With more and more companies following the trend in digitalising their supply chains, the potential risks of data-leaks and cyberattacks also increase.

Times have changed, and purchasing preferences have changed with it. Buying from a company that takes supply-chain sustainability seriously is now one of the most important criteria for consumers – and companies now need to adapt to help shape a better future.

A recent report conducted by Accenture among supply chain leaders revealed that when it comes to being advanced in terms of technology, talent and processes, only 4% of organisations meet this level – and only 34% are expected to reach the future-ready status by the end of 2023.

Emerging technologies consistently present new opportunities for Procurement to adapt for their own working practices – especially when it comes to helping improve processes, increase traceability, reduce costs and automate laborious activities. 

To become an expert at bomb disposal you need to understand the bomb maker’s mind.   So says Major Chris Hunter who encountered some of the most challenging life and death situations, during tours of Iraq and Iran.

Much is said about how good supplier data can help procurement make better decisions, negotiate more favourable pricing, and help avoid possible risks and disruptions in the supply chain, but how does bad supplier data affect the supply chain?

A recent survey conducted by Amazon Business with 250 B2B buyers and procurement professionals found that 91% (nine in 10) prefer e-procurement over traditional purchasing.

During the months of May and June 2021, Procurious and Ivalua surveyed over 470 procurement and supply chain professionals in order to assess the maturity levels of sustainability across multiple supply chains, what impact organisations are driving, and how sustainability can be improved by procurement teams.

Tail spend has a specific set of challenges, quite different to those faced with the management of strategic spend. We recently spoke with several procurment leaders about some of these challenges and how they might be addressed.