Our entire philosophy is based on the identification and analysis of suppliers to meet the varied needs of a diverse customer base. One of the key criteria for supplier selection is the strong possibility that a lasting relationship can be built, always provided that service levels continue to be met.

There is always a site visit by an Océ member of staff qualified to judge the particular supplier. Once appointed, there is a process of continual monitoring of performance through internal reports, quality inspections and price benchmarking. Larger suppliers have a formal review quarterly, the smaller ones less frequently but at least annually.

As a result, the supplier base is relatively stable, though expanding with the turnover and the ever-changing requirements of clients. Before being placed on the panel, potential new suppliers are tested with specific tasks under closer supervision than normal. The Procurement Team is constantly reviewing the market to ensure that the current supplier list does include all emerging technology and has access to best market prices, as these become available.