The relationship between the five dimensions of sourcing value

Why “Lowest Cost” Outsourcing Could Be Your Biggest Risk

When it comes to outsourcing, chasing the lowest price often feels like a win—until reality hits. According to Ernie Zibert’s Sourcing Value Compass, the five dimensions of sourcing value—Financial Benefit, Market Discipline, Flexibility, Specialization, and Customer Satisfaction—are deeplyinterconnected.

Here’s the kicker:

• Lowest cost ≠ best deal. It often comes bundled with poor performance and rigidity.

• The relationship between price and satisfaction follows a U-curve: too cheap or too expensive, and satisfaction plummets.

• Push suppliers too hard on price, and you invite the “sourcing nightmare”—scope creep, reduced service quality, and hidden costs.

Pro tip:
Focus on Finance vs. Market Discipline first. Make sure price reflects performance. If your business is transforming fast, invest in Flexibility—it’s your insurance against future constraints.

💡 Want to dive deeper?Check out Ernie Zibert’s insights on sourcing strategy and governance.