Quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with suppliers aren’t just formalities—they’re intelligence sessions that drive stronger partnerships and early warnings. When structured properly, QBRs give you visibility into vendor stability, capacity shifts, and areas of misalignment that impact performance.
What a Good QBR Should Cover
1. Fulfillment Metrics
Review OTIF, defect rates, lead time accuracy, and responsiveness. Compare trends quarter over quarter.
2. Capacity Forecasting
Ask for upcoming production constraints, planned expansions, or shifts in product mix.
3. Operational Changes
Are they onboarding new clients? Closing a plant? Changing material sources?
4. Risk Factors
What regulatory, labor, geopolitical, or environmental risks are on their radar?
5. Continuous Improvement Initiatives
What are they doing to improve processes that impact your supply chain?
6. Technology Integration Updates
Are they improving API readiness, quality documentation, or inventory visibility?
7. Relationship and Account Feedback
How do they view the partnership? Where can you be a better customer?
Tips for Better QBRs
Send an agenda 2 weeks in advance
Make them data-driven, not anecdotal
Follow up with action items and joint accountability
Final Word: If your QBRs are only about last quarter’s failures, you’re missing the point. Use them to gain forward-looking visibility and shared growth.
