Are supplier visits a waste of time?
Personal contact is essential for assessing the suitability of suppliers and having more in-depth discussions. Through meetings, you can not only evaluate the suppliers' capabilities but also test their commitment and flexibility. This step allows you to gain a better understanding of the solutions offered and their implementation.
Good relationships as fuel for innovation
Candidate Selection: Based on the previous analysis, select the most promising suppliers.
Scheduling: Contact the selected suppliers and arrange meetings or presentations.
Conversation Preparation: Prepare for the meetings by setting relevant questions and topics to be discussed during the conversation.
Conducting the Meetings: Hold the conversations, evaluate the responses, and test the solutions in practice if possible.

The Crucial Role of the Right Partners
Better Evaluation: You gain a more comprehensive view of the suppliers' capabilities and flexibility.
Building Trust: Personal contact strengthens the relationship and trust between you and the suppliers.
Clarify: You can resolve open questions and avoid misunderstandings.
By effectively utilizing this step, you ensure that you select the best suppliers for your ECO-System and lay the foundation for a successful collaboration.
Are supplier visits really necessary in the digital age, or are they just an outdated practice? Share your opinion HERE and learn how other companies assess the value of in-person meetings. Is direct contact truly essential, or can digital alternatives be just as effective? Discuss with us.