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Top 10 Challenges Faced in Buyer Supplier Relationship Management

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karoline steward
Top 10 Challenges Faced in Buyer Supplier Relationship Management

One of a company's most highly regarded relationships is that with its suppliers. To provide highly satisfactory services, the workflow must start well with suppliers. Delays, gaps, and misunderstandings can lead to a halt in delivery that affects your entire business relationship. 

 

While you can always keep an eye on your internal processes, dealing with third-party vendors is not that easy. There are always some unknown gaps that your business has to deal with daily. 

 

On average, a business faces a regular delay of 48-72 hours while waiting for shipments. However, the crisis state occurs when the duration and frequency of delays increases. 

 

The source of error leading to conflicts can be anything. Understand and resolve disputes accurately to ensure smoother operations.

 

 Here are the top 10 challenges in managing buyer-supplier relationships and how to resolve them:

 

1)Not investigating the supplier's background

 

Before working with a supplier, the first step is to review their past and current projects and investigate their knowledge of exporting and importing tax and legal implications. Knowing the supplier in advance helps to create and build healthy relationships.



2)Disregarding the business culture of your industry

 

Belonging to a different culture can lead to different views and interpretations while having the same conversation.

 

3)Lack of communication

 

Communication is essential for many aspects of the business. If a supplier does not understand its strategic objectives, it can lead to unmet needs and requirements due to poor results. Maintaining good contact with suppliers can be of great benefit to the business.



4)Lack of transparency in processes

 

Often, a lack of transparency in supplier processes creates gaps in the relationship between the business and the supplier. Technology can play a crucial role in bridging this gap. Analyze the entire process more efficient by using an online order and invoice management tool like Invoicera.



5)Put the burden on already overburdened suppliers.

 

Suppliers deal with many companies at the same time. Often, the order is given late by the supplier because the product is not available. These types of late deliveries can weaken the relationship. Predicting the needs of the business can help keep the SRM process running smoothly.

 

6)Forgetting the relationship at the time of delivery destroyed

Sometimes, the delivered product turns out to be damaged or defective. Aggressive measures at such times can destroy a relationship. One should respectfully notify the supplier and ask them to replace it. Maintain a healthy balance when taking action against underperforming suppliers. A healthy balance manages underperforming suppliers.

 

7)Ineffective supplier training

If the supplier does not understand what the company wants its customers to experience through its products, it will not provide sufficient supplies. It would be best if you made sure that the supplier knows the company's motto. They should receive adequate training to ensure that expectation levels are met.

 

 Create a robust knowledge base for your suppliers to learn about your various processes. Suppose you are a company with a massive network of suppliers. In that case, you may also consider creating a dedicated website for suppliers to learn the techniques and coordinate with your internal procurement teams. It doesn't cost much to build such a platform with the help of website-building tools. 



8)Avoiding the need to cultivate

A healthy relationship is only cultivated when both parties stay together for an extended period of time.

 

Abandoning vendors at the time of success can create stress in a relationship. To avoid this, you should include the supplier in every milestone and celebration of a company's success.

 

9)Dissonance in the buyer-supplier chain

At a time, without recognition and encouragement, the supplier becomes unfaithful to an enterprise. Switching the supplier is not the solution here as it will consume more time and money. One can gain the loyalty of a supplier by encouraging or perhaps offering incentives if possible.



10)Disputes over the contract

Signing a discriminatory contract can be very unpleasant for the supplier. It would be best if you made sure that the contract has benefits for both parties. A contract should be reviewed very carefully before it is finalized.

 

Many organizations now realize the importance of managing buyer-supplier relationships. Constant efforts should be made to build harmonious buyer-supplier relationships. SRM is a long-term approach for lasting success.

 

Best software to opt for your business.

Invoicera is an online invoicing tool that provides a range of features to manage buyer-supplier relationships effectively:

 

Invoicera offers a range of features to ensure ease of management and accuracy with data. Now, you no longer have to run around and waste your valuable time on small runs that can be easily automated.

 

  • Send and schedule invoices to buyers on time.
  • Buyers can send purchase orders on time.
  • Sellers can send quotes for buyer's approval.
  • In case of price settlement, the buyer may not send improper credit.
  • Buyers can get free login to access all invoices and account statements online.

 

Choose Invoicera to manage your accounts payable and accounts receivable effectively. Keep a record of all your finances and invoices together in cloud-based accounting software.  FREE REGISTRATION.

 

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karoline steward
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