In an increasingly uncertain global environment, diversifying supply chains has become a strategic necessity for many companies. Whether to meet growing demand, better manage risks or seize new opportunities, it’s crucial to be able to rely on trusted partners to optimize your international sourcing.
Why is a sourcing mission so important today?
- Reducing dependence on a single country: many companies’ supply chains still rely heavily on China, a key player in global production. However, as part of the China+1 strategy, some companies are looking to complement their supply chain by exploring options in other regions. This builds resilience and ensures continuity in the event of temporary fluctuations or conflicts.
- Seizing new opportunities: diversifying suppliers internationally can also open the door to new markets and technological innovations specific to certain regions. This strategy enables us to remain competitive and meet the varied demands of consumers.
- Conducting Market Research and Staying Competitive: In-depth market analysis through precise benchmarking. This offers the opportunity to challenge existing suppliers and identify more competitive or better-suited alternatives to current needs. By exploring new options, companies can adjust their procurement strategy, strengthen resilience, and optimize performance.
To illustrate these issues, let’s take the example of two recent Eastwise customers.
The first is a distributor specializing in children’s products, which wanted to diversify its supply chain in Vietnam to reduce its dependence on China. The second is an innovative company looking for a supplier capable of producing a water dispenser incorporating its cutting-edge technology. In both cases, Eastwise carried out a complete market analysis to recommend the best suppliers for their projects. To find out more, visit our dedicated page: Case Study
Our sourcing missions: a two-phase process
Phase 1: identification and evaluation of the best suppliers
The first stage of the sourcing mission consists of :
- Identify and evaluate potential suppliers in a target country for a specific product category. This phase is essential to ensure that the selected suppliers meet the required quality and compliance criteria.
- Gather key company information.
- Evaluate suppliers’ experience, motivation, responsiveness and communication skills.
- Compliance with regulatory and quality standards is also verified.
The deliverable of this phase is a detailed analysis report, containing a shortlist of pre-qualified suppliers. This document forms a solid basis for the company’s strategic decisions, providing a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the suppliers evaluated.
Phase 2: supplier qualification and product development
Once the suppliers have been selected, Eastwise supports you in the final qualification and product development phase. This stage includes requesting quotations, negotiating prices, and supervising sample production. Factories are audited, and detailed audit reports are provided to ensure that suppliers can meet project requirements.
By choosing Eastwise’s services, you benefit not only from considerable time savings, but also from the assurance of working with suppliers capable of delivering products to the required specifications. Comprehensive supplier validation and rigorous product development management offer peace of mind, ensuring that orders are placed with the right partners.
Why choose Eastwise for your sourcing mission?
When you choose Eastwise, you choose a partner who offers you :
- Solid expertise and in-depth knowledge of international markets,
- A structured approach, allowing you to concentrate on your strategic decisions,
- Detailed reporting and comprehensive supplier analysis, ensuring the security and reliability of your supply chain.
When you work with us, you benefit from business partners who are perfectly matched to the specific needs of your project. In a world where diversification of production is more than ever a priority, Eastwise is the ideal facilitator for exploring new markets and ensuring the success of international projects. Whether you want to diversify your supply chain outside China or explore new horizons, Eastwise can provide you with a tailor-made solution, combining local expertise and operational efficiency. What more could you ask for?
To find out more about our approach and the China+1 by 2024 strategy, read our detailed article here: Eastwise and the China Plus One Strategy in 2024
