How to use the result
A practical planning estimate
A weighted scorecard keeps one attractive sample or low price from dominating the entire decision. Choose criteria before final proposals arrive, score every supplier against the same evidence, and preserve written notes explaining each rating.
Agree on decision criteria and weights before the team knows which supplier wins each category.
Score only documented evidence from quotes, samples, references, audits, and conversations.
Review critical deal-breakers separately; a high average cannot compensate for a failed requirement.
Weighted supplier score
Weighted score = Σ(rating from 1–5 × criterion weight) ÷ (5 × total weights) × 100
The calculator normalizes the result to 100 even if the weights do not total exactly 100. Keep the number of criteria manageable and define what ratings 1, 3, and 5 mean before the evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Should landed cost receive the highest weight?
It often receives a large weight, but the right level depends on product risk, launch timing, quality sensitivity, compliance, and how costly a stockout or defect would be.
How do we avoid subjective ratings?
Create evidence rules. For example, a lead-time rating of 5 might require a committed schedule, reference evidence, local capacity, and a documented recovery plan.
Can the highest score still be rejected?
Yes. Treat mandatory certifications, product safety, acceptable samples, financial stability, and contractual requirements as gates rather than weighted preferences.