Client Profile
A leading European retailer specializing in lifting equipment partnered with Dragon Sourcing to identify new, competitive suppliers across China, India, Southeast Asia, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. The client aimed to diversify its supplier base and enhance cost efficiency for key product categories.
Project Scope
Categories Sourced:
Rope deflections and rope pulleys
Rack and pinion winches
Crane hook scales
Goods lifts and assembly lifts
General lifting equipment
Objectives
Discover high-quality, cost-effective suppliers
Evaluate supplier capabilities and certifications
Create a reliable sourcing pipeline across multiple regions
Deliver supplier scorecards, profiles, and pricing analysis
Our Approach
Dragon Sourcing deployed a 9-step sourcing methodology over an 8-week timeline:
Demand Analysis – Defined specs, volumes, and qualification criteria with the client.
Supply Market Research – Identified 513 suppliers through databases, trade shows, B2B platforms, and referrals.
Pre-Screening Calls – Assessed supplier capabilities and interest.
RFI/RFQ Development – Customized templates and scorecards.
RFI/RFQ Administration – Distributed to shortlisted suppliers with follow-ups.
Evaluation of Responses – Assessed quality certifications (e.g., CE, ISO 9001), production capabilities, and pricing.
Supplier Ranking – Ranked suppliers based on balanced scorecards.
Recommendations – Suggested 25 top-performing suppliers.
Optional Audit & Contracting – Support available for audit, testing, and negotiation.
Key Results
513 suppliers identified, 157 pre-screened, 52 received RFI/RFQ, and 25 shortlisted.
For crane hook scales alone:
83 suppliers contacted, 28 shortlisted
13 submitted full RFI/RFQ responses; 5 recommended
Evaluation based on CE certification, pricing, product range, and past performance
Supplier Sup3 stood out with CE certification, ISO 9001, and a warehouse in France for EU delivery ease.
Deliverables
Comprehensive supplier database
RFI & RFQ reports
Balanced scorecard rankings
Detailed supplier profiles
Final supplier recommendations
Conclusion
This project illustrates how Dragon Sourcing delivers sustainable sourcing value through a structured, data-driven approach. By leveraging regional expertise and robust evaluation processes, we helped the client establish a reliable supply network and significantly improve procurement efficiency.
Download the Case Study: Case Study – Strategic Sourcing of Lifting Equipment & Components