Where I work we have the same policy. However, with that come its own problems. For one, you introduce more variance and complexity this way. There's actually

Where I work we have the same policy. However, with that come its own problems. For one, you introduce more variance and complexity this way. There's actually a lot to be said for having only one supplier. It's not for nothing that Deming advocated for this. See e.g. http://michelbaudin.com/2012/09/17/demings-point-4-of-14-end-the-practice-of-awarding-business-on-the-basis-of-a-price-tag/#single http://michelbaudin.com/2012/09/17/demings-point-4-of-14-end... supplier