{"id":352,"date":"2025-12-18T10:56:17","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T10:56:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/?p=352"},"modified":"2025-12-18T10:56:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T10:56:18","slug":"what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management","title":{"rendered":"Strategic Sourcing: Key to Effective Supply Chain Management"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In an increasingly\u2002competitive world and economy, companies are always striving to find ways in which they can streamline their operations and cut down costs. One of the important strategies that is\u2002actually becomes debating in supply chain management is strategic sourcing. But just what it is strategic sourcing and how\u2002can it help businesses establish a more efficient, resilient supply chain? This article unpacks the notion of strategic\u2002sourcing, its significance and how companies can use it strategically to ensure long-term success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd0808;color:#dd0808\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd0808;color:#dd0808\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#What_is_Strategic_Sourcing_in_Supply_Chain_Management\" >What is Strategic Sourcing in Supply Chain Management?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#The_Role_of_Strategic_Sourcing_in_Supply_Chain_Management\" >The Role of Strategic Sourcing in Supply Chain Management<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#How_Strategic_Sourcing_Differs_from_Traditional_Sourcing\" >How Strategic Sourcing Differs from Traditional Sourcing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#The_Strategic_Sourcing_Process_Key_Steps\" >The Strategic Sourcing Process: Key Steps<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#Assessing_Organizational_Needs\" >Assessing Organizational Needs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#Conducting_Market_Research\" >Conducting Market Research<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#Supplier_Evaluation_and_Selection\" >Supplier Evaluation and Selection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#Negotiating_Contracts\" >Negotiating Contracts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#Managing_Supplier_Performance\" >Managing Supplier Performance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#Continuous_Improvement\" >Continuous Improvement<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#Benefits_of_Strategic_Sourcing\" >Benefits of Strategic Sourcing<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#Cost_Efficiency\" >Cost Efficiency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#Stronger_Supplier_Relationships\" >Stronger Supplier Relationships&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#Risk_Reduction\" >Risk Reduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#Enhanced_Innovation\" >Enhanced Innovation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#The_Role_of_Technology_in_Strategic_Sourcing\" >The Role of Technology in Strategic Sourcing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Strategic_Sourcing_in_Supply_Chain_Management\"><\/span>What is Strategic Sourcing in Supply Chain Management?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strategic Sourcing\u2002is a methodology which involves evaluating and systems for managing an organisation\u2019s processes and relationships with suppliers to ensure it can be viable, cost-effective, professional and delivers competitive advantage. While traditional procurement practices emphasize short-term cost savings, strategic sourcing takes the long view: Supplier performance, quality and the pace of innovation over time can impact a company\u2019s competitive\u2002position. The objective is not only to acquire products or services as cheaply as possible, but also to establish long-term relationships with\u2002suppliers whose \u201cvalues\u201d enhance the company\u2019s business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strategic sourcing is a critical component of supply chain management,\u2002as it enables firms to identify the right suppliers and reduce risk while controlling costs and enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of supply chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Role_of_Strategic_Sourcing_in_Supply_Chain_Management\"><\/span>The Role of Strategic Sourcing in Supply Chain Management<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strategic sourcing plays a central role in aligning procurement decisions with the broader objectives of the business. It is not just about purchasing raw materials or products but about making decisions that will have a lasting impact on the company\u2019s performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some of the key <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/training\/category-management-and-strategic-sourcing\">benefits of strategic sourcing<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cost Savings:<\/strong> Through better supplier negotiation and relationship management, strategic sourcing helps organizations reduce procurement costs and identify cost-saving opportunities across the supply chain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Risk Mitigation:<\/strong> By diversifying suppliers and evaluating their performance, companies can mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions, such as delays, quality issues, or unexpected price increases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Improved Supplier Relationships:<\/strong> Strategic sourcing emphasizes long-term partnerships with suppliers, ensuring better communication, reliability, and collaboration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increased Efficiency:<\/strong> By streamlining procurement processes, businesses can reduce inefficiencies and enhance the overall flow of goods and services through their supply chain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Strategic_Sourcing_Differs_from_Traditional_Sourcing\"><\/span>How Strategic Sourcing Differs from Traditional Sourcing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traditional sourcing typically focuses on securing the lowest price for goods or services, often without much regard for the supplier&#8217;s long-term capabilities or overall value. This transactional approach can lead to short-term cost savings but often at the expense of quality, innovation, or supplier reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In contrast, strategic sourcing is a more holistic approach that goes beyond cost considerations. It includes evaluating suppliers based on criteria like reliability, quality, and their ability to innovate. Instead of focusing only on the lowest upfront price, strategic sourcing aims to maximize long-term value, considering the total cost of ownership (TCO), which includes factors such as shipping, storage, and maintenance costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, while traditional sourcing may involve one-off purchases, strategic sourcing is an ongoing process that involves continuous supplier evaluation and improvement. This long-term focus helps businesses build stronger relationships with suppliers, improving both parties\u2019 success over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Strategic_Sourcing_Process_Key_Steps\"><\/span>The Strategic Sourcing Process: Key Steps<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The strategic sourcing process involves several stages that help businesses evaluate their needs, identify the right suppliers, negotiate favorable terms, and manage supplier performance. Here\u2019s an overview of the key steps involved in strategic sourcing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assessing_Organizational_Needs\"><\/span>Assessing Organizational Needs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first step in strategic sourcing is understanding the needs of the organization. This involves evaluating the goods and services required, identifying the specifications, and establishing clear criteria for what the business expects from suppliers in terms of quality, delivery time, and pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conducting_Market_Research\"><\/span>Conducting Market Research<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After identifying the organization\u2019s needs, the next step is to conduct market research. This includes analyzing the supplier landscape, evaluating potential suppliers, and considering factors like market trends, supplier reliability, and capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supplier_Evaluation_and_Selection\"><\/span>Supplier Evaluation and Selection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once potential suppliers are identified, businesses must evaluate them based on specific criteria such as price, quality, reliability, and innovation. This stage also involves assessing suppliers\u2019 financial stability, performance history, and ability to scale with the organization\u2019s future needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Negotiating_Contracts\"><\/span>Negotiating Contracts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once a supplier has been selected, the negotiation phase begins. This is where businesses and suppliers agree on terms, pricing, delivery schedules, and any other conditions that will govern the supplier relationship. It\u2019s essential to ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of expectations to avoid misunderstandings later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Managing_Supplier_Performance\"><\/span>Managing Supplier Performance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the contract is signed, ongoing management of supplier performance is critical to ensuring that both parties meet their commitments. This includes monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) such as delivery times, quality standards, and cost effectiveness. Regular communication and feedback are essential for maintaining a positive and productive relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Continuous_Improvement\"><\/span>Continuous Improvement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strategic sourcing is an iterative process. As business needs evolve and market conditions change, the sourcing strategy should be continuously assessed and refined. This involves reviewing supplier performance, analyzing the effectiveness of current sourcing strategies, and looking for opportunities to optimize procurement processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Benefits_of_Strategic_Sourcing\"><\/span>Benefits of Strategic Sourcing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Benefits-of-Strategic-Sourcing.jpg\" alt=\"Benefits of Strategic Sourcing\" class=\"wp-image-354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Benefits-of-Strategic-Sourcing.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Benefits-of-Strategic-Sourcing-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Benefits-of-Strategic-Sourcing-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost_Efficiency\"><\/span>Cost Efficiency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most significant advantages of strategic sourcing is its potential to reduce costs across the supply chain. By selecting the right suppliers, negotiating favorable terms, and managing supplier performance, businesses can achieve cost savings that go beyond the initial purchase price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stronger_Supplier_Relationships\"><\/span>Stronger Supplier Relationships&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strategic sourcing helps build stronger, more collaborative relationships with suppliers. By treating suppliers as partners rather than mere vendors, businesses can improve communication, resolve issues faster, and ensure that suppliers are aligned with the company\u2019s long-term goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Risk_Reduction\"><\/span>Risk Reduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A key element of strategic sourcing is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/training\/supply-chain-management-and-logistics-optimization\">managing supply chain risks<\/a>. By diversifying suppliers and evaluating their performance regularly, companies can reduce the risk of disruptions due to factors like market fluctuations, political instability, or natural disasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enhanced_Innovation\"><\/span>Enhanced Innovation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Long-term partnerships with suppliers create opportunities for joint innovation. Suppliers who are invested in the company\u2019s success are more likely to offer innovative solutions that can improve product quality, streamline operations, and reduce costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Role_of_Technology_in_Strategic_Sourcing\"><\/span>The Role of Technology in Strategic Sourcing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In today\u2019s digital age, technology plays a vital role in enhancing the strategic sourcing process. From e-sourcing platforms to supplier relationship management (SRM) software, businesses can leverage digital tools to automate and optimize various aspects of sourcing, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Supplier Selection and Evaluation:<\/strong> E-sourcing platforms allow businesses to streamline the supplier selection process, conducting electronic auctions and evaluating suppliers based on performance data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contract Management:<\/strong> Digital contract management systems help businesses efficiently manage contracts, ensuring compliance and reducing administrative overhead.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Data Analytics:<\/strong> By using data analytics, businesses can gain valuable insights into supplier performance, cost trends, and potential risks, allowing for more informed sourcing decisions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strategic sourcing is more than just a procurement method\u2014it is a comprehensive approach to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/courses\/procurement-supply-chain-management\">managing supplier relationships<\/a> that can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and mitigate risks. By focusing on long-term value and building strong partnerships with suppliers, businesses can create a resilient and cost-effective supply chain that supports their growth and success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you are a small business looking to optimize procurement or a large organization striving to stay ahead of the competition, strategic sourcing offers a powerful framework to improve your supply chain management practices. By adopting this approach, companies can ensure they are not just surviving but thriving in a competitive market.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In an increasingly\u2002competitive world and economy, companies are always striving to find ways in which they can streamline their operations and cut down costs. One of the important strategies that is\u2002actually becomes debating in supply chain management is strategic sourcing. But just what it is strategic sourcing and how\u2002can it help businesses establish a more&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":353,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-352","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-courses"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Strategic Sourcing: Key to Effective Supply Chain Management<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how strategic sourcing boosts cost efficiency, strengthens supplier relationships, and drives long-term business success.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Strategic Sourcing: Key to Effective Supply Chain Management\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover how strategic sourcing boosts cost efficiency, strengthens supplier relationships, and drives long-term business success.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.epw.com\/blog\/courses\/what-is-strategic-sourcing-in-supply-chain-management\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Blog Categories - 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