Here are some of my thoughts on procurement goals and resolutions for the New Year.

January 5th, 2009

As this author begins a new year of Safesourcing blogs

As this author begins a new year of Safesourcing blogs, it?s no surprise that we take a look at what our procurement goals and resolutions should be for 2009.

I was reading an article in the Arizona Republic today by Andrew Johnson focused on Entrepreneurs titled ?Resolutions for small firms?. This made me think as to why our procurement resolutions need to be that much different regardless of the size of our company. SafeSourcing has sourced product for companies with as few as three stores and companies with thousands of stores. The process and the results are the same and require the same careful focus to drive the desired results. Which could at a minimum include some or all of the flowing…?

1. Lower cost
2. Consistent quality
3. Products that guarantee safety for our consumers
4. Smooth transition to new relationships
5. Quality product specifications
6. Unlimited new sources of supply
7. Well thought out collaboration and aggregation

In the article mentioned above, Mike McDerment CEO of Toronto based online invoicing firm FreshBooks, suggests small business owners do the flowing. This author believes these principles apply to businesses of all sizes.

  1. Focus more on existing customers. Cater to existing clients as new business becomes scarcer.
  2. Look at ways to use new technology to save money. New open source software applications mean you don?t have to shell out a ton of money for license fees.
  3. Make training a priority. Talented workers want to be challenged. Keep them happy by helping them develop new skills.
  4. Take a close look at your supplier chain. You can find ways to save money by reevaluating what suppliers are charging.
  5. Create a small business network. Collaborating with other businesses is one way to save money.

As your organization develops their procurement goals and or resolutions for 2009, use the above guidelines as a source. Simple goals written down are the most achievable. During the balance of this week, we will focus on each of the above five areas in more detail.

We appreciate and look forward to your comments

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