Which metrics matter most?
Most scorecards use four measures. On-time delivery asks if orders arrive when promised and in full. Quality asks if goods or work meet the spec without returns or rework.
Price accuracy asks if invoices match the agreed prices. Response time asks how quickly the supplier answers questions and fixes problems.
Use data you already collect where you can, such as goods receipts and invoice matches. Add a short rating from the people who work with the supplier each day.
How to weight each score
Not every measure matters equally. Give each one a weight, and make the weights add up to 100 percent.
Set the weights by category. Quality may matter most for parts. Response time may matter most for support contracts.
Score each measure from 1 to 5. Multiply each score by its weight and add the results for a total out of five.
How often to review
Review the scores each quarter. That gives each supplier time to act on feedback before the next review.
Share the scorecard with the supplier before the review meeting. They should see the same numbers you do, so they know where to improve.
Keep past scores. A trend over several quarters tells you more than any single result.
Sample scorecard
Copy this layout. Each row is one measure. The columns show what it tells you, its weight and the score.
| Measure | What it shows | Weight | Score (1 to 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-time delivery | Orders arrive when promised and in full | 30% | |
| Quality | Goods or work meet the spec | 30% | |
| Price accuracy | Invoices match the agreed prices | 20% | |
| Response time | Questions and problems get quick answers | 20% |
Example weights. Change them to fit the category.
Leave room for a short comment on each score, such as a one-off delay caused by bad weather.