita a los proveedores a visitar las instalaciones de producción para comprender requisitos
    • Fomenta la transparencia y comunicación abierta con los proveedores
    • Considera la reputación e historial de calidad del proveedor durante la evaluación

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Fomenta la colaboración para mejora continua

    • Establece talleres conjuntos de mejora continua con los proveedores
    • Define metas cuantificables de mejora para los proveedores
    • Facilita sesiones de intercambio de mejores prácticas entre proveedores
    • Proporciona formación en técnicas de mejora continua a los proveedores
    • Implementa un sistema de recompensas basado en mejoras alcanzadas
    • Programa reuniones periódicas para revisar los avances en mejora continua
    • Colabora con los proveedores en proyectos de innovación conjunta
    • Comparte los logros y aprendizajes de mejora continua con todo el ecosistema de proveedores
    • Facilita la integración de herramientas tecnológicas para mejorar procesos
    • Evalúa el impacto de las iniciativas de mejora continua en la calidad del producto

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Establece un sistema sólido de estándares y procedimientos

    • Desarrolla un manual detallado de estándares y procedimientos de calidad
    • Asegura que todos los proveedores reciban y comprendan el manual de estándares
    • Estandariza los procesos de control de calidad entre todos los proveedores
    • Implementa auditorías periódicas para asegurar la adherencia a los estándares
    • Desarrolla procedimientos de contención rápidos y efectivos en caso de defectos
    • Proporciona formación continua sobre actualizaciones de estándares
    • Utiliza tecnología para facilitar el cumplimiento de los estándares
    • Comparte información de cambios de procesos o estándares con proveedores
    • Facilita un foro para que proveedores posean entrada en actualizaciones de estándares
    • Evalúa continuamente los estándares y procedimientos para adaptarlos y mejorarlos
supplier-developmentzero-defectsquality-assurance-specialistsupplier-relationship-managerprocurement-teamquality-control-team
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Strategies and tactics for implementing a 5-Year Business Continuity and Crisis Strategy Plan

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Mitigate and prepare for risks

    • Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for all business units
    • Identify critical business functions and implement redundancy measures
    • Develop and regularly update business impact analyses (BIA)
    • Create detailed business continuity and crisis management plans (BCP & CMP)
    • Set up a centralized crisis management platform for streamlined response
    • Initiate tabletop simulation exercises to test preparedness
    • Conduct joint resilience workshops with key suppliers
    • Implement preventive IT solutions to safeguard against cyber threats
    • Practice crisis scenarios to refine response strategies
    • Regularly audit and update risk mitigation measures

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Develop and enhance crisis communication

    • Design a robust communication plan for internal and external stakeholders
    • Establish a crisis communication team with defined roles and responsibilities
    • Develop clear, concise messaging templates for different crisis scenarios
    • Launch a crisis communication portal accessible by stakeholders
    • Train spokespersons for effective media handling during crises
    • Implement monitoring tools for tracking crisis-related information in real-time
    • Regularly update stakeholders through quarterly resilience reports
    • Use feedback tools to capture stakeholder sentiment during and post-crisis
    • Integrate social media platforms for wider message dissemination
    • Conduct regular communication audits to ensure clarity and effectiveness

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Leverage technology for enhanced resilience

    • Deploy redundant IT infrastructure and cloud solutions to ensure data availability
    • Integrate AI tools for improved threat detection and incident response
    • Ensure all platforms are compliant with the latest industry standards
    • Utilize advanced analytics to forecast and simulate potential disruptions
    • Establish regular software updates and patch management protocols
    • Implement AI-driven monitoring systems for real-time threat scanning
    • Define key metrics for disaster recovery performance measurement
    • Track and report on the recovery time objective (RTO) for all critical functions
    • Encourage continuous feedback from IT teams to refine technology strategies
    • Benchmark IT resilience against industry standards to identify improvement areas
resiliencerisk-managementcrisis-managerit-specialistrisk-assessment-teamcrisis-communication-team
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Strategies and tactics for expanding Sterling Tour and Travel Agency into the Kenyan Market

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Forge strategic partnerships

    • Identify and partner with a medium-sized Kenyan tour and travel agency
    • Leverage the local partner’s market knowledge and customer base
    • Align services to meet local cultural and tourist preferences
    • Ensure clear communication channels with partners
    • Negotiate mutually beneficial terms in partnership agreements
    • Engage local travel influencers to promote joint offerings
    • Create co-branded marketing materials with local partners
    • Host joint events and travel expos to increase brand visibility
    • Develop shared objectives and performance metrics
    • Regularly review and refine partnership strategies

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Adapt services to local market conditions

    • Research and understand customer preferences in Kenya
    • Develop Kenya-specific travel packages including popular destinations
    • Implement a pricing strategy that reflects local purchasing power
    • Offer flexible payment options tailored to Kenyan market needs
    • Launch culturally immersive experiences like safaris and heritage tours
    • Translate marketing materials into Swahili and other local languages
    • Align services with environmental and cultural preservation initiatives
    • Conduct training sessions for employees on local customs and practices
    • Incorporate feedback from local customers into service offerings
    • Regularly update offerings based on seasonal tourist trends

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance marketing and brand awareness

    • Launch social media campaigns targeting Kenyan travellers
    • Partner with local influencers to widen digital reach
    • Participate in local and international travel expos
    • Utilise radio and print media to reach different demographics
    • Highlight local partnerships in marketing communications
    • Develop emotional and engaging storytelling content
    • Create promotional videos showcasing Kenyan attractions
    • Establish a customer referral programme
    • Leverage customer testimonials in marketing materials
    • Conduct surveys to measure brand awareness and adapt strategies
partnershipslocalizationstrategic-plannermarketing-specialistmarketing-teambusiness-development-team
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Strategies and tactics for improving the Perfume Supply Chain

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Map the entire supply chain

    • Identify and document all key suppliers in the perfume supply chain
    • Evaluate the sourcing processes for raw materials, such as essential oils and alcohol
    • Assess transportation logistics from raw materials to production facilities
    • Map the production process including bottling and packaging
    • Understand distribution networks from production to retail
    • Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for each supply chain stage
    • Conduct a risk assessment for supply chain vulnerabilities
    • Analyse current cost structures associated with each component
    • Evaluate sustainability practices within the supply chain
    • Document all findings for stakeholder review

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Assess and optimise supply chain impact

    • Analyse the cost implications of supply chain decisions on the overall budget
    • Evaluate how sustainability practices can be improved and extended
    • Investigate the impact of supply chain practices on brand positioning
    • Conduct a competitor analysis to benchmark supply chain efficiency
    • Implement cost-saving measures such as bulk purchasing or local sourcing
    • Assess the environmental impact of logistics and transport
    • Partner with eco-friendly suppliers to enhance sustainability
    • Optimise supplier management systems for better relationship management
    • Determine areas where technology can reduce costs and improve efficiency
    • Create measurable objectives to track improvements in supply chain performance

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Develop a strategic supply chain plan

    • Align supply chain goals with overall business objectives for the brand in New Delhi
    • Develop a strategic sourcing plan focusing on key resources
    • Establish partnerships with local suppliers to reduce lead times and costs
    • Design a flexible logistics plan that accommodates demand fluctuations
    • Implement a sustainability plan that targets carbon footprint reduction
    • Create a risk management plan to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions
    • Leverage technology for real-time supply chain tracking and management
    • Design a supplier performance monitoring system with KPIs
    • Develop a communication strategy for supplier relationship management
    • Regularly review and adjust the supply chain strategy based on market and business changes
supply-chainoptimizationsupply-chain-managerprocurement-specialistlogistics-teamsustainability-team
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Strategies and tactics for preparing a comprehensive mall review strategy

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Establish a robust mall management structure

    • Appoint a mall general manager to oversee overall operations
    • Set up specialized departments for operations, leasing, marketing, and finance
    • Designate managers for each department to ensure focused leadership
    • Implement weekly cross-departmental meetings for alignment on objectives
    • Create clear reporting structures with department heads reporting to the general manager
    • Conduct quarterly reviews of the management structure to identify areas for improvement
    • Develop a succession plan to maintain leadership continuity
    • Integrate communication and project management tools for improved collaboration
    • Organize bi-annual team-building activities to strengthen team dynamics
    • Set up performance evaluation criteria for department heads

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Maximize tenant occupancy through strategic lease management

    • Establish a dedicated leasing department for managing tenant relations
    • Develop a tenant mix strategy to balance retail, F&B, and service stores
    • Introduce a lease expiry management system for timely renewals and negotiations
    • Set up KPIs for monitoring occupancy rate, lease terms, and tenant satisfaction
    • Conduct market research to identify potential new tenants and sectors to enhance the mall's offering
    • Review and adjust lease terms to reflect current market conditions
    • Implement a feedback system for tenants to express needs and concerns
    • Organize regular tenant meetings to discuss and negotiate leasing issues
    • Provide incentives for anchor tenants to ensure long-term occupancy
    • Develop a contingency plan for managing high vacancy rates

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance financial transparency and operational efficiency

    • Set up a finance and accounting department for revenue and cost management
    • Implement monthly financial reporting to track profitability and operational costs
    • Introduce a centralized billing system for tenant payments
    • Automate vendor and supplier payments to optimize cash flow
    • Conduct regular financial audits to ensure accuracy and compliance
    • Establish an expense management policy for cost control
    • Analyze financial data to identify trends and areas for cost reduction
    • Train staff in financial literacy to enhance fiscal responsibility
    • Create an annual budget plan aligning with mall objectives
    • Integrate accounting software for streamlined financial operations
mall-managementtenant-occupancygeneral-managerleasing-managerfinance-departmentleasing-department
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Strategies and tactics for growing sales for GLOEW e-commerce clothing store

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Optimise advertising budget

    • Allocate 60% of the daily advertising budget to top-performing ad channels
    • Utilise retargeting ads to convert window shoppers into buyers
    • Test different ad creatives weekly to identify what resonates most with the audience
    • Focus on high-conversion keywords in search engine marketing
    • Leverage social media platforms where target customers are most active
    • Run limited-time discount ads to create urgency
    • Use A/B testing for ad copy and visuals to improve click-through rates
    • Track ad performance daily to adjust spend for maximum returns
    • Collaborate with micro-influencers for authentic product endorsements
    • Analyse competitor ads to identify opportunities and gaps

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance product offerings

    • Introduce a limited edition designer collection to create excitement
    • Bundle popular items with complementary products for value offers
    • Obtain customer feedback for favourite designs and iteratively improve product lines
    • Expand T-shirt collections with unique designs targeting summer months
    • Offer customisation options for a personalised shopping experience
    • Ensure high-quality imagery and descriptions on product pages
    • Highlight best sellers and trending items on the home page
    • Use analytics to identify top performers and underperformers
    • Seasonally update collections to maintain relevance and interest
    • Utilise customer reviews and ratings to build trust and credibility

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Leverage customer engagement

    • Build an email list for newsletters and exclusive offers to foster loyalty
    • Initiate a referral program to incentivise existing customers to bring in new ones
    • Host giveaways or contests on social media to increase brand visibility
    • Create engaging content on social media to maintain regular interaction
    • Implement a live chat feature for immediate customer support and queries
    • Develop a loyalty program to reward repeat purchases
    • Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on the website
    • Share user-generated content to showcase real-life usage and satisfaction
    • Use surveys to understand customer preferences and improve offerings
    • Regularly update an FAQ section to address common queries and minimise barriers to purchase
advertisingengagementmarketing-managerproduct-designersales-teamcreative-team
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Strategies and tactics for implementing a Digitized and Compliant Procurement Process

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Automate supplier onboarding

    • Utilise Ariba to create a centralized supplier database
    • Implement a digital onboarding checklist to ensure compliance
    • Develop an automated communication system to keep suppliers informed
    • Create training materials for suppliers to understand the onboarding process
    • Set up a feedback loop to continuously improve the onboarding process
    • Use digital signatures to reduce paperwork
    • Establish a workflow for approval processes in Ariba
    • Monitor onboarding progress through real-time dashboards
    • Integrate supplier evaluations into the onboarding process
    • Schedule regular reviews to ensure the process remains efficient

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Efficiently manage contracts

    • Implement a contract management system using SAP HANA
    • Digitize all existing contracts for easy access and management
    • Develop a standardised contract template to ensure compliance
    • Utilise automated alerts for contract renewals and expirations
    • Create a centralised repository for tracking all contract terms
    • Incorporate e-signature capabilities for quick approvals
    • Train staff on the use of SAP HANA for contract management
    • Enable real-time contract performance tracking and reporting
    • Integrate contract lifecycle management with procurement processes
    • Establish a regular contract audit schedule to ensure accuracy

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Achieve sustainability targets

    • Identify sustainable suppliers using Ariba's supplier database features
    • Set sustainability targets within procurement policies
    • Develop criteria to measure the sustainability of procurement activities
    • Utilise Ariba to track supplier sustainability credentials
    • Implement a sustainability performance dashboard in SAP HANA
    • Provide training on sustainable procurement practices
    • Incorporate sustainability clauses into contracts
    • Promote sustainability initiatives with suppliers
    • Conduct regular sustainability audits of procurement processes
    • Benchmark progress against industry standards and best practices
digitizationcomplianceprocurement-managersustainability-officerprocurement-teamcompliance-team
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How to track your Supplier strategies and tactics

Having a plan is one thing, sticking to it is another.

Having a good strategy is only half the effort. You'll increase significantly your chances of success if you commit to a weekly check-in process.

A tool like Tability can also help you by combining AI and goal-setting to keep you on track.

More strategies recently published

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

Planning resources

OKRs are a great way to translate strategies into measurable goals. Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the OKR framework:

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