Supplier scorecard and vendor comparison matrix
Weigh the criteria, score every supplier on the same 1–5 scale, check the must-haves, and see whether the winner survives a change in priorities.
Scoring matrix
Rows are criteria, columns are suppliers. Score one row at a time across all suppliers: 1 poor · 2 weak · 3 acceptable · 4 strong · 5 excellent. Higher is always better.
Evidence and notes
The method
Agree the weights first
Set criteria and weights before anyone sees the quotes, and keep them to about four to eight criteria. Weights must total 100%; if your shares add up to something else, Scale weights to 100% keeps their proportions.
Score across, not down
Score one criterion for every supplier before moving to the next. It reduces the halo effect of a supplier you already like. Write the evidence behind each score in the notes.
Gate before you rank
Must-haves are pass/fail. A supplier with any Fail is out; any Unknown stays in Needs review. Neither can be rescued by a high weighted score.
Test the result
The breakpoint shows how far each weight must move before another eligible supplier wins. Under 5 points is fragile; 5–10 points moderate; more than 10 robust. Close calls deserve a trial order or more references.
Weighted score = Σ (score × weight ÷ 100). Example: Quality 60% and Cost 40%, scores 5 and 2 → 5 × 0.6 + 2 × 0.4 = 3.80 / 5. Download an importable example JSON.
Frequently asked questions
How is the weighted score calculated?
Each 1–5 score is multiplied by its criterion weight and divided by 100; the results are added. With Quality at 60% and Cost at 40%, scores of 5 and 2 give 5 × 0.6 + 2 × 0.4 = 3.80 out of 5.
What is a must-have requirement?
A condition a high score must never override, such as required capacity or an approved sample. A supplier is ranked as eligible only when every must-have is marked Pass; Unknown keeps it in Needs review and Fail rules it out.
What does the breakpoint mean?
For each criterion it is how far that weight would have to move, with the other weights rebalancing in proportion, before a different eligible supplier comes first. Under 5 points the decision is fragile; over 10 points it is robust.
Do you automatically score price?
No. Put the quotes on the same scope and currency first, then score total evaluated cost on the same 1–5 scale as the other criteria.
Where is my data stored?
Only in this browser's local storage until you clear it. Export JSON for a portable copy. Nothing is sent to Toolwoven servers.