Which statement accurately defines dual sourcing?

The correct statement defining dual sourcing is the one that describes relying on two suppliers to meet supply needs. This approach is strategically beneficial for various reasons. It allows organizations to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions, as having two suppliers can provide a backup in case one supplier fails to deliver. Additionally, dual sourcing can enhance negotiation leverage, as having multiple suppliers gives a buyer the option to compare prices, quality, and service levels, leading to better procurement decisions. This strategy also supports maintaining competitive pricing and fostering improvements in supplier performance due to the competition between the two sources.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of dual sourcing. Employing multiple suppliers for benchmarking refers to evaluating suppliers based on their performance, which does not directly involve sourcing strategies. Using one supplier for cost efficiency describes a single-supplier approach, which is contrary to the concept of dual sourcing. Outsourcing functions to third-party manufacturers focuses on transferring production or supply chain tasks to another entity, which is a different approach altogether and not related to dual sourcing specifically.