Long Distance Supplier Relationships
Tuesday September 2, 2008
Recent spotlight has been on China as the Olympic Games finished last month. For supply chain managers across America the spotlight has been on Chinese vendors for many years. Companies have been sourcing raw material and finished goods from China due to the low prices and eagerness of Chinese suppliers to break into the North American market.
However, as the Olympic Games showed the amazing ability of the Chinese government to create a wonderful spectacle, it also highlighted that here in the west we are still no closer to understanding the Chinese culture. It turns out North American supply chain managers are in a similar position with their suppliers. A recent article highlighted the fact that procurement departments don’t really have any relationship with Chinese vendors and this is causing concern when shipments are late, incomplete or completely wrong. As customer service becomes increasingly importance, how low cost sourcing from unknown vendors trump higher prices from your local trusted suppliers?
However, as the Olympic Games showed the amazing ability of the Chinese government to create a wonderful spectacle, it also highlighted that here in the west we are still no closer to understanding the Chinese culture. It turns out North American supply chain managers are in a similar position with their suppliers. A recent article highlighted the fact that procurement departments don’t really have any relationship with Chinese vendors and this is causing concern when shipments are late, incomplete or completely wrong. As customer service becomes increasingly importance, how low cost sourcing from unknown vendors trump higher prices from your local trusted suppliers?
Comments
There are many north american or western companies are employed expats from asia country who have experience dealing with China vendors. These people must have worked in China in their career.