Category: Supplier Relationship and Collaboration

Posted on by Bert Paesbrugghe

Estimated read time: 9 minutes

In today’s globalized and interconnected business landscape, your suppliers are not just vendors — they’re strategic partners that can make or break your operations, your brand reputation, and your long-term resilience. So, why are Supplier Performance Management (SPM) Tools critical in 2025?

As we move into the second half of the decade, the stakes for managing supplier performance are higher than ever. From ESG reporting pressure to geopolitical risk, supply chain fragility, and the need for greater operational efficiency, procurement and compliance leaders are being asked to do more — with less.

This is where Supplier Performance Management (SPM) tools step in. These platforms help you track, assess, collaborate with, and improve your supplier base. But in 2025, a basic scorecard won’t cut it. The next generation of SPM tools must combine automation, intelligence, risk visibility, and collaboration into a single integrated view.

In this article, we’ll explore:

  • Why SPM tools have become essential

  • What’s changed in the last few years

  • What to look for in a modern SPM platform

  • The key players in the SPM landscape — and how they differ

  • Why EvaluationsHub is worth watching

Why Supplier Performance Management Matters Now More Than Ever

Supplier performance isn’t just about cost and delivery anymore. In 2025, procurement leaders are expected to ensure that suppliers are:

  • Compliant with a growing body of ESG, human rights, and cybersecurity regulations

  • Resilient to disruptions (think: political instability, climate events, financial risk)

  • Aligned with corporate values on sustainability and ethics

  • Transparent and cooperative in remediation and continuous improvement

The complexity of modern supply chains — often spanning thousands of suppliers across dozens of countries — makes it impossible to manage all this manually or in Excel.

At the same time, boardrooms are paying attention. A supplier misstep today can result in media scrutiny, lost customer trust, regulatory fines, or worse. That’s why SPM tools have moved from “nice-to-have” to mission-critical for procurement, compliance, and supply chain teams.

From Scorecards to Supplier Operating Systems

Traditional SPM tools focused on backward-looking evaluations: historical delivery rates, quality incidents, maybe a quarterly scorecard. But in 2025, that’s table stakes.

What’s needed now is a real-time, dynamic, and collaborative supplier performance system — one that:

  • Aggregates both internal and external data

  • Supports risk detection and mitigation

  • Automates remediation and improvement actions

  • Enables supplier self-service and compliance tracking

  • Produces audit-ready reports on demand

In short, organizations need to move from measuring suppliers to managing supplier ecosystems.

What to Look for in a Supplier Performance Management Platform

Every platform markets itself with similar language: insights, automation, collaboration. But there are meaningful differences once you dig in. Below are the eight must-have capabilities for any SPM tool in 2025:

1. Holistic Supplier Visibility

All supplier-related information — certifications, audits, ESG data, delivery performance, risk scores — should live in one place. Bonus if the system also aggregates external intelligence like financial instability alerts or negative news.

✅ EvaluationsHub brings structured and unstructured data into a unified supplier profile, helping teams make decisions faster and with more context.

2. Integrated Risk and ESG Monitoring

The best platforms let you track ongoing financial, geopolitical, and compliance risks — not just lagging indicators. ESG scoring should be embedded, not bolted on.

✅ EvaluationsHub supports ESG tracking and supplier-specific risk indicators out of the box.

3. Corrective Action and CAPA Management

Once an issue is flagged, the system should support resolution — with timelines, accountability, documentation, and recurrence tracking.

✅ EvaluationsHub features built-in CAPA workflows tied to performance metrics, audits, and survey results.

4. Supplier Collaboration Tools

You can’t improve performance alone. Look for integrated messaging, shared dashboards, document requests, and co-developed improvement plans.

✅ EvaluationsHub includes two-way collaboration zones for shared tasks, chats, and evidence collection.

5. Supplier Self-Onboarding and Self-Service

Manual onboarding is inefficient and error-prone. Suppliers should be able to create or update profiles, submit required documents, and track their status without your team intervening.

✅ EvaluationsHub offers full supplier self-service and onboarding capabilities, reducing admin work and turnaround time.

6. Audit-Ready Documentation and Traceability

For ISO, CSRD, or any regulatory audit, the system should generate complete documentation trails with time stamps, corrective action logs, and linked evidence.

✅ EvaluationsHub enables one-click generation of audit-ready reports and archives.

7. Custom Reporting and Role-Based Dashboards

Procurement leads, compliance teams, execs, and auditors all need different views. The best platforms allow tailored reporting — without needing IT support.

✅ EvaluationsHub supports drag-and-drop custom reports, automated scorecard exports, and saved views by role.

8. Scalability and Integrations

Whether you manage 50 suppliers or 5,000, the system should scale without performance degradation. Bonus if it plays well with your ERP, ESG platform, and automation tools.

✅ EvaluationsHub integrates via open APIs and connects to tools like Make.com for custom workflows.

How Do the Major Players Compare?

Let’s take an honest look at some of the key platforms in the SPM space in 2025. Each has its strengths and target use cases — but their philosophies and feature sets vary.

Competitive Landscape: SPM Platforms in 2025

Platform Website Strengths Limitations
SAP Ariba SLP sap.com/products/sourcing-procurement/supplier-lifecycle-performance.html Deep integration with SAP stack, robust lifecycle workflows, global enterprise-ready Complex deployment, high cost, limited flexibility without full SAP ecosystem
Coupa Risk Aware / TSM coupa.com Easy UI, good for procurement-led risk monitoring, integrates with spend Less focused on ESG metrics or corrective actions, collaboration features are basic
Jaggaer jaggaer.com Broad source-to-pay suite, strong in regulated industries, modular approach Interface aging, limited depth in supplier engagement and self-service
GEP SMART gep.com/software/gep-smart Unified source-to-pay platform, built-in AI, used by Fortune 500s Full suite may be overkill for teams just looking for SPM; not as specialized in ESG workflows
Kodiak Hub kodiakhub.com Focused SPM platform with performance scoring, supplier intelligence, and ESG Less enterprise reach; ecosystem still maturing; limited self-onboarding tools
EcoVadis ecovadis.com Industry standard for ESG scoring, trusted by many corporates, benchmarked ratings Not a full SPM platform; used in conjunction with others; limited performance or CAPA tracking
Prewave prewave.com Strong in AI-driven risk alerts and predictive supplier monitoring Narrow SPM scope; not a collaboration platform; best used as a risk overlay
Avetta avetta.com Strong for contractor/supplier prequalification and compliance Limited flexibility, less focused on ongoing performance or ESG beyond certifications
Achilles achilles.com Long-standing network for supplier prequalification and audits Often regional; not a full performance or collaboration solution; less agile
Synertrade synertrade.com S2C + risk modules, solid for regulated procurement environments UI and UX not as intuitive; configuration-heavy; less agile for fast-changing workflows
Ivalua ivalua.com Enterprise-grade modular procurement suite, SPM included Complex to implement, heavy on customization; pricing fits upper midmarket and above
IntegrityNext integritynext.com ESG and compliance monitoring via automation, popular in Europe Narrow focus (not full SPM); limited in performance tracking or CAPA features
Vizibl vizibl.co Collaboration and innovation focus, supplier relationship management (SRM) Less focus on compliance workflows or ESG scoring at depth
TrustYourSupplier (IBM/Chainyard) trustyoursupplier.com Blockchain-based supplier identity and onboarding Niche use case; not performance-centric; more of a foundational registry
EvaluationsHub EvaluationsHub.com Best supplier performance management (SPM) tool with built-in ESG, risk monitoring, CAPA workflows, supplier collaboration, and self-service. Fully audit-ready. Not (yet) a full SRM suite (no spend analysis); ideal for orgs that already have ERP or procurement tools but want modern SPM. Focused solely on SPM (not a full procurement suite); best as a powerful performance layer over ERP/procurement tools

Summary View

  • Best for ESG-first SPM: EcoVadis + EvaluationsHub combo

  • Best for enterprise-wide procurement suites: GEP SMART, Ivalua, Jaggaer

  • Best for modular performance improvement & corrective action focus: EvaluationsHub, Kodiak Hub

  • Best for risk scanning & alerts: Prewave, IntegrityNext

  • Best for prequalification/compliance-heavy sectors: Avetta, Achilles

Platform Strengths Limitations
SAP Ariba SLP Deep ERP integration, configurable scorecards, multi-tier supplier insights (if SAP stack is used) Can feel rigid and expensive for mid-market; less nimble in collaboration workflows
Coupa Risk Aware / TSM Solid for spend visibility + third-party risk, easy UI for procurement Less flexible on ESG scoring and corrective actions; lacks depth in collaboration or document workflows
Jaggaer Enterprise-friendly; strong in education/pharma; good RFX integration Slower evolution of UX; collaboration and ESG tracking less mature compared to newer entrants
EcoVadis Excellent ESG and sustainability ratings, widely trusted Not a full SPM platform; often used alongside others for ESG layer only
Avetta / Achilles / Prewave Good for prequalification, risk scanning, and real-time alerts Mostly one-directional; limited supplier collaboration or CAPA functionality
EvaluationsHub Unified view of supplier performance + ESG + risk; built-in CAPA; collaboration zones; supplier self-service; audit-grade reporting

✅ Bottom line: EvaluationsHub fills a growing gap — offering powerful SPM features without the bloat of legacy suites. It’s particularly strong for organizations focused on ESG, compliance, and continuous supplier improvement rather than just transactional procurement.

Common Use Cases for SPM Tools in 2025

Modern SPM tools serve multiple departments — not just procurement:

  • Procurement: Identify high-performing, low-risk suppliers and reduce manual follow-up

  • Sustainability Teams: Track Scope 3 emissions and social standards at the supplier level

  • Legal & Compliance: Automate audit trails, risk reports, and due diligence evidence

  • Operations/Quality: Manage CAPA loops and supplier-related disruptions proactively

  • Finance & Execs: View risk-adjusted supplier performance to guide strategic decisions

EvaluationsHub: A Fresh Perspective

While many solutions focus on data capture or scoring, EvaluationsHub is built to foster action and improvement. It’s best described as a supplier collaboration and performance layer that integrates with your existing stack.

What sets it apart:

  • Combines performance, ESG, risk, and corrective actions in a single profile

  • Enables supplier-led onboarding, survey responses, and document uploads

  • Surfaces real-time external risk signals and news insights

  • Provides fully customizable, audit-ready reports

  • Includes built-in collaboration areas for improvement plans and communication

  • Doesn’t try to replace your ERP — it complements it with a modern, flexible UX

Ideal for mid-size to large enterprises who want:

  • A stronger handle on supplier risk and ESG

  • To move from spreadsheets to structured systems

  • Audit peace of mind without hiring more compliance staff

  • Real supplier engagement and ownership of performance

Final Thoughts: A Strategic Investment, Not Just a Tool

To answer our initial question ‘Why Supplier Performance Management Tools Are Critical in 2025’, Supplier Performance Management tools are no longer “reporting dashboards.” They are collaboration engines, risk monitors, compliance shields, and performance catalysts.

Whether you’re navigating CSRD reporting, seeking ISO certification, or building resilience into your supplier base, the right SPM platform will do more than track issues — it will help prevent them, resolve them faster, and demonstrate your commitment to responsible sourcing.

With emerging platforms like EvaluationsHub, the future of SPM looks far more dynamic, supplier-friendly, and intelligence-driven than ever before.

Curious about how EvaluationsHub compares to your current system? You can explore it with a full-featured trial — no sales call required.

Posted on by Bert Paesbrugghe

Introduction to Supplier Audits

In the realm of procurement, ensuring compliance and maintaining robust supplier relationships are critical. Supplier audits play a pivotal role in achieving these objectives. By systematically evaluating suppliers, businesses can mitigate risks, ensure quality, and enhance collaboration. A well-structured scorecard is an essential tool in this process, providing a clear framework for audit preparation and supplier documentation.

The Importance of Audit Preparation

Effective audit preparation is the cornerstone of successful supplier evaluations. It involves gathering relevant information, understanding compliance requirements, and setting clear objectives for the audit. Proper preparation not only streamlines the auditing process but also ensures that all necessary aspects of supplier performance are assessed.

Key Steps in Audit Preparation

  • Define Objectives: Clearly outline what you aim to achieve from the audit.
  • Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary supplier documentation to support your evaluation.
  • Identify Compliance Requirements: Understand the specific procurement compliance standards applicable to your industry.

The Role of Scorecards in Supplier Audits

Audit scorecards serve as a structured method for assessing various aspects of supplier performance. They provide a standardized approach to evaluate criteria such as quality, delivery timelines, cost efficiency, and compliance with contractual obligations.

Benefits of Using Scorecards

  • Consistency: Ensures uniformity in evaluations across different suppliers.
  • Clarity: Offers a clear overview of strengths and areas needing improvement.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Facilitates informed decision-making based on quantifiable metrics.

Navigating Procurement Compliance

Navigating procurement compliance is crucial for avoiding legal pitfalls and maintaining ethical standards. Scorecards help ensure that suppliers adhere to regulatory requirements by incorporating compliance checks into their evaluation criteria.

Tackling Common Compliance Challenges

  • Diverse Regulations: Stay updated on varying regulations across regions and industries.
  • Sustainability Standards: Include environmental and social governance factors in assessments.
  • Evolving Policies: Regularly update scorecards to reflect changes in policies or standards.

The Impact of Scorecard Reporting on Collaboration

An effective scorecard reporting system enhances transparency between businesses and their suppliers. By sharing audit results openly, companies can foster trust and encourage collaborative problem-solving efforts with their suppliers.

Cultivating Stronger Relationships Through Transparency

  • Open Communication: Share findings constructively to promote dialogue and improvements.
  • Acknowledging Excellence: Recognize high-performing suppliers as partners in success.
  • Cohesive Strategies: Work together on strategies that address identified issues effectively.

Conclusion: Mastering Supplier Audits with Effective Tools

The strategic use of scorecards in supplier audits empowers organizations to maintain high standards while fostering productive partnerships. By focusing on thorough audit preparation, adherence to procurement compliance, and transparent reporting practices, businesses can significantly enhance their supply chain operations. Embracing these principles will lead to improved risk management and stronger collaborations with key suppliers—ultimately driving success in today’s competitive market landscape.