PODCAST - Much Ado About Sourcing - Global Sourcing Strategy

Is Your Global Sourcing Strategy Still Fit for Purpose?

In this episode of The Manufacturing Edge, host Daniel Bobik sits down with TBM experts Brian Cromer and Nasir Emadi to tackle the urgent need for manufacturers to rethink their sourcing strategies.

With rising geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and cost pressures, relying on yesterday’s playbook is no longer an option.

What You’ll Learn:

How to proactively manage sourcing risks
Real-world examples of successful onshoring and diversification
The role of SIOP (Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning), analytics, and supplier collaboration
Top 3 actions to future-proof your supply chain

Whether you’re in supply chain, operations, or procurement, this episode offers practical insights to help you build resilience and agility into your sourcing strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does TBM caution against overreacting to global sourcing trends?

TBM cautions against overreacting because global sourcing decisions are often driven by headlines, cost swings, or geopolitical noise rather than operational reality. The video explains that abrupt shifts in sourcing strategy can introduce new risks, increase complexity, and destabilize execution. Sustainable sourcing decisions must be grounded in total cost, execution capability, and long‑term business priorities—not short‑term pressure.

What risks are commonly overlooked in global sourcing strategies?

The video highlights that companies often underestimate risks related to execution, visibility, and responsiveness. Long lead times, supplier coordination challenges, and limited ability to respond to variability can erode the expected benefits of global sourcing. When these risks are not fully understood, organizations experience expediting, excess inventory, and margin pressure despite lower unit costs.

How should manufacturers approach global sourcing decisions more effectively?

Manufacturers should approach global sourcing by evaluating how well the strategy supports reliable execution, not just cost reduction. The video emphasizes balancing price with lead time, flexibility, and management capability. When sourcing decisions align with operational discipline and strong management systems, global sourcing becomes a competitive advantage rather than a recurring source of disruption.