Skip to main content
  • login
  • contact
  • language
    • English
    • Français
    • Español
    • Português
    • Deutsch
    • 简体中文
    • 日本語
  • search
X
GEP Logo GEP Logo
  • Company
    • Leadership
    • Customers
    • Partners
    • Sustainability at GEP
    • News
    • Events
    • Culture
    • Mission & Vision
    • Awards & Recognition
  • Solutions
    • Strategy
      • Procurement Consulting  
        • Procurement Transformation
        • Digital Procurement Transformation
        • Opportunity Assessment
        • M & A Services
        • Strategic Cost Management
        • Supply Risk Management
      • Supply Chain Consulting  
        • Environmental, Social and Governance
        • Socially Responsible Sourcing
        • Supply Chain Strategy
        • Supply Chain Diagnostics
        • Inventory Optimization
        • Network Optimization
      Software
      • GEP SMART  
        • Procurement Software
        • Direct Procurement Software
        • Indirect Procurement Software
        • Digital Procurement Transformation
        • Master Data Management
        • AP Automation
        • Spend Management
        • SMART S2P Technology
      • GEP NEXXE  
        • Supply Chain Visibility and Execution
        • Supply Chain Planning
        • Supply Chain Collaboration
        • Supply Chain Control Tower
        • Should-Cost Modeling
        • Inventory and Warehouse Management
      • GEP CLICK  
      • GEP MINERVA  
      Managed Services
      • Procurement Outsourcing  
        • Source-to-Contract
          • Spend Analysis
          • Strategic Sourcing
          • Category Management
          • Supply Market Intelligence
          • Tail-Spend Management
          • Procurement Support Services
        • Procure-to-Pay
          • Cost Recovery & Invoice Auditing
          • Accounts Payable
      • Supply Chain Outsourcing  
        • Planning & Forecasting
        • Inventory Management
        • Logistics Management
        • Supply Chain Data Management
        • Supply Chain Risk Management
  • Industries
    • Automotive
    • Chemicals
    • Consumer Packaged Goods
    • Energy & Utilities
    • Financial Services
    • Government & Nonprofit
    • Industrial Manufacturing
    • Life Sciences
    • Oil & Gas
    • Retail
    • Telecommunications, Media & Technology
    • High-Tech
    • Media & Entertainment
    • Software, Social & Platforms
    • Telecom
    • Travel & Hospitality
  • Knowledge Bank
    • Digital Transformation
    • Software & Technology
    • Strategy & Planning
    • Operations
    • Procurement
    • Sustainability
    • Insights From the Top
    • COVID-19 Resource Center
    • Inflation Strategies
  • Careers
    • Join Us
    • GEP Per Se
    • Campus Connect
  • Partners
   
  • GEP Strategy ›
    • GEP Strategy
    • ‹ Back
      • Procurement Consulting ›
        • Procurement Consulting
        • ‹ Back
          • Procurement Transformation ›
            • Procurement Transformation
            • ‹ Back
              • Procurement Strategy
              • Org. Design & Implementation
              • Capability Building
              • Change Management
              • Governance & Performance
              • Processes & Policies
              • S2P Operations
              • Sourcing & Category Management
              • Technology
          • Digital Procurement Transformation
          • Opportunity Assessment
          • M&A Services ›
            • M&A Services
            • ‹ Back
              • M&A Clean Room
          • Strategic Cost Management ›
            • Strategic Cost Management
            • ‹ Back
              • Zero-Based Budgeting
          • Supply Chain Risk Management
      • Supply Chain Consulting ›
        • Supply Chain Consulting
        • ‹ Back
          • SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
          • Environmental, Social and Governance
          • Socially Responsible Sourcing
          • Scope 3
          • PLAN
          • Digital Planning, S&OP, S&OE
          • Collaborative Planning
          • PROCURE
          • Source To Contract
          • Procure To Pay
          • MAKE
          • Inventory Strategy & Management
          • Operations & Manufacturing Excellence
          • DELIVER
          • Network Strategy & Optimization
          • Warehousing & Transportation Management
  • GEP Software ›
    • GEP Software
    • ‹ Back
      • GEP SMART ›
        • GEP SMART
        • ‹ Back
          • Procurement Software
          • Direct Procurement Software ›
            • Direct Procurement Software
            • ‹ Back
              • Bill of Materials Management
              • Data Analytics & Reporting
              • Inventory Management
              • Master Data Management
              • Quality Management
              • Supplier Collaboration Portal
              • Supply Chain Operations
          • Indirect Procurement Software ›
            • Indirect Procurement Software
            • ‹ Back
              • Source-to-Contract
              • Spend Analysis
              • Savings Project Management
              • Category Management
              • Contract Management
              • Savings Tracking
              • Sourcing
              • Supplier Management
              • Procure-to-Pay
              • Guided Buying
              • Procurement Portal
              • Catalog Management
              • Order Processing
              • Invoice Management
          • Digital Procurement Transformation
          • Master Data Management
          • Product Accessibility
          • AP Automation
          • Spend Management
          • SMART S2P Technology
      • GEP NEXXE ›
        • GEP NEXXE
        • ‹ Back
          • Supply Chain Visibility and Execution ›
            • Supply Chain Visibility and Execution
            • ‹ Back
              • Inventory and Warehouse Management
              • Logistics Visibility
              • Control Tower
          • Supply Chain Planning ›
            • Supply Chain Planning
            • ‹ Back
              • Supply Chain Control Tower
              • Should-Cost Modeling
              • Demand Planning
              • Supply Chain Bill of Materials
              • Supply Chain Direct Sourcing
              • Supply Planning
          • Supply Chain Collaboration ›
            • Supply Chain Collaboration
            • ‹ Back
              • Forecast Collaboration
              • Purchase Order Collaboration
              • Quality Collaboration
              • Capacity Collaboration
              • Quality Management Software
          • Supply Chain Control Tower
          • Should-Cost Modeling
          • Inventory and Warehouse Management
      • GEP CLICK
      • GEP MINERVA
      • Innovation ›
        • Innovation
        • ‹ Back
          • Emerging Technologies
          • Native to Cloud
          • Native to Mobile
          • One Unified Platform
          • Security
          • User-Centric Design
  • GEP Managed Services ›
    • GEP Managed Services
    • ‹ Back
      • Procurement Outsourcing ›
        • Procurement Outsourcing
        • ‹ Back
          • Source-to-Contract
          • Spend Analysis
          • Strategic Sourcing ›
            • Strategic Sourcing
            • ‹ Back
              • MRO
              • CAPEX
              • Logistics
              • Packaging
              • IT & Telecom
              • Energy
              • Direct Materials
          • Category Management ›
            • Category Management
            • ‹ Back
              • Contract Management
              • Supplier Performance Management
              • Savings & Compliance Tracking
          • Supply Market Intelligence
          • Tail-Spend Management
          • Procurement Support Services ›
            • Procurement Support Services
            • ‹ Back
              • eSourcing
              • Supplier Performance Management
              • Savings & Compliance Tracking
              • Sourcing Support
          • Procure-to-Pay
          • Cost Recovery & Invoice Auditing
          • Accounts Payable
      • Supply Chain Outsourcing ›
        • Supply Chain Outsourcing
        • ‹ Back
          • Planning & Forecasting
          • Inventory Management
          • Logistics Management
          • Supply Chain Data Management
          • Supply Risk Management
  • Industries ›
    • Industries
    • ‹ Back
      • Automotive
      • Chemicals
      • Consumer Packaged Goods
      • Energy & Utilities
      • Financial Services
      • Government & Nonprofit
      • Industrial Manufacturing
      • Life Sciences
      • Oil & Gas
      • Retail
      • Telecommunications, Media & Technology
      • High-Tech
      • Media & Entertainment
      • Software, Social & Platforms
      • Telecom
      • Travel & Hospitality
  • Knowledge Bank ›
    • Knowledge Bank
    • ‹ Back
      • Digital Transformation
      • Operations
      • Procurement
      • Software & Technology
      • Strategy & Planning
      • Sustainability
      • Podcasts
      • Insights from the Top
      • COVID-19 Resource Center
      • Inflation Strategies
  • Company ›
    • Company
    • ‹ Back
      • Leadership
      • Customers
      • Partners
      • Sustainability at GEP
      • News
      • Events
      • Culture ›
        • Culture
        • ‹ Back
          • GEP Core Values
          • Women@GEP
          • Diversity
          • GEP Cares
      • Mission & Vision
      • Awards & Recognition
      • Contact Us
  • Global Presence ›
    • Global Presence
    • ‹ Back
      • Americas ›
        • Americas
        • ‹ Back
          • English
          • Español
          • Portugués
      • Europe ›
        • Europe
        • ‹ Back
          • English
          • Deutsch
      • Asia-Pacific ›
        • Asia-Pacific
        • ‹ Back
          • English
          • 中文
      • Middle East ›
        • Middle East
        • ‹ Back
          • English
          • العربية
  • Contact Us
  • Careers ›
    • Careers
    • ‹ Back
      • Join Us
      • GEP Per Se
      • Campus Connect
  • Language ›
    • Language
    • ‹ Back
      • English
      • Français
      • Español
      • Deutsch
      • Português
      • 简体中文
      • 日本語
  • Rapid Response from GEP
  • BLOGS
  • Strategy
  • Technology
  • MIND
Contact Us
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Breadcrumb

  1. HOME
  2. BLOG
  3. STRATEGY
  4. GLOBAL SOURCING CHALLENGES GUIDE
Blog Image

A Guide to Overcoming Global Sourcing Challenges

  • Global sourcing can be an effective way to reduce costs, access new markets and find new suppliers.
  • But it also comes with challenges such as geopolitical instability, cultural differences, regulatory issues and currency fluctuations.
  • Companies can navigate these challenges by establishing closer relationships with suppliers, developing a sourcing strategy and managing logistics and transportation.

December 21, 2022 | Sourcing Strategy Blogs

By sourcing goods and services from different countries, companies can reduce costs, find new suppliers and access new markets. But it’s not without its challenges.

In this article, we’ll explore the challenges of global sourcing and how to overcome them.

What Is Global Sourcing?

Global sourcing is the process of obtaining goods and services from around the world to meet the needs of a business. This can range from sourcing raw materials, to outsourcing production, to finding new suppliers or distributors. It’s a way for companies to take advantage of different countries’ resources and capabilities to create a competitive advantage.

Global sourcing has become increasingly popular as technology has made it easier to work with suppliers and partners from around the world. It’s also become more affordable, as companies have access to a larger pool of potential suppliers.

Challenges of Global Sourcing

Despite the potential benefits of global sourcing, it also comes with a number of challenges. The common obstacles include political and economic instability, language and cultural differences, legal and regulatory issues and currency fluctuations.

Legal and Regulatory Issues

Different countries have different laws and regulations, and it’s important to ensure that suppliers comply with them. It’s important to do due diligence when working with suppliers from different countries. This includes researching local laws and regulations and monitoring suppliers for any issues.

Currency and Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Currency and exchange rate variations can also be challenging when it comes to global sourcing. Different currencies can fluctuate in value, which can affect the cost of goods and services.

To mitigate this risk, it’s important to monitor these fluctuations and understand how they could affect your bottom line. It’s also important to consider ways to guard against currency risks, such as using forward contracts or hedging strategies.

Political and Economic Instability

Changes in government or in the wider economy can affect the cost of goods and services and can make it difficult to do business.

To mitigate this risk, it’s important to pay close attention to the political and economic situation in the countries you’re sourcing from. This includes monitoring news reports and staying up to date with any changes that could affect your operations.

Language and Cultural Barriers

Language barriers can be a major obstacle when working with suppliers from different countries. This can make it difficult to communicate effectively and can lead to misunderstandings and delays. Cultural differences can also create challenges when it comes to global sourcing. Different countries have different values and customs, and it’s important to be aware of these when working with suppliers.

For example, a supplier in China might be used to working with a different set of ethical standards than one in the US. It’s important to make sure that suppliers in different countries understand the values and expectations of your company.

Benefits of Global Sourcing

Despite the challenges associated with global sourcing, there are also a number of benefits. Here are some of the advantages of global sourcing:

Cost Savings

One of the biggest benefits of global sourcing is cost savings. By sourcing goods and services from different countries, companies can take advantage of different economies of scale, access cheaper labor and materials, and reduce production costs.

Access to New Markets and Suppliers

Global sourcing also allows companies to access new markets and new suppliers. By sourcing from different countries, companies can find new suppliers with different capabilities and resources, access new customers and expand their reach.

Opportunities for Innovation

Finally, global sourcing can also create opportunities for innovation. By working with suppliers from different countries, companies can find new ideas and technologies that can help them stay ahead of the competition.

Evaluating Your Company’s Capabilities

Before embarking on a global sourcing strategy, it’s important to evaluate your company’s capabilities. This includes assessing your resources and capabilities, understanding your goals and ensuring you have the right processes and infrastructure in place to support global sourcing.

It’s also important to assess your risk tolerance. Global sourcing can come with a number of risks, and it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable with them before you begin.

Establishing Relationships with Suppliers

When it comes to global sourcing, it’s important to establish strong relationships with suppliers. This includes understanding their capabilities, building trust and setting clear expectations.

It’s also important to ensure that suppliers understand your company’s values and expectations. This includes making sure they comply with local laws and regulations, and that they understand the importance of quality and ethical standards.

Developing a Sourcing Strategy

Once you’ve evaluated your company’s capabilities and established relationships with suppliers, it’s time to develop a sourcing strategy. This includes assessing your needs, researching potential suppliers and negotiating terms.

It’s also important to consider the total cost of sourcing from different countries. This includes not only the cost of goods and services, but also transportation and logistics costs, taxes and other fees.

Managing Logistics and Transportation

Logistics and transportation can be a major challenge when it comes to global sourcing. It’s important to make sure that goods and services are delivered on time and in the right condition.

This includes researching different transportation methods, understanding the different regulations and laws and finding the most cost-effective and reliable transport options. It’s also important to consider the environmental impact of transportation and to make sure that suppliers comply with environmental regulations.

Risk Management

Global sourcing can come with a number of risks, and it’s important to manage these. This includes assessing potential risks, understanding their impact on your business and putting in place systems to mitigate them.

It’s also important to have a system in place for dealing with disputes and resolving issues. This includes understanding the legal and regulatory framework in each country and having a plan for dealing with any potential problems.

Monitoring and Evaluating Performance

Monitoring and evaluating the performance of suppliers is crucial. This includes assessing the quality of goods and services, understanding supplier performance and making sure they comply with your company’s standards and expectations.

It’s also vital to assess the performance of your global sourcing strategy. This includes tracking costs, evaluating the effectiveness of different suppliers and understanding the overall impact on your business.

Conclusion

Global sourcing can be a great way to reduce costs, access new markets and find new suppliers. But it also comes with a number of challenges. By understanding the benefits and challenges of global sourcing, evaluating your company’s capabilities, establishing relationships with suppliers, developing a sourcing strategy, managing logistics and transportation, managing risks and monitoring and evaluating performance, companies can successfully navigate the challenges of global sourcing.

 

Tags: sourcing , Sourcing Strategy , Low-Cost Country Sourcing

Add Comment +

FEATURED POST

...
Supply Chain Strategy Blogs

How to Effectively Monitor Scope 3 Emissions From Your Supply Chain

...
Supply Chain Software Blogs

From Cost to Resiliency: How Supply Chain Priorities Have Changed

    BLOG CATEGORIES

  • Supply Chain Strategy Blogs
  • Procurement Strategy Blogs
  • Sourcing Strategy Blogs
  • Miscellaneous Blogs
  • Risk Management Blogs
  • Supplier Management Strategy Blogs
  • M&A Blogs
  • Supply Chain Risk Management Blogs
  • Cost Management Blogs
  • Digital Supply Chain Transformation Blogs
  • Inventory Management Blogs
  • Inventory Management

TAGS

sustainability
Procurement Software
supply chain strategy
Inflation
Russia-Ukraine War

By checking the box below, you consent to GEP using your personal information to send you thought leadership content – such as white papers, research reports, case studies – and other communications. GEP representatives may contact you to provide additional information or answer questions.

If at any point in time you decide to withdraw your consent, you may unsubscribe by emailing your request to us at privacy@gep.com.

Please refer to the GEP Privacy Statement to understand how we manage and protect your personal information.

Terms of Use | Privacy Statement

Contact Us

Ask Us

Send us your question(s)

RFP

Request for a business proposal

Feedback

Share your thoughts, comments and suggestions

Demo

Schedule a live demo of our software

Discover
STRATEGY
Strategy
  •   Procurement Consulting
  •   Digital Procurement Transformation
  •   Strategic Cost Management
  •   Opportunity Assessment
  •   Supply Chain Risk Management
  •   Supply Chain Consulting
  •   Supply Chain Strategy
  •   Supply Chain Diagnostics
  •   Inventory Optimization
  •   Procurement Transformation
  •   Sustainability and ESG Consulting
SOFTWARE
Software
  •   Procurement Software
  •   Supply Chain Software
  •   Source-to-Contract
  •   Procure-to-Pay
  •   Supply Chain Planning
  •   Supply Chain Collaboration
  •   Supply Chain Visibility & Execution
  •   Supply Chain Control Tower
  •   Should-Cost Modeling
  •   Inventory & Warehouse Management Software
  •   Source-To-Pay Software
MANAGED SERVICES
Managed Services
  •   Procurement Outsourcing
  •   Strategic Sourcing
  •   Tail-Spend Management
  •   Category Management
  •   Procurement Support Services
  •   Supply Chain Outsourcing
  •   Supply Chain Planning & Forecasting
  •   Inventory Management
  •   Logistics Management
COMPANY
Company
  •   About Us
  •   Leadership
  •   Customers
  •   Sustainability at GEP
  •   Careers
  •   News
  •   Awards
  •   Partners
  •   Contact Us

Fresh Insights, Now on Your Phone

  • Dowmload On The App Store Button
Stay Connected
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Latest Tweets

  • #SupplyChain #disruptions are a reality in today's unpredictable world. Learn how @gepsoftware has helped #SGS resp… https://t.co/jA2GnbWIBg

  • What steps can companies take to achieve #ESG goals effectively? Well, they can start with #procurement. Learn how… https://t.co/HGEfNyGdeD

  • #ElectricVehicles are a key part of the auto industry's plan to become #NetZero by 2050. But EVs aren't enough on t… https://t.co/YlEoys6vTA

  • Why did Asahi choose #GEP as their #procurement and #SupplyChain partner? Check out this video featuring Carmen Rad… https://t.co/RmstcfJXtm

  • GEPpers know how to have a good time! Check out a glimpse of our Winter Party at the GEP Prague office. We are hir… https://t.co/BqVK6XkpHv

  • #Inflation has dampened expectations for GDP growth and raised the risks of a #recession. What can #procurement lea… https://t.co/Hn1R5bxZXn

  • 4D seismic #technology is opening deep-sea #OilAndGas reserves for exploration, lowering costs and optimizing reser… https://t.co/Omq51vlEq7

  • The #GEP Europe Outlook 2023 Roadshow is coming to a city near you! Join us to learn the seven critical priorities… https://t.co/Hzv68et4Rr

  • GEP wishes a Happy Republic Day to all the Indians around the world.  We are #hiring. Explore our careers section:… https://t.co/RKTsyBfQFc

  • Sustainability Outlook for 2023: Trends, Insights and Actions 25 Jan 2023 https://t.co/58KIepy577

  • #Pharma companies are reshoring production, but shortages of active pharmaceutical ingredients make it a challenge.… https://t.co/a3uQJhn7tx

  • With uncertainty looming over 2023, there’s no end in sight to the challenges for #SupplyChain and #Procurement lea… https://t.co/O9tWELnt2i

  • Tight timelines and #COVID-related uncertainties made post-merger data ecosystem #convergence a tricky task for thi… https://t.co/RY6du0AP1D

  • Discover the keys to operating a strategic #procurement and supply function at an essential #PetroChemicals company… https://t.co/sJZmqhnWvS

  • What action should business leaders be taking on #sustainability in 2023? Join #GEP Founder and COO @JT_Turimella a… https://t.co/aerbJSp3GU

  • The pandemic and a labor shortage have exposed gaps in #pharma supply chains. Digital #SupplyChain transformation c… https://t.co/Bwvey5ObWn

  • GEP wishes everyone a very Happy Lunar New Year. May this Year of the Rabbit herald fresh starts and renewal of pro… https://t.co/Lnf3ZkO2zJ

  • Facing uncertainty and #disruption, #procurement needs agility — something #ERPs can’t provide. Here are 5 things t… https://t.co/ouGnhfW6wM

  • #GEP's Global Supply Chain Volatility Index reports 'Demand For Raw Materials Goes Down Reflecting Recession Risks'… https://t.co/dvIRfr8eyd

© Copyright GEP 2022. All rights reserved. Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Cookie Policy |   | Quality Policy | GEP Logo