The main purpose of early supplier involvement (ESI) is:

Early Supplier Involvement (ESI) is a strategic procurement approach designed to add value during the early stages of specification, design, or development. CIPS highlights that suppliers often possess specialist technical knowledge, innovation capability, and market insight that buyers may lack.

By involving suppliers early, organisations can:

Improve product or service design

Reduce lifecycle costs

Improve quality and functionality

Reduce time to market

Options A, B, and D focus on administrative convenience, budget spend, or supplier pricing power, none of which represent the strategic intent of ESI.

L4M6 Reference:

Learning Outcome 3: Understand approaches to managing supplier relationships

Topic: Early Supplier Involvement (ESI) and value creation

CIPS L4M6 Study Guide – Collaboration and innovation with suppliers