The CLEAN Framework in Action
Read Time: 4-minutes
I speak a lot about the CLEAN Framework. It’s my framework for building reliable, ethical, and sustainable supply chains for chemicals and ingredients.
Today I’m going to work through the process, as succinctly as possible, to give you a better understanding of how it works, and what to expect if you decided to work with Alchem trading.
I’ve been sourcing and supplying chemicals and ingredients for more than a decade now. Working across the full breadth of sectors, and with hundreds of companies across the globe.
One thing that irks me is hearing sales reps say they provide “tailored solutions” or “bespoke solutions”. Sure, there is nuance to all business, but the fundamental job of a distributor is to get product X from point A to point B as efficiently and as cost-effectively as possible.
That’s why I sat down and laid out the CLEAN framework. The five fundamental steps I use to build those reliable, ethical, and sustainable supply chains.
Equally important to me and my business, is 100% transparency. Customers and suppliers can expect complete supply chain transparency. In my eyes, it’s the only way to all but guarantee ethics and sustainability. It’s not full proof, but it’s a darn sight better than a supply chain clouded in tradenames and opacity.
My framework is as follows:
Clarify (your needs…)
Locate (the right partners…)
Evaluate (the options…)
Agree (commercial terms…)
Nurture (the relationships…)
"Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things." — Peter Drucker
Clarify (your needs…)
Every new project starts with the clarify step.
A simple back and forth on what the client needs and expects, volumes, order frequency, application, grades, packaging, all of which informs where we would be looking to source, what regulatory considerations there would be and so on.
Is it for a range of products, a new product, or is it a secondary and/or tertiary sourcing exercise.
Are there any noteworthy ethical or sustainability considerations or targets.
Really we are laying the foundations for what we do throughout the rest of the process.
Locate (the right partners…)
Taking everything we’ve learnt in the Clarify step, I go out to the market in an effort to find the right partners.
Although not something I consciously do anymore, I would utilise the acronym MAPS when trying to be a lot more deliberate with what I’m doing. It’s also a good way to teach less experienced team members.
I’ve written a more complete guide to MAPS here: https://www.alchemtrading.com/distribution-hub/maps
But, it stands for:
• Marketplace & Directories
• Approved Supplier Lists
• Peer Recommendations
• Screening
Our major aim is always to try and locate a source from the East, West, and locally.
Evaluate (the options…)
This is when I come back to the table with clients and assess some shortlisted options.
Deciding which suppliers we would like/need more information from, before we move onto agreeing commercial terms with a selection…
Agree (commercial terms…)
Agreeing commercial terms can be as simple or as complicated as needed. It could be a single transaction, or much more detailed.
Perhaps one for another newsletter but things like multiple safety stock locations, extended price validity in exchange for forward orders, consignment stock, 3rd party warehousing etc. etc.
Nurture (the relationships…)
The final part of the framework and, arguably, the bit I enjoy the most. It’s building long term sustainable partnerships with both customers and suppliers.
With open and fully transparent relationships comes access to real time market intelligence, allowing us to make more strategic and informed decisions, as well as access to innovation.
Access to innovation gives us a much better opportunity to stay current with latest trends, up to date on the direction of the markets, and, ultimately, stay competitive.
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So, there you have it.
A pretty quick run through of the CLEAN framework, and what you should expect when working with Alchem Trading.
I’ve left a link below which will take you to an example dashboard. Each client has access to their own bespoke dashboard, and this shows you an example dashboard, giving even more information on the CLEAN Framework at the same time.
Click here for an example dashboard: https://alchemtrading.trumpet.app/live/iHnb927Ord/alchem-example-dashboard
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Thanks for reading, and see you next week.
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Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:
Take the CLEAN Scorecard - test your supply chain. In less than 3-minutes you’ll receive a free personalised report detailing areas where you are strong or weak, and ways you can improve.
Book a 15-minute introductory call to see if we would be right to work together.
