Transparency in Procurement: Request for solution RFS
Do you want to move away from only working according to traditional procurement processes? Request for Solution is one method to get a solution that is tailored to your needs.
RFS is a procurement method where, instead of defining specific requirements for a product or service, the focus shifts towards describing the business challenge or outcome a company seeks to achieve. By allowing the supplier to define how the problem should be solved,rather than specifying exactly what to buy, RFS can tap into the expertise and innovative skills of the supplier who can then address the core business needs while potentially reducing costs and adding value to the outcome. Many procurement professionals have applied some version of RFS probably without realizing it, especially when dealing with complex or technical procurement needs that don’t have straight forward requirements.
At Three P, we worked with a client and conducted an RFS, with the goal of finding a supplier that could not only meet the client’s needs but also propose innovative efficient and cost-effective solution. Rather than listing detailed technical specifications, we focused on what the client wanted to achieve in terms of functionality, security, and cost-efficiency. Suppliers were invited to propose solutions that aligned with these goals. The results surprised us all, the Supplier that demonstrated a clear grasp of the client’s specific business and challenges presented the best solution and to everyone’s surprise they also offered the most competitive price. The RFS initiated a partnership based on mutual understanding and shared objectives.
Being transparent often leads to lower costs, a fact readily supported by research, since suppliers can be more creative and efficient when they're given the freedom to propose solutions,which can lead to more competitive pricing. At Three P, we’ve found that clients who embrace the RFS method often get results that go beyond the irinitial expectations. They don’t just get a product or service—they get a solution that fits, from a Supplier they trust, at a price point that makes sense. By embracing transparency in RFS, companies can not only foster trustand engagement with Suppliers but also drive innovation, reduce costs, and improve overall procurement outcomes and value.
