In SRM, what should the focus of the assessment process be?

The focus of the assessment process in Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) should be on the overall supplier performance. This comprehensive approach allows organizations to evaluate suppliers not only on cost but also on various critical factors such as quality, delivery reliability, innovation, and service levels. By assessing overall performance, companies can identify strengths and weaknesses in supplier relationships, leading to more strategic decision-making.

Prioritizing overall supplier performance enables organizations to foster partnerships that can enhance collaboration and long-term value creation. This holistic perspective is essential as it aligns with the goals of SRM, which include building strong supplier relationships that drive mutual success and competitive advantage. Focusing solely on aspects like pricing, marketing strategies, or the sheer number of suppliers would provide a narrow view, overlooking the potential benefits of monitoring broader performance metrics.