1 USPS Supplying Practices Process Step 1: Identify Needs

1-1 Define and Understand Client Needs, Goals, and Strategies

The Conceptualize Need task of USPS Supplying Practices Process Step 1: Identify Needs begins by assessing clients’ needs, goals, and strategies. Clients’ needs are unique and are tailored to their business strategies, and it may be necessary for the entire range of talents of the purchase/SCM team to be employed in helping them make the most effective business decisions. Defining clients’ needs requires the determination of what they want to achieve and whether the solution they require can be achieved through the application of SCM business practices and related actions.

Interviews, discussions, and surveys are effective means of gaining further understanding of clients’ needs, goals, and strategies. In addition to these methods, performing research on the client and its organization can help identify strategic plans, tactical and operational goals, programs and projects, capital budget projections, existing suppliers, and performance against financial plans.