We’re proud to be included in the recent Gartner article, “Want to be a customer of choice? Start by asking for supplier feedback.” Utilizing surveys to collect supplier feedback is an effective method for strengthening relationships and promoting continuous improvement within the manufacturing sector. In the article, Gartner analyst Miguel Cossio states: “Plante Moran’s annual satisfaction surveys in the automotive industry provide original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers with valuable, honest feedback that informs policy changes, cost-reduction initiatives and internal alignment.”
Gartner clients can access the full article here, which discusses key findings, including:
- “Companies are often quick to blame suppliers when performance issues arise without first asking how their own practices may be contributing to the problem. When root causes are not identified and addressed, performance challenges remain unresolved and create supplier friction.”
- “Many organizations still rely on informal conversations to capture supplier views, resulting in anecdotal feedback that cannot be aggregated or acted on consistently.”
- “Chief procurement officers (CPOs) struggle to decide what to ask in a survey, leading to questions that are too broad, too narrow or not actionable.”
- “Survey data is often underused after collection, with results buried in dashboards rather than driving tangible improvement actions.”
“In our opinion, being referenced in Gartner research underscores the value of our WRI survey in helping OEMs and suppliers build trust and transparency,” said Dr. Angela Johnson, leader of Plante Moran’s supplier relations analytics practice. “The feedback we gather enables organizations to identify opportunities for collaboration and continuous improvement, ultimately strengthening supply chain relationships.”
Plante Moran’s WRI® survey is designed to help organizations understand supplier perspectives, foster collaboration, and unlock opportunities for improvement. Benefits of the survey include:
- Actionable insights. The survey provides OEMs and suppliers with clear, data-driven feedback to inform strategic decisions and operational improvements.
- Enhanced collaboration. By identifying areas of strength and opportunities for growth, the WRI® survey helps organizations foster more productive, transparent supplier-customer relationships.
- Industry benchmarking. Participants gain a deeper understanding of how their supplier relationships compare to industry peers, supporting continuous improvement and competitive advantage.
- Focus on trust and transparency. The WRI® survey is designed to surface candid supplier perspectives, enabling organizations to address challenges and build lasting partnerships.
To learn more about Plante Moran’s WRI® survey and its impact, visit our hub on forging closer suppler-customer relationships.
If you have questions and would like to connect with an expert, contact us now.
Gartner, Want to Be a Customer of Choice? Start by Asking for Supplier Feedback, Miguel Cossio, 15 October 2025
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