Supplier Selection Agent

Agent Description:

The Supplier Selection Agent helps procurement teams evaluate and rank suppliers based on critical performance metrics, enabling data-driven selection of optimal suppliers. It automates the scoring and ranking process using a weighted model, then recommends the top supplier(s) along with a clear justification for the selection.

Purpose and Components
  • Purpose: To identify and recommend the best-fit supplier(s) based on a weighted evaluation of cost, quality, delivery, and performance.
  • Components:
    • An evaluator sub-agent that applies a scoring model to supplier attributes.
    • A recommender sub-agent that selects and justifies the final supplier based on ranking.
Supported Capabilities
  • Fetching supplier data via an API.
  • Normalizing and scoring each supplier based on key attributes.
  • Applying a weighted ranking formula for supplier evaluation.
  • Recommending the top supplier(s) with rationale.
  • Suggesting backup options if scores are close.
LLM Used
  • Google Vertex
    Note: To learn more about the LLM and to modify its behavior, refer to the Configuring LLM settings section.

Sub-Agents

1. Supplier Evaluator

  • Role: Supplier Evaluator.
  • Scope: Retrieve supplier data and calculate scores using a weighted ranking formula.
  • Description:

    • Connects to a REST API using the GET Request Tool to retrieve the supplier dataset containing: Normalize all fields (if not already on a 0–100 scale).

    • Apply the weighted formula: Rank suppliers in descending order of Total Score.

  • LLM Used: Google Vertex (inherits from parent).
  • Tools used: GET Request Tool

2. Supplier Recommender

  • Role:Supplier Recommender.
  • Scope: Select and justify the top-ranked supplier based on performance metrics.
  • Description:

    • Accepts the ranked supplier list from the Evaluator.

    • Selects the top-performing supplier based on total score.

    • Justifies the choice by referencing:

      • Total Score

      • Critical metrics: Cost, Product Quality, On-Time Delivery

  • LLM Used: Google Vertex (inherits from parent).
  • Tools used: GET Request Tool
Tools Used:GET Request Tool – Used to fetch supplier performance data from an external API.
Note: For details on modifying the Tools, refer Tools Library section.
Agent Workflow Behavior Summary
  • The Supplier Evaluator agent initiates the process by fetching supplier data using the GET API tool.
  • It normalizes the values, applies the weighted scoring formula, and ranks suppliers in descending order.
  • The Supplier Recommender agent takes this ranked list, selects the top supplier, and justifies the recommendation using score breakdowns.
  • If needed, it also suggests a backup supplier if the score gap is small.
  • The final output includes the selected supplier name, total score, and a concise justification summary.
Sample Questions:
  • Which supplier has the best combination of quality and on-time delivery?
  • What is the weighted score of each supplier using the 20/30/30/20 formula?