The business world in China is built on several cultural pillars, one of which is the concept of *Mianzi*. Closely related to the idea of “saving or losing face” in France, this cultural value shapes behavior and etiquette. Understanding it is essential before entering negotiations with Chinese counterparts. Here’s a detailed guide with practical tips to help you avoid missteps in the Middle Kingdom.

In a constantly changing world, companies have to adapt to satisfy their customers and prospects. Product quality and delivery times remain a priority, all at the lowest possible cost to the company. Lean management makes perfect sense in this economic context. Here is a complete guide to the 7 essential principles of lean management. It explains how to implement it, the challenges of this method and its advantages.

The industrial environment has continuously evolved. Continuous improvement has now become an actionable lever to optimize production, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance product and service quality. Inspired by concepts such as Lean Management, the PDCA Cycle, and the Kaizen Method, this approach aims to make production processes more efficient while increasing customer satisfaction. How does a continuous improvement approach work? What are its key principles, and how can it be implemented within an industrial company? This article guides you through the methods, tools, and best practices to successfully drive this transformation.

The Kanban method originates from the Japanese automotive industry. This project management tool is widely used in factories for its pragmatic approach. It helps optimize production processes through Lean methodology. Want to apply Kanban to your business? MWT Sourcing explains it in just a few steps!

In recent years, outsourcing has become a strategic lever. It allows companies to optimize costs, access a […]

In an economic environment marked by successive crises and rapidly evolving industrial trends, securing the supply chain has become a top priority for many businesses. From cyberattacks, stock shortages, and natural disasters to geopolitical tensions, risks are numerous and can significantly impact production and service quality. To mitigate these threats, an effective security strategy relies on rigorous management, the use of technological tools, and proactive risk anticipation**.

Today, consumers are paying more attention to the origins of the products they purchase. As a result, […]

The majority of companies engaged in product sales must have a procurement process. Indeed, production requires purchasing: raw materials, manufacturing machines, tools, and software. At every stage of production, there are specific needs. This is why understanding the procurement strategy is essential to maximize efficiency. Here is a guide to the five key steps for optimizing the organization of the procurement process.

The current economic environment requires professionals to have the ability to estimate a product’s future sales. This approach, which combines data analysis, sourcing, predictive tools, and commercial strategy, helps maximize performance while minimizing risks. Regardless of your industry, this article will explain why and how to implement reliable forecasting methods to optimize and enhance sales predictability, ultimately improving your strategic vision.

For foreign companies, entering the Chinese market is a real challenge. Business in Asia has a strong cultural dimension, with traditional values and codes that must be considered. **Guanxi** is one of the key pillars for building relationships and developing a professional network in China. However, while its importance is undeniable, applying it in practice can be a real puzzle for newcomers. So how can you establish *guanxi* effectively?

Sustainable sourcing involves integrating social, environmental, and ethical performance factors when selecting suppliers. This approach is driven by increasing consumer demand for optimized logistics. To reduce waste and limit greenhouse gas emissions, companies must streamline their sourcing systems. Here is a comprehensive guide to sustainable management and the responsible practices that stem from it.

The industrial power of the Middle Kingdom continues to grow, accounting for 30% of global manufacturing value-added in 2023. Most products made in China carry the “Made in China” label. However, the “Made in PRC” label often leads consumers to believe the product comes from another country, whereas it is simply the official name of China. In this article, MWT Sourcing provides all the key insights to understand what “Made in PRC” truly means.

Product quality control is a key step in verifying a product’s compliance. It is essential to ensure that customer expectations are met while also maintaining your company’s reputation.

An essential step in the manufacturing process, industrial prototyping ensures the reliability of a part or product. It plays a crucial role in product design and determines large-scale production feasibility. For a company, the industrial prototype is vital for achieving business objectives and meeting customer needs. MWT Sourcing, a specialist in product development, offers a practical guide to understanding this technical expertise and its true value.

The supply chain is at the heart of business activities across all sectors. With the evolution of consumer habits and the globalization of trade, the end customer demands ever-shorter delivery times. Providers, therefore, face new challenges: improving speed in the processes involved and enhancing their performance to remain competitive. Local freight forwarders, tax management and certification, transport, export, import, and customs declarations—here’s what you need to know to optimize the supply chain and make the most of real-time information flows.

Finding a reliable supplier and building a trusting relationship takes time. However, it is possible to minimize potential negative experiences with a bit of method.

You already know that innovation is the foundation of any entrepreneurial success. Aware of this reality, you aspire to invent a product that doesn’t yet exist—at least not for now. The question then arises: how do you go about it, and what is the first step to take?

As soon as your business focuses on international trade, you must optimize your freight operations to remain competitive.

The numerous opportunities in international trade offer chances to grow your business but also come with several risks that need to be understood, identified, and managed. You may have never heard of the EORI number, yet it is an essential code that must be used to import or export goods within Europe, regardless of your industry or area of expertise.

The certificate of origin is one of the essential documents in the world of international trade. In any import/export operation, understanding the ins and outs of this tool allows you to optimize your operations and avoid complications during the import or export of your goods.

Finding a sourcing office that meets your needs can feel like a long and challenging journey filled with obstacles. Yet, the added value it provides in sourcing competitive products and services represents a significant advantage for your business. Minimizing risks is its primary function in supplier management. The question is how to find the ideal sourcing agent who can meet your specific needs. We will assess the importance of a competent sourcing agent’s role and the associated costs; identify the criteria to guide your selection; and finally, outline best practices to maintain optimal communication with this strategic partner for your business.

L’importation de marchandises depuis la Chine vers la France est un processus qui peut varier considérablement en termes de coûts. De nombreux facteurs influencent ces frais, allant des choix logistiques aux formalités douanières. Comprendre les étapes essentielles pour réussir vos importations vous permet de mieux anticiper les dépenses et d’optimiser votre chaîne d’approvisionnement. Voici un tour d’horizon des principaux éléments qui impactent le coût d’une expédition entre ces deux pays.

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. It refers to companies that produce goods on behalf of another company, which then markets them under its own brand. This model is widely used in key sectors such as industry and technology. Explore the key characteristics of OEMs and the benefits of partnering with this type of business.

The incoterm DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) is one of the terms used in international trade to define the responsibilities of the parties involved in a transaction. If your business imports or exports goods, understanding what this incoterm entails is crucial to optimizing your logistics processes and costs.

The MOQ, or Minimum Order Quantity, is one of those key concepts in trade. Definition and benefits—here’s everything you need to know about it, along with our tips for negotiating this parameter to your advantage.

In the field of international trade, Incoterms are essential tools for defining the responsibilities of sellers and buyers during international transactions. Among these standardized terms, the DDP Incoterm (Delivered Duty Paid) is one of the most comprehensive, as it places the majority of responsibilities on the seller.

Supplier sourcing is a critical challenge for businesses. In a globalized context, the pool of potential commercial partners has grown exponentially, bringing opportunities to increase profit margins while optimizing the supply chain. To ensure you secure the best contracts with your suppliers, sourcing is the ultimate solution. Discover its key features and benefits.

When engaging in international trade, it’s well known that Incoterms play a major role in exchanges between sellers and buyers. These standardized terms clearly define the responsibilities and obligations of each party regarding transportation, costs, and risks. Among these Incoterms, the EXW (Ex Works) term is one of the most commonly used, particularly for transactions where the buyer assumes the majority of logistical responsibilities.

Incoterms are commercial terms defined by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They govern the conditions of international goods sales in terms of transportation, customs, insurance, and delivery. The FOB (“Free On Board”) incoterm is one of the most commonly used terms, particularly in maritime transport. Discover all the key information you need to know about this regulation.

The term COGS is the acronym for “Cost of Goods Sold,” which means “coût des marchandises vendues” in French. This accounting element is essential for understanding a company’s financial performance. What does this calculation entail? What does it reveal? What are its applications? Here’s everything you need to know.

Incoterm CIF: Definition The incoterm CIF, or “Cost, Insurance, and Freight,” is a contractual clause used in international […]

To maximize the shipping cost of your goods, it is important to choose the right container size. What are the different available sizes? What criteria should be prioritized to find the optimal dimensions? Here’s everything you need to know about this topic.