Procurement Terms
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Supplier development is a process in procurement that involves working closely with suppliers to improve their capabilities and performance in order to achieve better outcomes for the buyer. The objective of supplier development is to strengthen the overall supply chain and ensure that it is able to meet the buyer's requirements in terms of quality, delivery, cost, and innovation. Often, supplier development is used as a tool to increase the number of suppliers that can provide a good or service that is in high demand.
Supplier development typically involves a collaborative approach between the buyer and the supplier, where the buyer provides support and resources to help the supplier improve their processes, capabilities, and product or service offerings. This support may include training, process improvement initiatives, joint problem-solving, and investment in new technologies or equipment.