Company Profile A global food & beverage manufacturer operating large-scale production and logistics across EMEA. The company manages a complex supplier ecosystem and works closely with multiple third-party logistics (3PL) providers to support manufacturing and distribution operations.

With a broad supplier base and high operational complexity, the organization required stronger transparency, structure, and consistency in supplier relationship management.

Background & Key Challenge

  • Scattered Supplier Information: Difficulty in consolidating supplier data.
  • Unclear Supplier Capabilities: Lack of visibility into supplier strengths and weaknesses.
  • Lost Supplier Communication: Inefficient communication channels leading to missed information.
  • Complex Handover Processes: Challenges in transferring supplier relationships and communications.

Solution Delivered

LeanLinking implemented a comprehensive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) solution, integrating with 3PL logistics service providers to streamline supplier data management. Key use cases included:

  • Supplier Profiling and Competitor Insights
  • Meeting Preparation and Minutes
  • Supplier ESG Data Collection and Reporting
  • Performance Surveys and Reporting
  • Supplier Non-Conformances and Follow-Up (API)
  • Supplier Scorecards
  • Embedded KPI and PowerBI Reporting

Implementation & Process

The implementation process was thorough and collaborative, encompassing:

  • Planning and Process Design: Detailed implementation planning and process design.
  • Solution Setup and Testing: Rigorous setup and testing phases.
  • Go-Live and Hypercare: Successful go-live followed by a hypercare phase for ongoing support.
  • Process Improvement: LeanLinking challenged existing workflows, leading to significant process enhancements.
  • Partnership Approach: A genuine partnership focused on achieving excellence together.
  • Regular Status Meetings: Weekly meetings to ensure consistent progress.
  • Phase-to-Phase Meetings: Additional meetings as needed to address specific phases.
  • Transparent Collaboration: Mutual and transparent collaboration throughout the process.

Impact & Results

The implementation of LeanLinking's SRM solution led to substantial improvements:

  • Enhanced Insights: Gained visibility into previously unseen issues.
  • Real-Time Transparency: Achieved real-time transparency on supplier issues.
  • Internal Projects: Initiated internal projects to address leakage absorption.
  • Supplier Leakages: Identified and addressed supplier leakages, saving a minimum of EUR half a million per year.
  • Revised Supplier Manual: Developed a comprehensive supplier manual to mitigate leakages.
  • Expansion of Solutions: Due to positive results, Starbucks decided to onboard LeanLinking Deals for supplier negotiation management.

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