CRM For Sourcing

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

I suppose that I really am after a SRM - Supplier Relationship Management - does it exist?

I could use/adapt a CRM, but just wondered if it was out there?

Don't want SAP or ERP - total overkill!

 

[Displaycentreuk]

I started looking for a CRM 10 years ago because I felt my business needed one. Tried a few and couldnt figure-out the way in which my business should be using them.

So I took a step back and worked-out what I needed a 'system' to do form me:
a) Record Leads/Prospects and allow us to be able notes (record conversations) about them
b) Record and track customer and supplier relationships (customer account management & supplier account management?)
c) Tell us who bought what and when so that we could try to get them to buy more.
d) Record enquiries so that we could keep 'balls in the air'
e) Raise quotes/proformas/orders and progress them through a process.
f) Provide pipeline reports and sales reports.

What are you wanting a 'system' to do for you and what other software do you use?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

@Displaycentreuk

I just want something to record communications and allow purchasing follow up i.e. contracts, PO etc.

I am not looking for a CRM, which is most of the points you indicate.

 

[Displaycentreuk]

Am I correct in thinking that you just want to be able to:
a) Record each of your suppliers, you contacts at each and their addresses
b) Record communications (eg emails, telephone calls, meetings) with each supplier against the contact that you are dealing with
c) Raise Purchase Orders (and track progress through to completeion?) against suppliers
d) Maintain a record of what has been purchased from whom and when

Wondering whether you have any need for reminders (eg orders overdue), products (eg are you purchasing the same range of items or is everyone different) and tasks (eg set taks to order x from y by x date).

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

I also need the ability send out bulk procurement opportunities to contacts (extension of the basic comms)

 

[Displaycentreuk]

In that case you only need a basic CRM (doesnt make any difference whether contacts are customers or suppliers).

This article may be of interest: https://uk.pcmag.com/cloud-services/67398/the-best-crm-software