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Global Sourcing Spotlight: Global Sourcing is Good for Everyone

In business, as in life, it’s important to have an open mind. Take the people you work with at face value rather than what you are told by politicians and the media. It has always been amazing to me how easy it is to have resentment toward a people, as a country (or nationality) until you get up close and personal. Then it is not so easy. Dealing with people face to face, as human beings and fellow citizens of the world, where you get to see them as they are, is so much better and more productive. All business is people dealing with people. If we can keep it at that level, the world will become a much better place.

Global sourcing is a great place to start. Just think, if you are willing to do business with people all over the world, you will reap endless rewards.

Global sourcing success goes beyond our borders. Companies that want to take advantage of a true global economy will always do better in several ways. Expanding beyond borders and embracing global sourcing can indeed provide numerous advantages for companies willing to navigate the complexities of the global economy. To demonstrate this, I have compiled 20 good reasons why global sourcing is really good for the economy, our country, your company, and for you.

Cost efficiency: Accessing lower-cost labor markets can result in significant cost savings in manufacturing, assembly, and service provision. But please do not just focus on price. That is not the only reason to go global.

Diverse talent pool: Tapping into a global talent pool allows companies to find specialized skills and expertise not readily available domestically. Countries, just like individuals, can be better at some things than others. Global sourcing allows you to discover each country’s special skills.

Market expansion: Global sourcing enables companies to enter new markets and reach a wider customer base, leading to increased sales and revenue.

Supply chain resilience: Diversifying suppliers globally helps mitigate risks associated with disruptions in the supply chain, such as natural disasters or geopolitical tensions.

Innovation and creativity: Exposure to diverse perspectives and ideas fosters innovation and creativity within the organization.

Time zone advantage: Operating in different time zones can facilitate round-the-clock operations and faster turnaround times for projects and customer support.

Access to raw materials: Global sourcing allows access to a broader range of raw materials, reducing dependency on limited domestic resources.

Economies of scale: Leveraging global markets enables companies to benefit from economies of scale in production and distribution.

Enhanced product quality: Accessing high-quality materials and skilled labor from various regions can lead to improved product quality and customer satisfaction.

Regulatory arbitrage: Exploiting differences in regulations and tax regimes across countries can lead to tax optimization and regulatory compliance advantages.

Cultural competence: Engaging with diverse cultures enhances the company's cultural competence, enabling better communication and relationships with global stakeholders.

Agility and flexibility: Global operations allow companies to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and customer preferences.

Brand image and reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to global sourcing and diversity can enhance the company's brand image and reputation.

Access to new technologies: Partnering with global suppliers provides access to cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing processes.

Risk diversification: Spreading operations across multiple countries reduces exposure to country-specific risks and economic downturns.

Legal and intellectual property protection: Operating in districts with robust legal frameworks can provide better protection for intellectual property and mitigate legal risks.

Learning and development opportunities: Global sourcing exposes employees to cross-cultural experiences and learning opportunities, fostering personal and professional growth.

Competitive advantage: Embracing global sourcing can provide a sustainable competitive advantage over xenophobic competitors by enabling greater efficiency, innovation, and market reach.

Environmental sustainability: Accessing environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable practices from global partners can contribute to the company's environmental sustainability goals.

Strategic partnerships: Building strategic partnerships with suppliers and stakeholders worldwide enhances the company's strategic position and resilience in the global market.

By embracing global sourcing and leveraging the benefits it offers, companies can position themselves for long-term success in an interconnected world economy. The best part is you are helping to make the world a friendlier and more peaceful place to live, And that is an exceptionally good thing, isn’t it?

Bob Duke is president of the Global Sourcing Division at American Standard Circuits.