Supply chain is one of the most critical elements to the success of any business. Whether it’s acquiring raw materials and consumables for production or the reliance on how a business’ customers rely on those products, factors such as pricing, availability, and delivery drive success. Many smaller businesses often work with single source or sole suppliers through relationships built over time. On one hand, this can manifest from the “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” mentality while on the other hand, it may manifest from not having the time or resources to search for additional suppliers. Either way, it is important to continually look at the health of your supply chain and evaluate opportunities for improvement.
The West Virginia University Industrial Extension (WVUIE), West Virginia’s sole affiliate to the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network (MEPNN), is participating in a national supply chain effort to help manufacturers build more resilient, sustainable domestic supply chains. Officially launched in June of 2023, the Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network (SCOIN) expands the MEPNN’s scope from working primarily with individual companies to include taking a more comprehensive approach to manufacturing supply chains with a goal of understanding the associated challenges and opportunities.
Creating Opportunity Through Supplier Scouting
Supplier Scouting is a tool to promote domestic manufacturing and reshoring to keep millions of dollars in the supply chain production in the U.S. This is accomplished through leveraging the relationships and knowledge of MEPNN centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico to help address supply chain challenges and create opportunities for U.S. manufacturers. Applicable on a national, regional or local scale, supplier scouting identifies manufacturers with specific production and technical capabilities and connects them to new customers in need of those products and capabilities. Through this process, manufacturers become more aware of other companies and are provided an opportunity to expand their network of resources.
How Does Supplier Scouting Work?
Whether the need is to source new components, identify a new supplier, or reduce costs, this service, provided free of charge, is straightforward and user friendly. The basic steps include:
- Contact the WVUIE to discuss your need.
- WVUIE will create a supplier scouting synopsis to summarize your need.
- The supplier scouting synopsis is then disseminated to over 1,400 manufacturing experts across more than 385 MEPNN locations throughout the country.
- The results of this outreach are summarized and provided to WVUIE within 30 to 45 days.
Once the results are provided, WVUIE can assist in a variety of ways ranging from engaging colleagues to further discuss potential suppliers to simply providing the results and allowing the business to take the appropriate next steps.
Supplier Scouting and the Opportunity for Growth
In addition to providing opportunities to reach new suppliers and strengthen supply chains, Supplier Scouting also presents opportunities for growth. At a macro level, supplier scouting identifies trends and areas for upscaling such as certifications, capabilities, and investments in technology that can help businesses solidify their place in a customer’s supply chain. As is the case with many smaller manufacturers, these requirements can sometimes come as an expensive surprise.
Understanding the landscape and future allows manufacturers to transition from a culture of firefighting to fire prevention. At a micro level, the WVUIE offers a host of services to help manufacturers strategically review their business and develop a plan to leverage supply chain opportunities and create a more robust organization to increase their viability in other supply chains.
For more information about supplier scouting and how the WVUIE can help your business, contact David Carrick at david.carrick@mail.wvu.edu.
