SUSTAINABILITY supply chain , which is where supplier diversity becomes so important .
Are my suppliers applying circular economy principles ? Are they using sustainable and fair production methods ( as well as remaining within budget )? Are they owned , operated , and controlled by people traditionally underrepresented or underserved ?
These are the kind of questions organisations must be able to answer , so we asked two supply chain professionals to give their top five strategies for companies looking to grow supplier diversity .
First of these experts is Roger Blumberg , Senior VP of Global Marketing at Scoutbee , an AI-driven platform designed to give businesses deep insights into their supply base . The following are Blumberg ’ s five tips :
Gain executive support Every successful supplier diversity programme was born out of a comprehensive , strategic plan supported by executive leadership . Creating this framework up front will help you align your organisation behind common objectives and empower the growth of your supplier diversity programme .
But where should you begin ? Your supplier diversity objectives and goals should be approved and supported at the executive level to earn overall organisational buy-in .
Be specific Diversity means a lot of things to a lot of people . Failing to define your programme ’ s
“ Create a plan for how the comms process will evolve as your diverse supplier network expands ”
ASHLEE NELSON SENIOR VP SALES AND PARTNERSHIPS , SUPPLIER . IO supplychaindigital . com 97