1.You comply with all mandatory regulations.
An important issue in the field of medical technology. MDR 2017/745 not only requires documentation from you, but also from your suppliers. That’s why supplier audits are crucial – it ensures that the actual workflow is working properly and that all the necessary documentation is in place. If you don’t have the capacity to carry out these audits yourself, it certainly makes sense to hire an external quality expert who is experienced and has the necessary knowledge.
2.Minimise your risk in a number of ways.
Trading partners who have established relationships with suppliers have usually conducted their own audits and are aware of the suppliers’ capabilities and weaknesses. As a result, you can reduce the risk of working with a supplier who may not be able to fulfil your requirements.
3.You benefit from expert knowledge for greater efficiency.
Consultants specialising in medical technology have the necessary knowledge and experience of procurement and regulatory requirements to support you as a manufacturer in making more informed decisions and ensuring a smooth supply chain.
4.You have access to a wider range of suppliers and products.
External partners with a wide range of suppliers will find it easier to find the right supplier for you quickly. You may have access to products that are difficult to source directly.
5.You can focus fully on your core competence.
A trading partner can handle supply chain audits and other aspects for you, allowing you to focus on your core competency – the design and production of innovative medical devices.
6.You can save money thanks to established business relationships.
Trading partners can often negotiate better prices and conditions with suppliers than individual manufacturers. In our case, some of our customers have saved up to 70 per cent by using our network.
7.You can better respond to fluctuations in demand.
By sourcing products from multiple suppliers, trading partners can help you respond quickly to changes in demand or changes in the market. Relying on just one supplier or one geographic region can be risky. Having multiple material suppliers provides you with greater flexibility in case your demand suddenly increases or your suppliers are unable to deliver the quantities you need.
Conclusion: Vendor management in medical technology
Our experience has shown that outsourced supplier selection, audits or further supplier development correlates with increased efficiency and long-term cost savings for our former clients.
Your purchasing and quality departments will be significantly less burdened and you will benefit from existing structures and resources.