In today’s volatile supply chain environment, procurement teams are under constant pressure to reduce costs. But not all cost control strategies are created equal. While cost savings tends to steal the spotlight — often measured, reported, and rewarded — cost avoidance plays a quieter, more strategic role in shaping long-term resilience and predictability. If you’re
If you’re in purchasing, you’ve probably heard of reverse auctions. But maybe you’ve dismissed them as too aggressive, too complex, or just not a fit for your category. The reality? Reverse auctions are massively underutilized – but with the right reverse auction platform for procurement they can unlock real value. This post breaks down what
Reverse Auctions: What They Are, How They Work, and Why More Buyers Should Be Using Them Read More »
On April 2, 2025, the U.S. government enacted sweeping new Trump 2025 Tariffs—54% on goods from China, 46% from Vietnam, and 27% from India. The average business can expect an approximately 23% increase in import costs. These tariffs are fundamentally changing the way businesses operate & forcing companies to rethink sourcing strategies. So, what should
How Companies Can Respond to Trump’s 2025 Tariffs Read More »
When the tariffs went into effect in 2018, everything changed. Let us explore the impact of China+1 strategies since the first round of 2018 tariffs in detail. The primary trend leading up to then was globalization. All countries were expanding their workforces and the markets they were serving and leveraging the benefits the world could
Massive Effect of China+1 Strategies from first round of tariffs in 2018 Read More »
As manufacturing continues to evolve globally, Mexico has become a key player. However, while the sector shows immense potential, it also faces notable challenges. Here’s a deep dive into the state of Mexico’s manufacturing industry. Global Manufacturing Trends Impacting Mexico The S&P Global Manufacturing PMI fell to a two-and-a-half-year low of 47.3 in September 2024,
Navigating Mexico’s Manufacturing Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges Read More »
Many companies have employed a China Plus One strategy in Sourcing to mitigate risk across global supply chains. According to McKinsey, in 2023, FDI decreased in China by 17%, while in the rest of Southeast Asia increased by 20%. Additional tariffs, trade barriers, and intellectual property concerns could be even more significant and drive more
Global Sourcing Evolution: How ‘China Plus One’ is Redefining Procurement Read More »
As the world shifts towards renewable energy, the solar industry is booming. MESH plays a crucial role in this transition by developing an efficient and resilient supply chain for solar panels. Our recent work with Purdue University has laid the foundation for a robust supply chain strategy tailored to the unique demands of the solar
MESH & Purdue: A Strategic Approach to the Solar Supply Chain Read More »
One of the most complex parts of finding new suppliers is qualifying them on cost, quality, and delivery metrics. Finding new suppliers is hard enough, and often, most won’t qualify for one reason or another—whether that’s quality specifications, manufacturing and engineering capabilities, or delivery requirements. For the high-mix, low-volume project, the new commodity your sales
MESH Marketplace: Revolutionizing Supplier-Buyer Connections Read More »
Navigating Supply Chain Challenges: The Strategic Importance of Diversified Sourcing In the dynamic world of manufacturing and supply chains, MESH Works, a leading company based in Columbus, Ohio, recognizes the profound shifts and challenges in global sourcing today. One of the most pressing issues is the stark contrast in the number of factories between North
Supply & Demand Challenges in North America Read More »
Type the words “auto,” “procurement,” and “disruptions” into a search engine, and you’ll find an abundance of blogs, articles, and reviews discussing the automotive industry’s numerous challenges in terms of procurement processes over the past 5+ years. These challenges stem from various environmental and human-induced disruptions within the supply chain (such as COVID-19, tariffs, and
Driving Procurement Forward in the Automotive Industry Read More »
Navigating the intricate world of automotive manufacturing requires precision, collaboration, and streamlined processes, which are not just preferences but absolute necessities. Adopting a cutting-edge platform is vital to revolutionize Supplier Relationship Management and Quality Management. Let’s explore the features and benefits that make each aspect of MESH Works a game-changer in the manufacturing industry. Empowering
How MESH Works is Transforming Manufacturing Read More »
REDUCE WASTE & INCREASE RESULTS The pandemic has taught us many important business lessons. One of the most important lessons it taught us was understanding supplier relationships to get what you need—when needed. Many companies were shortchanged when they found their off-shore suppliers could not deliver. Things might have been different if they had a
Supplier Relationship Management Explained Read More »
