Streamlining Supplier Onboarding with Power Platform

As a worldwide provider of Technical and Quality Control Services, GQS recognises that an efficient supply chain is pivotal to its success. To add further value to its service, GQS commissioned Accord, to create an external facing Supplier Portal.

The Challenge

GQS faced challenges in their Supplier onboarding process:

Manual Review: The internal GQS team had to manually populate and review each Supplier application. The process often lead to delays and potential backlog caused by missing information and insufficient content.
Complexity: New suppliers often encountered hurdles during registration and certification verification.
Immediate Availability: Approved suppliers needed to be swiftly integrated into the GQS ecosystem for seamless work assignments.

The Solution

Utilising Microsoft Power Pages, Power Apps, Power Automate, SharePoint, Dataverse and Virtual Tables Accord designed and developed an external facing, user-friendly portal which integrates into the GQS SQL based ERP tool. Here’s how it works:

1. Guided Registration and Certification Submission:

A Power Pages portal provides step-by-step guidance for new Supplier registrations. All information is stored within Dataverse.
Indicative Supplier Competency Assessments are displayed during registration via Radar Charts
Once registration has been completed, Suppliers can submit their application, including essential certifications, for review by the GQS team.

2. GQS Verification:

On Submission, Supplier Certification is stored within Sharepoint using Power Automate.
A Model Driven Power App allows the GQS team to review then approve or reject applications based on compliance and quality standards.
Automated capture of Supplier Correspondence

3. Automated Supplier Integration:

On approval, Supplier information is published into Virtual Tables and created within the GQS SQL based ERP.
Approved suppliers are immediately available for future work assignments.
Suppliers have real-time access to their profiles.

The Results

Streamlined Process: Streamlined GQS onboarding process, reducing administrative overhead and errors.

Enhanced Efficiency: Suppliers now experience a smoother journey, resulting in quicker approvals.

Real-Time Dashboards: Approved suppliers seamlessly integrate into GQS’s operations, ensuring timely project assignments.

Highly Accessible: Functions seamlessly on all devices (Desktop / Tablet / Mobile) and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Conclusion

The GQS Accord partnership exemplifies how technology-driven solutions can transform supply chain dynamics. By simplifying supplier onboarding, GQS continues to uphold its commitment to their Digital Transformation journey.

This case study highlights the successful implementation of a supplier portal, and showcases both GQS’s dedication to quality and Accord’s innovative development approach.