Phase 3: Strategic Positioning
Next the company positions the materials identified in phase 1 as strategic in the purchasing portfolio matrix (see Exhibit IV). It can then identify areas of opportunity or vulnerability, assess supply risks, and derive basic strategic thrusts for these items. The purchasing portfolio matrix plots company buying strength against the strengths of the supply market and can be used to develop counterstrategies vis-à- vis key suppliers—an approach sometimes called “reverse marketing.”