What are the best practices for communicating with suppliers about your DC requirements and expectations?

1 Define your expectations

The first step to communicate with suppliers is to define your expectations clearly and explicitly. You should establish and document your standards and policies for quality, delivery, packaging, labeling, invoicing, and returns. You should also communicate your key performance indicators (KPIs) and how you will measure and monitor them. For example, you may use metrics such as on-time delivery, fill rate, accuracy, and defect rate. You should share these expectations with your suppliers before you start working with them and review them regularly.

5 Solicit and provide feedback

The fifth step to communicate with suppliers is to solicit and provide feedback. You should ask your suppliers for their feedback on your DC operations, processes, and performance and listen to their concerns, complaints, and compliments. You should also provide your suppliers with feedback on their performance, quality, and service and offer them suggestions, recommendations, and guidance. You should also conduct periodic reviews and audits with your suppliers and discuss the results and action plans.

6 Train and educate

The sixth step to communicate with suppliers is to train and educate them on your DC requirements and expectations. You should provide your suppliers with the necessary training and education materials and resources to help them understand and comply with your standards and policies. You should also update and refresh your suppliers on any changes or updates in your DC operations or requirements. You should also encourage and support your suppliers to learn and improve their skills and capabilities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?