Here's how you can navigate Supplier Sourcing during times of uncertainty with resilience.

Indeed, it is important to continuously assess and monitor risks in the supply chain environment. You should develop contingency plans; like having backup plans and alternative suppliers ready.

My top 3 options to navigate supply needs in an uncertain environment: 1)Diversify supplier base: This for me is the top most criteria to manage my category, ensuring other avenues are open in an event of a disruption 2) Develop a good supplier relationship: This is something an AI can never take over. You may get the best of ideas from an educated engine, but only a good maintained relationship will take you across the line 3) Keep you end user informed and acquire information: One can never ascertain the need of an organization, if there is no regular ongoing conversation with your internal client. 2 more must haves: Contingency plan and Be agile in your business processes (The later is a wide term, dependent upon industry)

- Monitoring the risks -Continious communication _ Never consider a task as easy or don't need follow up - Having already a plan B and even a C prepared even if you will not use it - Trying to be up to date as a maximum about the crise: following news, listening to experts etc -Sharing internally

Planning in my view is the weakest part of the process in any given organisation, nobody likes planning or often have no time to do that, despite its being a critical path for any successful business. Strategic planning with suppliers requires thorough requirement definition, close collaboration, transparent forecast, strong relationship etc., but the time constraints and lack of qualified people is often in the way to make it happen as it should.

Navigating supplier sourcing during uncertainty requires resilience. Diversify suppliers to avoid over-reliance on one source. Build strong relationships for better communication and problem-solving. Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential issues. Develop contingency plans with alternative suppliers ready. Leverage technology for real-time supply chain visibility and control. Maintain higher inventory levels for critical components. Enhance supplier flexibility to adapt to changing needs. Invest in local sourcing, monitor market conditions, and ensure suppliers follow sustainable practices. This comprehensive strategy ensures continuity and minimizes risks.

Uncertainty elements present a significant opportunity to prioritize in-country value (ICV) initiatives and enhance overall Supplier diversity through a Strategic Sourcing approach. In complex scenarios, resilient supply chains demonstrate superior performance. Targeted sourcing efforts not only address immediate challenges but also provide a unique opportunity for buying teams to innovate and test themselves. These initiatives encourage teams to explore solutions that might have been disregarded due to the monotonous nature of recurring category management.