Research among manufacturers conducted by First Index indictates that buyers see e-sourcing, the ability to automate requests for quotes and supplier relationship management as key drivers.
Research among manufacturers conducted by First Index indictates that buyers see e-sourcing, the ability to automate RFQs (request for quotes) and supplier relationship management (SRM) as key drivers of their online strategy. The research - among 180 buyers already posting RFQs in First Index’s findFAST e- marketplace - was conducted as part of the development of a suite of web-based software aimed at the contract manufacturing market. The research and the product will debut at the Manufacturing Week exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham on 30th October.

Early results from the survey highlight four clear buyer requirements: to pool buyer experience across large buying organisations via an organised, easy to use supplier database; to automate the RFQ process for existing and new parts combined with a way to facilitate online collaboration with suppliers throughout the RFQ process; to use online means to build long-term relationships with preferred suppliers that shortens product development lifecycles; and to be able to evaluate supplier performance and ensure value for money in sourcing.

The research was conducted as part of the process of developing a new product, findFAST PRO, a web-based suite of e-sourcing, RFQ automation and supplier relationship management (SRM) tools, that will be launched at the show.

The suite is aimed at buyers who purchase made-to-order direct materials in, among others, the global automotive, aerospace and defence and electronics sectors.

It complements First Index’s established findFAST e-marketplace solution which has over 2000 supplier members that benefited from the 28,000 RFQs posted in the last year.