The Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik (BME) - the Association Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics (AMMPL) - has launched a supplier database tailored to the needs of the international community. The “BME QualitySourcing.com” is a searchable online platform allowing procurement and purchasing officers to access an extensive database of qualified suppliers worldwide. 400 certified suppliers from China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan are currently listed in the database, however from the beginning of 2010 purchasers will be able to access more than a thousand company contacts as well as tap into a wealth of verified information. More suppliers, for example from Asia and Eastern Europe, will be integrated on a step-by-step basis.
The purpose of the database is to make company data comparable and exploitable by showing the individual competencies of each supplier. In order to achieve this purpose, each supplier is checked by the BME and subjected to standardised and detailed quality specifications. “Especially in the domain of low-cost country sourcing, verified database content is the cornerstone of successful supplier contacts”, emphasises BME CEO Dr Holger Hildebrandt. Purchasers need to rely on accurate information on potential suppliers before starting any negotiations.
Several systems are deployed to verify the supplier database, where the “TÜV Rheinland Star“ rating system developed by the “TÜV Rheinland“, a leading provider of technical services worldwide, deserves a special mention. In addition, the BME checks the validity of references provided by the suppliers, such as ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 16949 certificates. The Suzhou Industrial Park Administrative Committee in China and the Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik (BMÖ) in Austria, along with the TÜV Rheinland, act as cooperation partners whereas SupplyOn is selected as technology partner of the BME, offering services for both the automotive and the manufacturing industry and including major shareholders such as Bosch, ZF, Continental and SAP.
“BME QualitySourcing.com“ can be used worldwide by purchasers as soon as access is enabled on payment of an annual fee. A separate login is provided for purchasers from BME member companies who can take advantage of the database free of charge.
