Strategy . Influence . Innovation . Process

An interesting commentary from Spend Matters on procurements position in the supply chain which supports my own views (maybe that’s why I found it interesting). Namely, that procurement is the upstream part of the supply chain, where initial value is captured, whilst warehousing and distribution are downstream activities, that support delivery of initial value. Common [...]

As the US Thanksgiving holiday reminds us all that 2011 is rapidly drawing to a close we take a look at five reasons for procurement to say thanks: 1.    Procurement has had a ‘good recession’ Recessionary times has placed procurement in the spotlight.  Whilst there has been company-wide belt tightening – procurements increasing influence over [...]

Consistently listed as a top priority for CPO’s and essential to driving the professions future success, procurement talent management is an essential component of any organizations annual health check. So why then do so many organizations risk future success by continuing to fish in the shallow end of the pool? Shallow end companies continue to [...]

“Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run There’s still time to change the road you’re on.” From Stairway to heaven by Led Zeppelin CPOs everywhere can learn from this line from the classic track in tackling purchasing’s own “chicken or the egg” dilemma: Without a top level mandate, [...]

Thames Water’s £2.5bn procurement outsourcing deal with Efficio has recieved significant attention and has received praise for its boldness and innovative “integrated” model. The deal with Efficio outsources Thames Waters strategic and operational spend in a five-year contract to manage £500 million spend a year. Problem is (for me at least) Efficio had previously led [...]

Procurement is now front & centre of the business world. So when will CEO’s place it at the centre of their business strategy? If ever there were a set of conditions to emphasize the procurement functions strategic place in business and the modern world, it is the current maelstrom of recession, sovereign debt, gathering inflation, [...]

The start of 2011 has seen a debate about procurement’s challenges as the combination of austerity drives and economic recovery converge.
 
Some commentators say the profession risks falling back into obscurity once the recovery really gathers pace. I share this concern, which was heightened by the recent SM Poll showing that cost reduction remains the number [...]

Here is our first ‘best of’ – a four part review of our thoughts and comments in 2010.  Here in part 4 we profile: ‘Procurement Capabilities’ The Corporation as a Negotiating Entity (Part 1): A three part guide for CEO’s, CFO’s and purchasing leaders on developing a corporate level capability to negotiate Here in Part [...]

Here we argue that procurement must first adopt the right self image before it can convince others of its value: First impressions Procurement professionals are indoctrinated into the profession with messages such as “you have to take the internal customer along with you”, “you have to persuade them” and “you have to get their buy-in [...]

Part 1: Strategy & Influence Here is our first ‘best of’ -  a four part review of our thoughts and comments in 2010. Here in part 1 we profile ‘Strategy & Influence’ Expanding Procurements Scope and Influence Expanding procurements scope and influence is critical for CPO’s, if procurement is to develop its value contribution beyond [...]