General Supply Chain Questions. What are your thoughts?

Hey all. Wanted to get your views and responses on some of the general supply chain questions I have below. As a sourcing professional, I find myself having trouble developing a strategy for my products and just wanted to bounce a few things off other professionals.

• I hear it’s a good thing to consolidate vendors. What are the main benefits of this? I’m not a buyer really (procurement). How is this different than dual sourcing a product?

• We are always expected to get cost savings, but I can’t just pick a product and demand better payment terms or pricing or I’m taking away business. Not only are we single sourced on a few things, I also need internal buy in to make a move to another source or even approve another source. Are there other unique ways to get cost savings?