Background

This article builds on the insights shared in our previous piece, "Behind the Scenes: Unlocking Frictionless Circularity with the Battery Explorer." Where we addressed the key challenges when sourcing batteries - from not knowing where to find the available supply, to consolidating data into a single, user-friendly platform.

Simplifying the Process of Sourcing Available Supply

When building on second life batteries, it can take time to first find the right battery and then the right supply of that battery. While Cling’s Battery Explorer made battery products visible and available battery supply easily accessible, a significant challenge remained: the gap in supply availability. This gap makes it difficult to plan procurement because of the uncertainty of when the batteries needed to be available. This creates friction that slows the entire process and limits procurement efficiency. The challenge was to bridge the gap between supply and demand without requiring constant monitoring of availability.

Recognizing this challenge, Cling saw the need to develop a sourcing tool in close collaboration with our customers, aiming to create a way that would make it easier for them to express their battery needs - whether detailed or general. A focus has been to streamline the entire sourcing process with instant feedback and tailored recommendations, allowing customers to directly update their requirements and refine their search. Eventually, also getting notifications...

Improving the Sourcing Request Process

Cling began the procurement-perfecting journey by introducing the first iteration of the Sourcing Request — a form where customers could input their exact battery sourcing requirements. However, this approach quickly revealed its limitations. The process became lengthy and cumbersome, with many customers struggling to complete the form without assistance from our sales team.

David Hjelmström, Sales Manager at Cling, explains: "The first version had too many mandatory fields, making the process quite lengthy. Many customers found it challenging to complete all the required information, so we often ended up handling the requests ourselves."

Customer feedback highlighted the need for greater flexibility. They wanted the ability to submit a range of requests with either broad or specific details. Additionally, they expressed the need for instant feedback on suitable available options to avoid missing relevant products.

In response, Cling has redesigned the Sourcing Request. The updated tool now allows the ability to provide varying levels of detail in their requests and helps customers see how their requirements influence the search results in real-time. They can adjust their filters and refine their requests based on the instant feedback, making the process more intuitive and aligned with their needs. This approach simplifies the process, making it more accessible and effective for customers of all technical backgrounds.

The new Sourcing Request form allows users to tailor their search in two ways: through data-driven filters or free-form text. The latter allows customers to describe their needs in their own words, unrestricted by technical parameters. This combination not only enhances our ability to find better matches, but also deepens our understanding of how customers perceive and articulate their needs, enabling us to provide even more personalized solutions. This approach simplifies sourcing, making it more accessible and effective for users of all technical backgrounds.

"With these insights, we have improved the Sourcing Request tool to provide both flexibility in submission and automated feedback on matching supply options, making it easier for customers to find what they need quickly and efficiently," stated Rasmus Lindqvist, Head of Data.

Conclusion

To make battery circularity a reality, easier sourcing solutions are essential. With Cling’s Sourcing Request, we aim to enable this by collaborating with our customers to help provide everyone with the necessary tools. However, in a fast-changing market, there is always more work to be done.

Cling is committed to continuous improvement. This effort is collaborative, and we need the entire battery industry to join us. We welcome ongoing feedback to refine our tools and approach. Our next step is to implement notifications for supply updates — stay tuned for this.

Let’s continue the conversation below—what’s the biggest friction point for you? Comment below and help us shape the future of battery sourcing.

Try out the sourcing request for yourself at: Cling platform

For more information, contact sales@clingsystems.com

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