MuleBuy: How to Compare Vendor Delivery Speed via Spreadsheet Data
In the world of supply chain and sourcing, delivery speed is a critical, measurable metric that directly impacts inventory turnover and customer satisfaction. MuleBuy’s structured spreadsheet approach transforms raw shipping data into actionable insights, empowering you to identify and partner with top-performing vendors.
The Power of Measurable Lead Time
Unlike subjective assessments, delivery speed—often measured as lead time—is quantitatively trackable. The MuleBuy Spreadsheet is designed to systematically log key data points for every shipment:
- Order Date:
- Shipment Date:
- Received Date:
- Calculated Lead Time:
- Vendor Name & Order ID:
- Shipment Date:
Step-by-Step: Analyzing Vendor Performance
By consistently populating the spreadsheet, you create a powerful historical dataset. Here’s how to turn this data into a vendor comparison:
1. Data Aggregation
Group all entries by vendor. For each vendor, compile the lead times from all recorded shipments.
2. Calculate Key Metrics
For each vendor, compute the following:
- Average Lead Time:
- Lead Time Range (Min-Max):
- On-Time Rate:
- Lead Time Range (Min-Max):
Simple spreadsheet functions like Create a bar chartscatter plot
Rank vendors from fastest to slowest average lead time. However, balance speed with other factors like cost, quality, and communication. The vendor with the fastest and most consistent
AVERAGE(), MIN(), MAX(), and COUNTIF()
3. Visualize for Clear Comparison
4. Rank and Decide
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Tracking
To deepen your analysis, consider adding these columns to your MuleBuy Spreadsheet:
- Shipping Method:
- Season/Quarter:
- Issue Log:
- Season/Quarter:
Key Takeaway
The MuleBuy Spreadsheet method shifts vendor evaluation from gut feeling to data-driven decision-making. By meticulously logging shipments and calculating simple metrics, you gain an objective, comparable view of vendor delivery performance. This enables you to optimize your supply chain, reduce stockout risks, and build stronger relationships with reliable, fast-paced vendors.
Start measuring, start comparing, and start sourcing smarter.