Introducing The CLEAN Framework for Chemical Distribution
Read Time: 3-4 minutes
Today I‘m going to introduce you to the framework I use with Alchem Trading.
After more than a decade sourcing and supplying chemicals, I distilled everything I’ve learnt and created the CLEAN Framework for Chemical Distribution.
Clean in term of clarity and efficiency, I hate needless complexity, and see no reason for wasted time on activities which bring no value to anyone.
Clean in terms of a transparent, and ethical supply chain. I’ve never understood why the market has to be so guarded and secretive. I want to change that, which is why my supply chain is always fully transparent.
And finally clean in terms of sustainability.
Now, more than any other time in history, we have to focus on sustainable sourcing. It’s our job to claw back some of the lost ground, and it’s not going to happen unless we do something about it.
Driven by these convictions, I stripped everything back to the CLEAN framework.
The five fundamental steps I use to create a reliable, and predictable supply chain, for long term success.
If you ask most companies what they are doing, you hear about “bespoke” or “tailored” solutions. Sure, there is nuance to all business, but what’s better is knowing the fundamental repeatable process, the steps which need to be taken in order to give you that predictability.
The CLEAN process is as follows:
Clarify
Locate
Evaluate
Agree
Nurture
"The environment and the economy are really both two sides of the same coin. If we cannot sustain the environment, we cannot sustain ourselves." – Wangari Maathai
Clarify (needs)
A detailed consultation process to understand a company’s specific needs, and the things they value above others. It covers quality, grades, regulatory needs, sustainability goals, volumes, timelines, approval processes etc.
All the information I need to progress to the next step…
Locate (the right partners)
After clarifying needs, the next step is to locate potential suppliers who can meet the specific requirements. Which means – scouting suppliers, comparing quality and prices, looking at market trends, understanding supply chain optioins, and getting a feel for their reliability.
I’m always looking for those who share a commitment to transparency and shared sustainability goals.
Evaluate (options)
Evaluate is all about compliance and quality. Conducting a thorough evaluation of those shortlisted suppliers, including quality assurance, compliance with regulatory standards, and commitment to environmental sustainability.
This process helps me start to build a picture of the sort of company I’m dealing with, and starts to build up a level of trust with new partners.
If I feel it is needed, I’ll reintroduce the client at this point to start zeroing in on their most preferred option(s), otherwise I back my own experience to use everything I learned in the clarify stage to suggest the right partner.
Agree (commercial terms)
Once a suitable supplier is identified, it’s time to offer, negotiate and finalise terms.
It could be as simple or as complicated as a client wants it to be. There are many ways to reduce costs, build in flexibility, and/or lower environmental impacts, but it’s always a balance.
Working together, sometimes with all three parties, ensures everyone gets what they need.
Nurture (all relationships)
Arguably the most important part of the process. Providing ongoing support, high levels of customer service, easy and responsive communication all to build long-term sustainable partnerships, for mutual success.
It sounds cliché, but I absolutely believe in it.
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So, there you have it, the CLEAN Framework for Chemical Distribution. The system I use to get the right products, at the right time, for the right price.
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Thanks for reading, and see you next week.
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