Supplier relationships have become a strategic advantage for manufacturers. Supply chain volatility, changing regulations, sustainability initiatives and rising cost pressures continue to challenge procurement teams worldwide. To remain competitive, organizations need visibility into supplier networks, faster decision-making, and stronger collaboration across the supply chain.
Modern supplier relationship management software helps manufacturers centralize supplier information, automate sourcing activities, reduce risk and build stronger supplier ecosystems. As procurement teams evolve from reactive administrators to strategic business partners, technologies including automation and emerging agentic AI applications in manufacturing are helping organizations work more efficiently and make better decisions.
Below are five examples of manufacturers using QAD SRM (Supplier Relationship Management) to improve supplier performance, streamline procurement processes and drive measurable outcomes.
What is Supplier Relationship Management Software?
Supplier relationship management software helps organizations manage supplier information, sourcing activities, communication and performance within a centralized system.
The software creates a connected environment where procurement teams can:
- Manage supplier onboarding and qualification
- Conduct RFQs and sourcing events
- Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Monitor supplier performance and risk
- Support ESG and compliance initiatives
- Gain visibility across procurement activities
By replacing manual processes and disconnected systems, supplier relationship management software improves efficiency while helping procurement teams make more informed decisions.
What Types of Manufacturers Benefit from Supplier Relationship Management Software?
Manufacturers across industries rely on supplier networks to maintain production continuity and remain resilient. Industries commonly benefiting from supplier relationship management software include:
- Automotive
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
- High Technology
- Consumer Products
- Life Sciences
While every organization has unique requirements, common priorities often include reducing costs, strengthening supplier collaboration, improving visibility, and managing risk.
QAD SRM Case Study #1: Convotherm
Convotherm, a leading foodservice equipment manufacturer and Welbilt Deutschland GmbH brand, relied heavily on manual sourcing processes including spreadsheets, emails and disconnected supplier data. These processes limited visibility and created inefficiencies throughout procurement.
After implementing QAD SRM Supplier Data Management, Sourcing and Collaboration capabilities, Convotherm transformed its procurement processes.
Notable outcomes included:
- 90% reduction in RFQ processing time from one hour to approximately five minutes
- 3.2x return on investment during year one
- Expanded RFQ participation from approximately five suppliers to as many as 50 suppliers
- Improved compliance and audit readiness
“Previously, the tender process took about one hour. In SRM, this process was reduced to a good five minutes. And the quality of prices and suppliers also increased.” — Stefan Sadler, Sourcing Leader, Welbilt Deutschland GmbH
Read the full Convotherm case study and watch the customer video below to learn more.
QAD SRM Case Study #2: KION Group AG
KION Group AG, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of material handling equipment and supply chain solutions, needed a way to reduce manual procurement tasks and standardize sourcing activities across more than 100 countries.
QAD SRM enabled KION to create a consistent global framework for procurement while improving collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Results included:
- More than 90% reduction in RFQ creation time
- 32% cost savings in one sourcing initiative through Auctions
- Greater supplier engagement and communication
- Standardized global procurement processes
“QAD SRM changed our work life definitely because there’s now much more time left to negotiate better prices and save costs.” — Jens Brethauer, Vice President Digital Procurement & ERP Systems, KION
Read the full KION Group AG case study and watch the customer video below to learn more.
QAD SRM Case Study #3: Grammer AG
As a global automotive supplier focused heavily on sustainability initiatives, Grammer AG needed stronger visibility into supplier activities and supply chain risk.
The company implemented QAD SRM Supplier Data Management, Sourcing and Auctions to improve collaboration and support ESG initiatives.
Benefits included:
- Increased A supplier rate by 12%
- Increased system usage by 150%
- Better visibility into supplier risk and sustainability data
- Improved management of Scope 3 emissions initiatives
“QAD SRM covers the spots that, without digitalization, we wouldn’t be able to see. This includes risk from our suppliers.” — Fernanda Dorantes, Process Digitalization Manager, Grammer AG
Read the full Grammer AG case study to learn more.
QAD SRM Case Study #4: AVL List GmbH
AVL operates a large supplier ecosystem spanning more than 11,000 suppliers globally. The company needed a centralized approach for supplier data management and stronger support for evolving ESG and compliance requirements.
Using QAD SRM, AVL created a unified supplier environment that improved transparency and collaboration across global operations.
Outcomes included:
- Centralized supplier management for more than 11,000 suppliers
- Reduced RFQ fields by an average of 45%
- Improved support for ESG and compliance initiatives
- Better global visibility and supplier collaboration
“We have 13 years of experience with QAD SRM and we are lucky every day to have this solution.” — AVL
Read the full AVL case study to learn more.
QAD SRM Case Study #5: Kromberg & Schubert
Kromberg & Schubert previously relied on email, spreadsheets and disconnected systems to manage sourcing activities and supplier communication. The company needed greater transparency and a centralized source of supplier information.
After implementing QAD SRM, the team gained visibility into sourcing activities and improved collaboration across global operations.
Results included:
- More than 400 sourcing events launched within the first six months
- Centralized supplier data, documents and certifications
- Greater visibility from sourcing setup through supplier nomination
- Improved sourcing efficiency and planning
“With QAD SRM, we have gained transparency of our sourcing activities from the very beginning until the very end.” — Detlef Schmidt, Manager of Central Purchasing Standards, Methods & Controlling, Kromberg & Schubert
Read the full Kromberg & Schubert case study to learn more.
The Future of Supplier Relationship Management Software
Procurement is continuing to evolve rapidly. Manufacturers are looking beyond traditional process automation and toward technologies that actively help teams make decisions and manage increasingly complex supplier ecosystems.
The next evolution includes agentic AI manufacturing capabilities that can automate repetitive procurement tasks, surface insights and enable teams to respond faster to changing conditions.
Through ChampionAI and new procurement innovations accelerated by the Kavida acquisition, QAD is helping organizations move toward intelligent supplier workflows that reduce manual effort and improve supply chain resilience. Emerging agentic AI applications in manufacturing are expected to support sourcing, supplier collaboration and post-order activities, enabling procurement teams to focus more time on strategic initiatives.
QAD Supplier Relationship Management Software
These are just five examples of manufacturers using supplier relationship management software to improve sourcing outcomes, increase visibility and build stronger supplier ecosystems.
To learn more about how QAD SRM helps manufacturers modernize procurement and prepare for the future of intelligent sourcing, visit our Customers page and explore our library of customer success stories.
