| what is input | Gathering the resources needed to make products/services - raw materials, machinery, labour, finance |
| what is process | Using the inputs to make finished products/services - this is known as "processing the inputs" (manufacturing) |
| what is ouput | The final product/service and the distribution of it to the customer |
| what is price | How much the supplier charges for raw materials |
| what is quality | The standard of raw materials sold by the supplier |
| what is quantity | The volume/amount of raw materials the supplier is able to provide |
| what is location | Where the supplier is situated in relation to your business |
| what is lead time | The time between ordering inventory from your supplier and it arriving |
| what is reliability | Whether your supplier is able to consistently fulfil your order on time without any mistakes |
| what is reputation | The reviews and ratings of your supplier by other businesses |
| what is discount | When your supplier reduces the price of the raw materials |
| what are credit terms | When your supplier gives you a period of time to pay your goods (eg 60 days credit) |
