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Enable a Data-Driven Supplier Diversity Program

Leanne Strickler
Published June 08, 2023

Supplier Diversity Data Management: The Foundation of a Successful Supplier Diversity Program

You know that a diverse supplier base is crucial for the growth of your business. You also know that launching a supplier diversity program is challenging when you don’t have a solid data foundation in place. 

Your company probably doesn’t have accurate supplier information, let alone the supplier diversity information necessary to correctly track what you spend with diverse companies. Setting goals for increasing diversity spending becomes near impossible when you have no benchmark to work from.

Finding and onboarding diverse suppliers is a massive undertaking if you don’t have a comprehensive database to source from. Accurately tracking your program’s progress isn’t possible if you aren’t capturing key supplier diversity metrics from the start. 

Supplier diversity data management is the key to building a successful supplier diversity program. When accurate data collection is a priority, your organization can source new vendors, track goals, identify opportunities for improvement, and ultimately achieve a diverse supply chain that fuels your company’s success. 

With a data-first approach, you can transform your supplier diversity program from a good intention into a strategic advantage for your company.

Establishing the Vision and Goals for Your Supplier Diversity Program

Building a successful supplier diversity program requires solid foundational supplier data and a clear vision for your program’s growth. This vision needs to include measurable goals and KPIs. 

Here are some considerations to keep in mind when establishing your goals and KPIs for your supplier diversity program:

Getting stakeholder support becomes easier when progress is measurable and goals are clearly defined.  By prioritizing an efficient onboarding process and high-quality supplier data, you’ll create the foundation for a best-in-class supplier diversity program. That means growth and success for your diverse suppliers and your company.

Implementing a Supplier Onboarding Process

To build a solid data foundation for your supplier diversity program, you need a streamlined supplier onboarding process. Here are the key steps to implement:

By implementing a comprehensive supplier onboarding process, you establish a single source of truth for your supplier diversity program. Accurate and up-to-date data on your diverse suppliers means you can match opportunities, track spend, report metrics, and ultimately achieve your program goals. With the right technology and procedures, you’ll be on your way to data-driven success.

 Supplier Diversity Data Management

Successful supplier diversity programs are built on accurate, up-to-date supplier data. Collecting and managing this data should be an ongoing process. Allowing suppliers to update and maintain a supplier profile within your system is the easiest way to ensure your supplier data is always accurate.  

Data Accuracy Starts with Supplier Onboarding

When onboarding new diverse suppliers, gather important details about their business, certifications, and ownership via your supplier onboarding portal.  Ask suppliers to self-report information like:

This data should be stored in a supplier profile, which your suppliers can access and update whenever they need to via your supplier portal.

Conduct Regular Data Reviews and Updates

Invite your suppliers to update their profiles regularly. Supplier information changes regularly, so double check:

Report and Analyze Supplier Diversity Program Data

The data you collect is only valuable if you put it to use. Regularly report metrics like:

Analyze the data to identify opportunities to improve your program, such as sourcing products or services from underrepresented groups. Share data and insights with stakeholders to demonstrate the impact and value of your supplier diversity initiatives.

Managing high-quality supplier diversity data is essential. By collecting detailed information, conducting ongoing data updates, and reporting metrics and insights, you build a foundation for a strong supplier diversity program.

 Accurate data leads to better decision-making, goal-setting, and program growth.

Using Data to Drive Continuous Improvement

Once you have a solid foundation of supplier data in place, it’s time to put that data to work. Using data analytics, you can gain valuable insights into your supplier diversity program and make continuous improvements.

Review Spend Reports

Dig into your spend reports to see how much you’re truly spending with diverse suppliers. Look for opportunities to increase spend in certain categories or with underutilized groups. Set specific percentage targets and put plans in place to achieve them.

Identify Top Performers

Use your supplier scorecards and ratings to determine your top-performing diverse suppliers. These suppliers may be good candidates for expanded business opportunities or mentorship programs with smaller diverse suppliers. Reward them for their excellent work to keep them engaged in your program.

Address Poor Performers

Your data can also reveal suppliers that are underperforming or not meeting your standards. Work with these suppliers to determine the issues and find solutions to improve. Provide resources and guidance to help build their capacity.

Refine Your Program

Look for patterns in your data that indicate certain aspects of your program could use refinement or improvement. You may find opportunities to enhance your supplier certification process, strengthen matchmaking events, expand education and training, or make your portal more user-friendly. Seek feedback from suppliers and internal stakeholders as well.

Continuously monitoring and analyzing your supplier diversity data will help ensure your program remains robust, impactful, and achievable. While using a data-driven approach requires more effort upfront, it is the key to long-term success. With the right data and tools in place, you can build a best-in-class program that drives real results.

Tips on Creating an Impactful Supplier Diversity Program

Start with the Data

To build an impactful supplier diversity program, you need to begin with solid supplier diversity data. Collect information from potential diverse suppliers through a supplier registration and pre-qualification process. Have them provide details on their certifications, capabilities, and capacity.

Streamline the Onboarding Process

Make it easy for diverse suppliers to do business with you by simplifying your onboarding process. An automated system where suppliers can enter information one time cuts down on duplicate data entry and frustration. Suppliers will appreciate how user-friendly and efficient your program is.

Promote Your Program

Spread the word about your supplier diversity program to attract qualified, certified diverse suppliers. Post on your company website, share on social media and promote at diverse business events. Let suppliers know you value building mutually beneficial, long-term relationships.

Provide Resources and Support

Offer resources and support to help diverse suppliers strengthen their businesses. This could include networking events, matchmaking opportunities, mentoring programs, and educational resources on topics like accessing capital, developing strategic plans, and improving operations. Your support and guidance can help diverse suppliers achieve stability and growth.

Measure and Report on Economic Impact

Track how much you spend with diverse suppliers, and measure how your spending impacts the surrounding community. Report these metrics to demonstrate the success of your program to stakeholders and the public. Make data-driven decisions on how to improve and expand your program over time based on the results.

Creating a truly impactful supplier diversity program requires work, but by starting with data, streamlining processes, promoting your program, offering resources, and measuring results, you can build a program that benefits both your company and diverse suppliers. Supplier diversity enriches supply chains, spurs innovation, and strengthens economic growth.

Conclusion

By focusing on the fundamentals of supplier diversity data management, you can build a solid foundation for your supplier diversity program. Streamlining the supplier onboarding process ensures you have accurate and complete data on your diverse suppliers and the ability to report engagement and spend accurately.

Now you can start reaping the benefits of a data-driven program. Armed with insights into your program’s performance, you can demonstrate the impact and value of the supplier diversity program to stakeholders, your customers, and your community.

When you’re ready to enable a data-driven supplier diversity program, get in touch and one of our experts will show you how.