Procurement

According to a recent survey of 120 B2B eCommerce professionals, 80% of respondents either “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that their customers’ expectations followed B2C shopper practices.

A majority (57%) of surveyed Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) said short-term cost reduction is a higher priority than long-term growth in 2014, according to a new survey by Consero Group, an international leader in creating high-level, invitation-only events for senior executives.

Top-performing CPOs can increase their influence over strategic business imperatives by driving efficiency and performance, introducing innovative new processes and uncovering new insight into supplier networks that have a measurable effect on the bottom line.

The IBM Institute for Business Value executive report, “Chief Procurement Officer Study: Improving competitive advantage through procurement excellence” examines the practices of those select few procurement organizations that have developed and mastered the capabilities, influence and innovation that enable them to contribute to the competitive advantage of their enterprises.

Much of the analytics effort to date has focused on the demand side of the supply chain equation. Yet analytics can be applied just as effectively to the supply side to assure reliable and cost effective inventory, capacity, and supplier capabilities. The insights here can help companies build a supply analytics competency that will lead to better business decisions.

Companies that succeed over the long term tend to focus on both “performance” and “health,” with heavy emphasis on upfront training in new tools, processes, and approaches so they can build up a cadre of experienced managers who can sustain this effort far into the future.

At many companies, there is a divide between procurement and supply chain operations that robs the organization of vital efficiencies. Companies that have recognized that gap and worked hard to close it now see sizeable financial benefits along with qualitative wins such as supplier-integrated contracts and streamlined processes.

Experts point to certain key traits of procurement excellence, including an overall strategic orientation, alignment with business objectives, a risk management role, and an ability to collaborate both internally and externally. Here are some insights on developing these capabilities.

The latest assessment of excellence in procurement (AEP) study from A.T. Kearney confirms procurement’s power to drive real money to the bottom line and value to the top line. among the leaders who do this best, seven characteristics stand out. this article gives the highlights of the study, followed by a Q&a with co-author John Blascovich on what the findings mean for supply management professionals.

In today’s complex world, the responsibilities of procurement and purchasing have never been higher. Developing a competitive advantage in this critical business area can drive cost savings, free up time, and ensure that suppliers are giving their all for your company.

IBM Emptoris Strategic Supply Management solutions help companies maximize savings, drive improved supplier performance and mitigate risk.

The report looks at what separates outperformers from the rank-and-file organizations that fall short. And, finally, the report provides a roadmap that CPOs can follow that will enable them to begin emulating the practices of outperformers to positively impact the competitive position of their organizations.

Want to improve your outsourcing efforts? This article unpacks the lessons of five “Big Thinkers” in the world of economics and shares how their insights can help improve your outsourcing.

E2open today announced the availability of E2 Planning & Response version 11.2, which includes improved “what-if” scenario and simulation capabilities, network planning visualization and analytics, and certified SAP adapters.

In her book, Vested Outsourcing: Five Rules That Will Transform Outsourcing, Kate Vitasek talks about three case studies, with P&G, McDonalds and Microsoft, and their successful supplier relationships. A common theme was the shift away from a traditional customer-supplier relationship to a highly collaborative relationship aimed at developing a win-win solution.