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Nov 22
Procurement during fall and the holidays

Harnessing the Seasonal Shift: A Procurement Perspective on Fall and Holiday Dynamics

By Procurement No Comments

 

When the hues of autumn leaves signal a change in season, it’s more than a picturesque moment—it’s a cue for businesses to engage in a tactical ballet of procurement.

This isn’t just about buying extra supplies for the office holiday party. No, this time of year has profound effects on procurement, supply chain, and the overall rhyth of business.

Let’s dive into the seasonal nuances and discover how smart procurement strategies can transform these challenges into opportunities.

Forecasting the Holiday Hustle

Annually, the holiday period sees consumer spending skyrocket, with events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday marking high tides of consumerism.

Businesses must forecast this demand swell and ensure their supply chains can withstand the surge. Collaborating with suppliers, securing advantageous contracts, and employing sophisticated platforms such as SAP Ariba™ to manage the flux of supply and demand are critical measures.

Steering Through Supply Chain Turbulence

Autumn heralds not just a cascade of leaves but the climax of hurricane season, opening the act for winter’s disruptive performances.

Supply chain resilience in this period hinges on the availability of alternative suppliers, transparent communication, and instant visibility into inventories and shipments.

A dynamic, forward-thinking stance is essential, moving beyond reactivity into the realm of anticipatory strategy.

Capitalizing on Seasonal Supplier Promotions

Seasonal discounts and promotions are not exclusive to the retail domain; they’re a vein of gold for the astute procurement specialist.

Engaging with these timely offers can lead to improved rates and terms, slashing costs and sowing the seeds for future collaborative supplier partnerships.

The Art of Strategic Stockpiling

The holiday season often coincides with operational downtimes.

Wise stockpiling is imperative to circumvent potential standstills. Yet, this is a balancing act—overstocking is as much a faux pas as understocking. Here, procurement technologies offer the analytical acumen needed to maintain equilibrium.

Ethical Procurement: A Seasonal Reflection

The reflective nature of the holidays provides an opportune moment for businesses to reassess their procurement ethos, emphasizing sustainability and ethical sourcing.

Adopting such practices not only aligns with a growing consumer conscience but also contributes positively to the global ecosystem.

Post-Holiday Procurement Post-Mortem

As the holiday glitter settles, the imperative to evaluate and adapt becomes evident. Procurement professionals are tasked with dissecting the season’s performance to refine future strategies. This ethos of continuous enhancement, powered by the data analytics of tools like SAP Ariba™, positions companies to consistently outpace the competition.

In essence, the autumn and holiday seasons are punctuated with both trials and triumphs for procurement.

By remaining nimble, embracing innovative technologies, and nurturing solid supplier relationships, businesses can transcend seasonal challenges, paving the way for a flourishing start to the New Year.

Nov 14

CFOs and Indirect Spend

By Procurement No Comments

Transforming Procurement: The Strategic Role of CFOs in Managing Indirect Spend

In the dynamic landscape of procurement, the role of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) has evolved significantly, especially in the realm of indirect procurement.

At PREMIKATI, we understand the intricacies of this evolution and its impact on businesses. This article delves into the collaborative efforts needed between CFOs and CPOs to harness control over indirect spending and explores who should drive robust management in this area.

The Shift in Procurement Dynamics

Traditionally, procurement functions have focused on direct materials – those essential for producing goods or delivering services. However, with the acceleration of digital transformation, the focus has shifted towards a more strategic approach to procurement.

This is particularly true for indirect procurement, encompassing areas like travel, logistics, IT, and maintenance. These categories, often comprising a significant portion of revenue, demand an innovative approach to unlock their hidden value.

Navigating Indirect Spend

Indirect spend, unlike direct spend, deals with the broader costs of operating a business. It requires a unique approach, one that involves changing behaviors across an organization. For CFOs and CPOs, the challenge lies in balancing immediate cost reductions with the potential for greater long-term savings through strategic procurement.

Despite its importance, indirect spend often receives less attention in the procurement strategy. This oversight can result in missed opportunities for cost savings and efficiency gains. As companies continue to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, optimizing indirect spend has become more crucial than ever.

Strategic Actions for Enhanced Indirect Procurement

To bring indirect procurement into sharper focus, CFOs and CPOs might consider:

  1. Separating Indirect from Direct Spend: Distinct handling of indirect suppliers can lead to more targeted cost control strategies.
  2. Leadership Over Indirect Spending: Placing a dedicated head of indirect procurement under the CFO can facilitate better oversight and strategic planning.
  3. Enhanced Relationships with Stakeholders: Building strong connections with non-procurement stakeholders can lead to more effective contract management and supplier relationships.
  4. Defining the CFO’s Role in Cost Reduction: CFOs should oversee the monitoring of contracts and compliance, ensuring cost savings are effectively captured and utilized.
  5. Leveraging Technology for Greater Visibility and Efficiency: Implementing technology solutions can streamline indirect spend management, enhancing compliance and reducing unnecessary expenditures.

The Road Ahead

As companies emerge from challenging times, the transformation of indirect procurement presents a new frontier for cost savings and efficiency.

This transition, however, requires careful management and alignment of goals between CFOs and CPOs.

By applying strategic insights and leveraging technology, companies can turn indirect procurement into a valuable asset, contributing significantly to the bottom line.

Nov 14
procurement blueprint

Your Procurement Blueprint

By Procurement No Comments

Embarking on the Journey of Strategic Procurement: Crafting Your Blueprint for Success

 

In the grand scheme of business operations, procurement often takes a backseat in the limelight, yet it remains a cornerstone of a company’s strategic foundation. This pivotal process, if navigated with foresight and finesse, can propel a business to new heights of efficiency and financial prowess.

The question then arises: What does your Procurement Blueprint look like, and how does it integrate within the larger vision of your enterprise?

Understanding the Essence of a Procurement Blueprint

Procurement, when envisioned as a blueprint, suggests a strategic, systematic approach akin to an architect’s detailed plan for a building.

It’s a comprehensive design that details every beam and bolt of the procurement function — from process mapping to technology integration. This blueprint is the silent sentinel of your supply chain, ensuring every aspect is meticulously orchestrated and aligned with your business’s heartbeat.

The Architectural Parallel: Procurement and Building Design

Just as an architect meticulously plans each aspect of a building’s construction, a procurement blueprint outlines each stage of the procurement cycle with precision. We’re talking about a step-by-step guide, from supplier selection and contract negotiation to purchase order management and performance evaluation.

Each phase is pivotal, akin to the foundational layers of a high-rise. Take supplier selection — it’s not merely about who can give you the best price, but who aligns with your quality standards, ethical practices, and delivery schedules.

Contract negotiation is about crafting agreements that are flexible yet robust, ensuring they weather market fluctuations and unforeseen events. Purchase order management is the logistics ballet, where timing is everything, and performance evaluation is the retrospective analysis that sharpens your blueprint for future builds.

Incorporating Best Practices and Technology

A procurement blueprint is not static; it’s a living document that evolves with best practices and technological advancements. Leveraging technology, such as SAP Ariba™, is like choosing the right materials for construction — it can make or break the efficiency and resilience of your procurement operations.

SAP Ariba, for instance, streamlines procurement by providing end-to-end automated solutions, reducing manual errors, and saving time. It allows for better supplier management, contract compliance, and spend analysis, turning data into actionable insights. By integrating such technology, your blueprint is not just a plan; it’s a high-powered engine driving your procurement process.

Tailoring to Fit: The Customization of Your Blueprint

No two companies are the same, and neither should their procurement blueprints be. Your blueprint should be a tailored suit, fitting the contours of your company’s needs and strategy. It’s about understanding your company’s unique market position, internal processes, and long-term goals.

Customization means scrutinizing the supply chain to identify areas for cost savings, efficiency improvements, and risk mitigation. It’s also about aligning procurement objectives with overall business goals, whether that’s market expansion, sustainability, or innovation.

The Foundation: Building a Strong Procurement Framework

At its core, a procurement blueprint lays the groundwork for a robust procurement operation. It builds a strong foundation that supports the weight of supply chain optimization and delivers tangible value through cost savings and efficiency.

A well-structured blueprint not only guides current operations but also equips your company to adapt to changes in the market, technology, and regulatory environments. It’s a tool that helps manage risks and seize opportunities, ensuring procurement is an enabler of growth, not a bottleneck.

The Outcome: Value Creation and Strategic Advantage

The true worth of a procurement blueprint lies in the value it creates for the company. It’s not just about cutting costs; it’s about investing in relationships, quality, and innovation. It’s about strategic sourcing that aligns with company values and goals, creating a competitive advantage.

A robust procurement strategy can lead to improved supplier relationships, where partners are engaged in a collaborative, win-win relationship. It can streamline operations, reduce cycle times, and enhance the company’s ability to respond to market demands.

Your Blueprint, Your Legacy

Just as a building’s blueprint is critical to its structural integrity and functionality, so too is a procurement blueprint to a company’s operational and financial health. A well-crafted procurement blueprint is not just a reflection of your company’s current practices; it’s a roadmap to where you want to go and the legacy you wish to build.

As we delve into the intricacies of creating such a blueprint, we must ask ourselves: Are we merely laying bricks and mortar, or are we sculpting the future skyline of our business? The answer lies in the strength of your procurement blueprint — your strategic masterplan for procurement excellence.

Sep 05
Premikati SAP Ariba Gold Partner

Kickoff Time: What Procurement Pros Can Learn From Football Season

By Procurement No Comments

Summer is winding down, school is back in session, and a chill is in the air – that can only mean football season has arrived!

As both college and professional teams take the field this fall, there are valuable insights procurement professionals can gain from the gridiron.

Even if you aren’t a devoted football fan, the lessons from this beloved sport can help take your procurement game to the next level.

Build a Championship Team

A “dream team” procurement organization isn’t built overnight like a top football program. It takes a thoughtful draft strategy, constantly evaluating needs versus available talent. Creating depth and competence across the function requires mixing promising rookies with veteran players who know how to do the job.

Procurement managers must regularly assess gaps, recruit standout new team members, and develop rising stars.

Investing in training and development will strengthen the bench. And just as a football team strives for unity, a collaborative, tight-knit procurement group will outshine a disjointed roster.

Be Ready for Any Play

Broken plays and audibles are par for the course on the football field. Running backs have to quickly change direction to dodge tackles. Quarterbacks adjust on the fly and find new targets downfield. Procurement pros know things sometimes go differently than planned, too.

Supply chain disruptions, new regulations, mergers and acquisitions, emerging tech, and shifting stakeholder needs can force changes to supplier timelines, agreements, and processes. Like skilled players, procurement teams must think fast, pivot, and adapt to the dynamic environment.

Mastering the art of agility turns challenges into fresh opportunities.

Go Deep on Analysis

Coaches and players spend hours reviewing game film, analyzing strengths and weaknesses, tendencies, and patterns. This intensive prep work is vital in forming a winning strategy. Procurement should adopt the same laser focus when assessing suppliers and markets.

Detailed spend and risk analysis will spotlight sourcing priorities to tackle. Digging into customer feedback and usage metrics will pinpoint where demand is headed. And performance data will indicate which suppliers are all-star players versus underperformers.

Just like coaches mapping out plays, solid analytics position procurement to make the right moves.

Teamwork Scores Big Results

On the football field, it takes cohesion, communication, and coordination across the team to score. Hand-offs, blocks, fakes, catches, and more – every player fulfilling their role is critical to driving the ball down the field.

Procurement wins when there is alignment across the business, too. Including stakeholders early, maintaining open dialog, and earning buy-in helps procurement execute sourcing strategies smoothly.

Cross-functional collaboration also provides a more accurate view of organizational needs and the best path to meet them. Unified teamwork is a proven game-winning approach.

Foster a Championship Culture

The best college and professional football franchises have a winning tradition that sets a tone of excellence and continuous improvement. Players and coaches set high standards and do whatever it takes to achieve them.

Procurement groups can also establish cultural benchmarks, adopt best practices, and create an environment where team members feel valued and motivated to succeed. Whether it’s celebrating cost-saving wins, advancing skills through training, or giving back to the community, creating procurement team pride and unity will pay dividends.

Keep Eyes on the Prize

Of course, every football team is laser-focused on one ultimate objective – to win the league championship! Though the season is long, every practice, play, and decision aims to inch closer to the prize.

Similarly, procurement needs to keep the big-picture goals on the scoreboard. Is it cost mitigation, risk reduction, user satisfaction, or sustainable supply chains? Despite day-to-day tasks, maintaining perspective on desired outcomes and aligning strategies to get there will ensure procurement eyes the right prize.

So, as you follow football this season, notice lessons from the gridiron that could raise your procurement organization’s game.

With preparation, adaptability, analytics, teamwork, culture, and strategic vision, your procurement program will be positioned to score big wins all season long!

 

Need a procurement game plan? Talk to the team at Premikati!

Aug 15

Premikati Reaches Inc. 5000

By Press No Comments

Premikati Inc. is pleased to announce its inclusion in the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in the United States for 2023.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, UNITED STATES, August 15, 2023/EINPresswire/ — Premikati, a beacon of innovation and a dominant force in procurement management consulting is elated to announce its inclusion in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in the United States. This highly sought-after distinction places Premikati among a select echelon of forward-thinking organizations that are not only shaping business trends but also pioneering unexplored avenues within the industry.

Inc. 5000 Reward
The Inc. 5000 list represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other household names gained exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000 list. Companies are ranked according to their revenue growth rate over three years. To qualify for the 2023 Inc. 5000 list, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent as of December 31, 2022. This year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 1,187,266 jobs to the economy over the past three years.

“Our place on the Inc. 5000 list is not just a testament to our growth but a validation of our commitment to relentless innovation and excellence,” affirmed Marisol Buchanan, CEO of Premikati. “We see this recognition as both an honor and a challenge to continue pushing the boundaries of procurement technology and client satisfaction.”

The Culture

Premikati, with its diverse team of procurement professionals and deep-rooted expertise in SAP Ariba™, has been at the forefront of technological advancements. By merging traditional procurement wisdom with modern technological tools, Premikati crafts solutions that transcend ordinary boundaries, ensuring client success.

In recent years, the company has not only demonstrated significant growth but has also unveiled groundbreaking innovations that reinforce Premikati’s status as a visionary leader in the industry. The inclusion in the Inc. 5000 list exemplifies the company’s unwavering focus on creative problem-solving, customer-centric approaches, and dedication to cultivating a culture of continuous innovation across a variety of industries, including Life Sciences, Consumer Products and Goods, High-Tech, Wholesale Distribution, Healthcare, as well as the Private Equity space.

“The future of our company is incredibly bright,” continued Marisol. “With a dedication to inventiveness and adaptability, we look forward to further enriching our portfolio of services, venturing into new markets, and maintaining our reputation as an industry trailblazer.”

About Premikati
Premikati is a leading procurement management consulting firm, specializing in entire procurement business and legal process outsourcing and implementing SAP Ariba and Icertis software. In Indianapolis, Indiana, Premikati’s commitment to innovation sets it apart, offering tailored solutions that marry the latest technological advancements with timeless business wisdom. Premikati paves the way for clients to achieve growth through efficiency and insight.

Jul 05

Competitive Sourcing in Procurement

By Procurement No Comments

Effective sourcing in procurement is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

For finance and procurement executives, understanding the intricacies of sourcing is crucial in ensuring a stable supply chain, mitigating risks, and ultimately achieving a competitive edge.

But what exactly is sourcing in procurement, and how does it unlock value for businesses?

Understanding Sourcing in Procurement

Sourcing is the process of finding the most suitable suppliers of goods and services for a company. It’s about balancing cost, profit margins, and competitiveness. The right supplier must offer a good enough price so that the acquiring business can make a profit margin by trading or using the product in their production process, all while considering the actions of competitors.

Although often used interchangeably, sourcing and procurement are distinct but related concepts. Sourcing involves finding, vetting, and onboarding suppliers, whereas procurement deals with the steady flow of goods through the supply chain.

The Importance of a Sourcing Strategy

In order to attain a stable supply chain, it’s important to develop a proper sourcing strategy. A sourcing strategy serves several purposes:

  1. Consolidating purchasing power: A strategic approach to sourcing allows a business to negotiate for lower unit prices through bulk purchases. This can result in higher profit margins or lower selling prices, thereby increasing the competitiveness of a company’s products.
  2. Risk mitigation: By conducting research on prospective suppliers, a company can avoid suppliers who are not a strategic fit, perhaps in terms of capacity, culture, or regulatory compliance. This can protect the company from possible disruptions arising from a supplier’s non-performance.
  3. Scouring the market for opportunities: Strategic sourcing is an ongoing process of searching the market for new opportunities. New suppliers with superior product quality, more competitive prices, or even new production technology may emerge. The role of the sourcing team is to establish contact, gather intelligence, and lay the groundwork for future contracts, helping the business stay competitive in the long term.

The Sourcing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The sourcing process can be broken down into seven key steps:

  1. Analysis of Internal Needs: This involves determining the goods and services the company needs to acquire, as well as how much of each item is required based on past requirements and activity growth projections.
  2. Researching the Market: The organization should research the market to find potential suppliers and their offerings. This includes considering logistical costs and the risks that arise from working with each of them.
  3. Developing the Sourcing Strategy: The company comes up with a method of determining which supplier to work with, ensuring both reasonable costs and supply chain stability.
  4. Requests for Proposals and Quotes: Once potential suppliers have been identified, the company will invite them to send in their bids to supply goods or deliver a service. These proposals need to be detailed enough for the sourcing team to assess the supplier’s capacity to deliver.
  5. Negotiating Contracts: After receiving proposals, the company will shortlist suppliers they want to work with based on an objective criterion. This often involves negotiations for adjustment of certain terms.
  6. Onboarding and Integration of the Suppliers: Once a contract is signed, the supplier undergoes a formal onboarding process, which involves setting up communication lines.
  7. Assessment of Results: Sourcing is an ongoing process, and for current suppliers, the company has to monitor their performance against predetermined standards continually. This is a critical part of supplier relationship management.

Sourcing Strategies to Consider

There are several types of sourcing strategies, including near-sourcing, insourcing, global sourcing, sub-contracting, captive service operations, manufacturing, vertical integration, and joint ventures. Each comes with its own set of benefits and challenges.

For instance, near-sourcing can save on cost and time in transportation but may require a higher initial investment. Conversely, offshoring can offer cost savings but often incurs additional time and costs in transportation.

The Power of Technology in Sourcing

The use of technology can help streamline sourcing activities. From gathering information about suppliers and sending requests for proposals to performance benchmarking and assessment, digital tools have revolutionized the sourcing and procurement process.

According to a Gartner survey, 85% of businesses have already implemented, or plan to implement, digital procurement solutions in the next two years.

 

With a proper understanding of sourcing in procurement and the use of strategic sourcing practices, finance and procurement executives can unlock significant value for their organizations.

By adopting efficient sourcing strategies and leveraging the power of technology, businesses can streamline their procurement processes, reduce costs, increase competitiveness, and ultimately drive growth.

 

Click here to contact our team

Jun 14
procurement managed services for PE

The Undeniable Value of Procurement Managed Services for Portfolio Performance

By Private Equity No Comments

Operating partners always search for innovative strategies to optimize portfolio companies’ performance.

Procurement, an often-overlooked area, presents a remarkable opportunity for cost optimization and improved operational efficiency.

The key lies in procurement-managed services.

The Game-Changing Nature of Managed Services

Managed services bring a fresh, data-driven strategy to procurement, transforming this traditionally administrative function into a powerful value driver. Backed by cutting-edge analytics and deep industry expertise, these services rapidly become a game-changer in procurement.

The Power of Intelligent Buying and Smart Spending

By shifting to managed services, one can realize an immediate 8% to 12% reduction in purchase costs. This is enabled by sophisticated analytics and a network of experienced procurement professionals who provide comprehensive support.

The approach is all about intelligent buying and wise spending, delivering sustainable savings across all spending categories.

Leveraging Volume Aggregation and Expert Insight

Managed services offer the advantage of volume aggregation and expert insight.

By aggregating demands from multiple clients, they can negotiate better prices, particularly in low-spend areas. Moreover, their scale provides deep expertise and real-time market insights across various categories, allowing us to learn from industry leaders and enhance our capabilities.

The Significant Cost Savings of Strategic Procurement Activities

The potential cost savings from strategic procurement activities are significant.

Consider this: one company slashed its operating costs by 19% by outsourcing its entire purchasing function. Another firm captured average savings of almost a third in its first three significant categories tackled following establishing a new central purchasing function.

The Need for a Well-Informed Perspective in Transitioning

Yet, like any strategic decision, moving to procurement-managed services must be made with a well-informed perspective. While effective for transactional activities, labor arbitrage can limit savings in strategic buying activities that require close internal cooperation.

Capturing the benefits of demand and specification management, which can account for 40 to 50 percent of total savings, also requires close collaboration with other business functions, which can be challenging for an outsourced provider.

The Transformational Impact of Procurement Managed Services

Procurement-managed services represent a significant opportunity for operating partners.

Leveraging advanced analytics, expert knowledge, and industry best practices can transform the procurement function of your portfolio companies into a strategic asset.

As always, it’s essential to approach this with a clear understanding of your portfolio companies’ unique needs and capabilities to ensure a successful transition.

As an SAP Ariba™ Gold Partner, Premikati is a leading services provider for all facets of Ariba™ and procurement in general.  To contact our team, click here.

Jun 05

The Power of Automation: Unleashing Efficiency with SAP Ariba Commerce Automation

By Procurement No Comments

Businesses today are realizing the urgent need for procurement and spend management innovation. Key decision-makers, particularly those in finance and procurement, seek solutions to streamline processes, boost efficiency, and improve organizational visibility. This is where SAP Ariba Commerce Automation enters the scene. 

 What is SAP Ariba Commerce Automation? 

SAP Ariba Commerce Automation is a solution designed to supercharge your procurement processes through powerful automation. Its primary goal is to enhance operational efficiency and ensure a steady supply chain by improving spend visibility and fostering efficient collaboration with suppliers. 

It’s a solution recognized for its innovation and effectiveness, with SAP being recognized as a leader in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Procure-to-Pay (P2P) suites for the seventh consecutive time. 

Key Features: A Deep Dive 

SAP Ariba Commerce Automation comes with a suite of features designed to optimize procurement operations: 

  • Regulatory and Business Process Compliance: The solution ensures digital matching of invoices to POs and contracts, thus enabling compliance with regulatory requirements through e-invoicing. Transactions are validated based on configured business rules, reducing manual intervention and exceptions. 
  • Automated Procurement Workflows: The solution automates manual processes, freeing up workforce capacity, decreasing operating costs, and increasing productivity. It also enables digital delivery of POs to suppliers across a business network. 
  • Supplier Portal: The portal allows suppliers to flip a received PO on the network into an invoice, eliminating data entry and other errors. It also gives suppliers a view into invoice status updates, reducing inquiries. 
  • Invoice Status Portal and Transaction Visibility: This feature provides visibility into orders and invoices with a holistic view of spend. It allows suppliers to configure notifications to receive emails when their invoice status changes, promoting adoption for long-tail suppliers through self-service updates and invoice visibility. 

Impressive Benefits 

The benefits of SAP Ariba Commerce Automation are as significant as its features. These benefits include: 

  • Improved Procurement Compliance: The solution supports business process compliance with highly configurable business rules on the network. 
  • Automation of Spend Management Processes: The solution enhances productivity, lowers operating costs, and frees up people’s capacity by automating paper-based and manual processes. 
  • Increased Transparency of Business Spending: The solution provides a holistic view of organizational spending with greater visibility into orders and invoices in one platform. 

Recent Innovations and Future Outlook 

SAP is not resting on its laurels. Recent innovations and planned updates include: 

  1. Guided Buying: The next evolution in guided buying is here. The new capabilities improve the buying experience and leverage AI, intelligent recommendations, and machine learning. This creates a holistic view of what the buyer is purchasing and how it aligns with their organization’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. 
  1. SAP Central Procurement: The latest release of SAP Central Procurement addresses the challenges associated with centralizing procurement. It delivers the benefits of a uniform, centralized procurement system across all direct and indirect categories — without reworking individual solutions spread across the organization. 
  1. SAP Category Management: A new category management solution, SAP Category Management, is set to roll out this year. It will provide actionable market intelligence and category insights, empowering category managers and procurement professionals to make strategic category decisions. 

 

Statistics Highlighting the Importance of Procurement Optimization 

To underscore the significance of these advancements, let’s consider some compelling statistics: 

  1. Companies that excel at procurement have 20% lower costs, less supply chain disruption, and up to 55% fewer supplier defects (Source: The Hackett Group).
  2. High-performing procurement organizations operate at up to 21% lower labor costs (Source: The Hackett Group).
  3. According to Gartner, by 2023, organizations that have adopted AI in their supply chain management strategy will reduce errors by up to 50%. 

 

From the rollout of SAP Category Management to the enhanced supplier management and the integration of AI and machine learning, SAP is poised to redefine procurement and supply chain management. 

As procurement professionals, we must stay abreast of these developments, leverage these innovative solutions, and drive strategic value and business outcomes in our organizations. 

Jun 01

Macro Finance and Procurement

By Procurement No Comments

Macro Financial Concerns and Procurement in 2023: Are You Ready? 

The year 2023 has presented itself as a period of financial restraint, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) echoed. Global growth is forecasted to fall from 3.4 percent in 2022 to 2.8 percent in 2023, and a more pronounced slowdown in advanced economies demonstrates a tightening macro-financial landscape.  

Furthermore, the financial sector is experiencing turmoil due to high inflation and ongoing geopolitical tensions, increasing market instability. Despite central banks raising interest rates, underlying price pressures are still proving stubborn, suggesting a prolonged period of financial strain.

 

The Impact on Procurement 

These macro-financial changes are placing a new level of pressure on procurement departments. In this context, procurement’s role has evolved significantly.  

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) outlined key procurement trends for 2023, emphasizing the need for sustainability, timely payment to suppliers, investment in technology, and talent management. 

Sustainability has become a primary concern, as customers are increasingly sensitive to ‘greenwashing’ and demand more transparency about the environmental impact of their purchases. This trend pushes organizations to ensure sustainable practices in their supply chains and avoid falling foul of regulations. 

The challenging financial environment has led to 36% of businesses extending payment terms for suppliers in the last 12 months. This contributes to a vicious cycle that impacts cash flow and liquidity, emphasizing the need for improved supplier relationships and strategic payment practices. 

Investment in procurement technology solutions is also growing. Companies are seeking more consumer-like, intuitively designed, and agile solutions to improve efficiencies and work with leaner staff. 

Finally, with the predicted economic environment, there’s a new urgency to fostering a company culture and strategic problem-solving to attract and retain talent​3​ 

 

Navigating Economic Uncertainty with SAP Ariba 

As predicted by the IMF, the global economic outlook for 2023 presents a complex landscape characterized by financial sector turmoil, high inflation, geopolitical uncertainties, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In such an environment, businesses need robust, flexible, and intelligent tools to navigate the choppy waters of global commerce. 

With its comprehensive suite of solutions, SAP Ariba is perfectly positioned to help businesses adapt and thrive in these uncertain times. Its intelligent sourcing tool, for instance, allows companies to identify savings opportunities and assess market dynamics, giving them a competitive edge even in challenging conditions.  

As inflation remains high, the ability to efficiently source and manage direct and indirect goods or services within a single platform becomes a crucial advantage, allowing businesses to reduce their time, effort, and risk associated with sourcing events. 

 

Aligning with Sustainability Trends 

Sustainability is no longer a niche concern; it’s a core business priority. Businesses are increasingly under pressure to demonstrate that their operations and supply chains are sustainable to meet regulatory requirements and appeal to increasingly eco-conscious consumers. 

SAP Ariba’s Supplier Management tool can be a crucial asset. It provides comprehensive tools to help buyers onboard, qualify, segment, and manage supplier performance according to parameters that matter to them. This means businesses can drive spending towards preferred, sustainable suppliers, reduce overall risk, and ensure compliance across their entire supply base. In doing so, companies can turn sustainability from a challenge into an opportunity, bolstering their reputation and gaining a competitive advantage. 

 

Embracing Technology for Greater Efficiency 

SAP Ariba is at the forefront of the trend toward increased investment in procurement technology. Its suite of solutions embodies a consumer-like, intuitively designed, and agile approach that can significantly improve business efficiencies. For example, the SAP Ariba Supply Chain Collaboration tool automates the direct procurement lifecycle, reducing reliance on emails and spreadsheets, shortening cycle times, and increasing productivity. 

SAP Ariba Buying and Invoicing further streamlines the indirect goods and services procurement process. Automating and regulating the management of the entire procurement process helps business leaders eliminate errors and exceptions, manage more spending with less effort, maximize savings and profit margins, and respond flexibly and swiftly to changing demands. 

 

Winning the Talent War 

In the predicted economic environment, fostering a strong company culture and attracting the right talent will become even more essential. SAP Ariba’s user-friendly, intuitive design is crucial in this regard. It makes procurement tasks more engaging and less cumbersome, improving employee satisfaction and retention. 

Furthermore, the Guided Buying feature of SAP Ariba makes the procurement process more intuitive and compliant, making it easier for employees to adhere to procurement policies and procedures. This enhances the effectiveness of procurement teams, freeing them to focus on strategic problem-solving and relationship management, which are crucial skills in the modern, complex business environment. 

In conclusion, SAP Ariba is a powerful tool that can help businesses navigate the challenging economic conditions predicted for 2023, align their operations with key procurement trends, and drive significant efficiency and cost savings. By leveraging its comprehensive suite of solutions, businesses can position themselves to survive and thrive in the uncertain times ahead. 

 

In a time of financial restraint and uncertainty, organizations must leverage tools and strategies to help them navigate these challenges. Armed with solutions like SAP Ariba, procurement departments can play a pivotal role in driving cost savings and efficiencies. The time for organizations to act is now – to survive in the current financial climate and thrive in the years to come. 

 

May 25

Navigating the Supplier Landscape

By Procurement No Comments

Unleashing the Power of SAP Ariba Solutions for Optimized Procurement and Risk Management

 

Supplier management has become a critical aspect of business operations for procurement and supply chain executives in interdependent businesses and complex supply chains.

In fact, according to a report by Ponemon Institute, 53% of organizations have experienced at least one data breach caused by a third party in the past two years. This statistic alone underscores the urgent need for robust supplier lifecycle and risk management.

Fortunately, innovative solutions are available to help professionals navigate this challenging landscape. For instance, SAP Ariba’s Supplier Lifecycle and Performance solution offers various benefits that help streamline supplier management and optimize procurement processes.

Enhancing Supplier Relationships

A strategic procurement process starts with strong supplier relationships. SAP Ariba solutions provide a unified and comprehensive view of supplier information, which helps businesses work effectively with suppliers and withstand disruptions. This increased visibility can drive spend to preferred suppliers, allowing businesses to manage suppliers based on specific parameters and integrate this information with other SAP Ariba solutions.

Maximizing Savings

SAP Ariba’s solutions can also help eliminate savings leakage. With enhanced visibility and control, businesses can ensure employees buy the right products at the right price, allowing negotiated savings to reach the bottom line.

Simplifying Risk Management

Understanding supplier risk is essential in today’s complex business landscape. 2021 data breaches increased by 17% from the previous year, and it’s predicted that supply chain attacks would quadruple in 2021 over the number of 2020 attacks. SAP Ariba’s Supplier Risk solution simplifies supplier risk management by providing actionable insight into high-risk suppliers and focused risk alerts.

Gaining Deeper Insight

With SAP Ariba Supplier Risk, businesses can act fast with insight into the location of at-risk suppliers, the problems they may face, and the orders and shipments impacted by risk. This solution also allows for intelligent control assessments based on suppliers’ inherent risk, enabling businesses to identify suppliers of greatest concern.

Driving Compliance with Embedded Risk Management

Embedding risk management in the procurement process can significantly improve compliance. SAP Ariba Supplier Risk helps reduce the assessment cycle time from months to weeks, improving compliance through third-party risk assessments for each supplier engagement.

Delivering Business, Environmental, and Social Impact

Businesses today are increasingly held accountable for their operations’ social and environmental impact. With SAP Ariba Supplier Risk, companies can find the causes of risk to enable compliance controls that make a difference and provide responsible plans for supplier selection, onboarding, and contracting.

Proactively Mitigating Risks

SAP Ariba Supplier Risk enables businesses to generate and execute issue management and action plans to mitigate risks proactively. This solution also connects to the source-to-pay process to improve compliance.

Receiving Personalized Risk Alerts

The SAP Ariba Supplier Risk solution automatically tracks more than 200 risk incidents, helping businesses proactively monitor financial, operational, environmental, social, regulatory, and legal risks.

In an era where 65% of businesses find it hard to manage cybersecurity risks associated with third parties and 74% believe that third-party vendor selection overlooks potential key risks, SAP Ariba Supplier Risk removes the challenge from supplier risk management. It empowers businesses to work with suppliers that can keep business moving with less risk, monitoring aspects of supplier lifecycle management that may not have been considered before.

The Future of Supplier Management

As businesses continue to evolve, so does the complexity of their supplier networks. An estimated 60% of organizations work with over 1,000 third parties, which is growing as business systems become more complex. Additionally, 71% of businesses expect to become more reliant on third parties in the next two years.

Given these trends, it’s clear that effective supplier lifecycle and risk management are more critical than ever. Advanced solutions like SAP Ariba’s Supplier Lifecycle and Performance and Supplier Risk solutions can help businesses navigate this increasingly complex landscape, enabling them to make better buying decisions, maximize savings, scale compliance, simplify risk management, and more.

With robust supplier management solutions, businesses can turn procurement and supplier management from a challenging task into a strategic advantage. By harnessing the power of SAP Ariba solutions, businesses can mitigate risks and unlock opportunities for growth and innovation. It’s time to reshape the procurement landscape and transform how we manage supplier relationships.

 

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