Lack of data ‘ is barrier to supplier diversity ’
SUSTAINABILITY
“ Diversity programmes don ’ t survive without an owner to guide and grow the initiative ”
ROGER BLUMBERG SENIOR VP GLOBAL MARKETING , SCOUTBEE
Lack of data ‘ is barrier to supplier diversity ’
A survey from procurement platform Jaggaer and supplier data specialist Tealbook found that a lack of data and discoverability options remain the biggest barriers to supplier diversity initiatives
The survey found that 70 % of organisations say supplier diversity is a priority but most have yet to outline concrete plans – or have only just started on their journey towards a more inclusive and equitable supply chain .
Discoverability has long been an issue for advocates of supplier diversity . A third of respondents said they struggle to identify suppliers that are both owned or managed by women or those from minority groups , while also meeting stringent procurement criteria .
A further 27 % said quality data and insights on supplier diversity is lacking , while 17 % say they are unable to verify supplier diversity claims . One in 10 said they simply ‘ didn ’ t know where to start ’.
The survey also revealed a chasm between the objectives of organisations in North America and Europe . More than half ( 53 %) of North American organisations rate supplier diversity as a ‘ high priority ’, while fewer than a fifth ( 17 %) of European organisations hold the same viewpoint . scope and policies up front can result in unnecessary headaches down the road . On a basic level , defining the scope of your programme means identifying what diversity categories your programme will focus on .
For instance , you may choose to focus specifically on small businesses owned by women , minorities , veterans , or some other diverse supplier group . Eventually , your programme might grow to encompass many different groups , but defining a clear starting point will help you get things off the ground .
Have a champion Supplier diversity programmes won ’ t survive without a face that is owning and guiding the evolution and growth of the initiative . Ideally , this is a full-time person , but at the beginning , it doesn ’ t have to be
98 December 2022