To continue the theme from yesterday, I went out to CAPS Research site and found the following research study, named Effective Global Sourcing and Supply for Superior Results. For what its worth, I think CAPS is probably the best source of information available with incredibly detailed and comprehensive studies. Unlike some higher education sponsored research, CAPS is totally non-partial and very useful for supply management professionals. This study is 99 pages long and goes into very precise detail on best practices in global sourcing strategy.

Based on an open-ended question to survey respondents to capture action items for improving global supply management, CAPS asked: “What are the most important changes at your company that would enable global sourcing and supply to deliver significantly superior results to overall company competitive performance?”

318 answers were submitted and one of the 5 critical strategy areas was e-Sourcing:

E-Sourcing and Supply

❑ Web-based end-to-end sourcing process (electronic)
❑ Centralized (global) information technology systems for information sharing
❑ Common purchasing spend database
❑ Data systems that give visibility of the spend
❑ Worldwide databases
❑ Compatible enterprise resource planning/information systems worldwide
❑ Establish a cross-enterprise information database: contract, supplier information, prices and specification
❑ Technology procurement tool: data analytics, RFX, contract, contract compliance

This is only one part of a very comprehensive report on the overall issues global sourcing. I HIGHLY recommend reading the study for any company that currently sources globally or any that is considering it.