IBX sourcing methodology

Based on extensive experience IBX has developed a best in class sourcing methodology customised to the new way of sourcing through the use of eSourcing. It is a six-step methodology covering all the important activities including project planning, profiling your sourcing group, definition of sourcing strategy, scanning and qualification of suppliers, eRFI/eRFP/eRFQ and Negotiation (offline or with eAuction), as well as operational implementation of contracts and suppliers.

Planning	Profiling	Strategies	Qualification	Negotiation	Implementation
Project readiness	Detailed information on sourcing group	Detailed information on sourcing group	Shortlist of pre-qualified suppliers	Select most competitivesupplier	Develop implementation plan
Get as close to top management as possible. Try to get them on your steering committee.	Where can I save the most money? Start with sourcing groups where potential savings are high.	Make sure your strategy is suitable to each specific sourcing group. Involve the right stakeholders.	Non-price criteria may be the most important factor in some cases. Outline an RFx structure that reflects your award strategy.	Send feedback to suppliers not chosen as well. This will improve their input next time you send out an RFx.	How much has been saved, and where? Use this tracking for internal baseline figures in the next round of sourcing.

The six-step IBX eSourcing methodology enables organizations to accellerate eSourcing deployment.

Commodity strategies

IBX has developed recommended strategies for all major sourcing categories in indirect material and services and a framework to define strategies in close collaboration with the more strategic direct materials. We are continuously rolling out our database of sourcing scenarios and ready-to-use templates as well as suppliers per commodity area. Together with IBX you will have access to information and knowledge that will help you shorten the lead times to find suppliers and to define, set up and configure your eRFI/eRFP/eRFQ or eAuction.

Strategic sourcing

IBX eSourcing is delivered with a complete set of services to help you manage your sourcing cycles. Several of our customers have chosen to extend the relationship with IBX further to leverage the skills of our sourcing teams and business consultants. Some are basically short on appropriate resources to be able to run the number of sourcing cycles that they need to reap the savings. Others have asked us to assess their current sourcing strategy and help them develop and execute a new one. Just let us know how we can help you boost knowledge in your purchasing organisation. It is all about finding, making and maintaining the savings.

Supplier Search

Supplier Search is a crucial step in the strategic sourcing process, especially when eSourcing is used and many suppliers can be managed with limited additional workload. IBX Supplier Search includes both a full day training course as well as a managed search service to help our clients to find relevant suppliers for a specific category.