Procurement Professionals – I Don’t Suppose You are Feeling Overwhelmed…

If you are a procurement professional, feeling overwhelmed often goes with the territory.

59 of the 61 people I spoke to at ISM 2018 two weeks ago are feeling overwhelmed by these issues or similar ones. They were at the conference looking for answers.

I don’t suppose you are struggling with…

  • The demands of internal stakeholders
  • Too many RFPs and too little time
  • Complicated award scenarios that Excel can’t handle
  • Increasing costs and profitability challenges
  • Your internal process that stakeholders routinely work around
  • An overloaded inbox with questions from irritated suppliers
  • Working nights and weekends and rarely enjoying time with family and friends

I get it.

The next question is: “How can I convince the powers that be that there is a better way?”

Can I make a suggestion?

I realize that you don’t have a lot of time but if you don’t put a plan together to change this you will be in the same situation next year, the year after or maybe five years from now.

I am sure you don’t want that.

Of the issues I listed at the beginning the following fall into the efficiency and effectiveness group:

  • Too many RFPs and too little time
  • Complicated award scenarios that Excel can’t handle
  • An overloaded inbox with questions from irritated suppliers
  • Working nights and weekends

In my experience these issues stem from using offline tools or complicated software that can’t handle all size events.

Continuing to use these systems will cost you 40% of your time until the repeatable parts of these tasks are automated, or you acquire a more agile tool.

The remaining issues are typically based on outdated systems that used to be on paper and are now a patchwork of steps linked with duct tape.

  • Stakeholders need crucial information to run the business and they need the analysis at the time of decision.
  • People will find a way to get what they need and if the system is too complicated or too slow they will find a short cut – again to meet the needs of the business.
  • Reporting in real-time on a dashboard that stakeholders can access will avoid many of the questions before they are asked.
  • If you look closely at these points, automating and simplifying the request process will win over some of those demanding stakeholders.

If you are forced to continue using the existing processes, you can expect that this will cost you 20% of your time. Simply put – working more nights and weekends is inevitable.

If you find yourself thinking “these are issues I deal with way too often” – perhaps it is time to bring in a professional to help your organization get on track.

I can help you demonstrate how much this is costing your company and how much it will continue to cost if nothing changes.

When you build your business case based on what it is costing the company, you will get the attention of the powers that be.

Ask better questions, make changes and 2018 will be your best year ever.

BTW if you missed ISM 2018 – this was a great event in a fun town.

Action Step: If you are uncertain where to start the process of change, a procurement professional like myself can provide guidance and expertise to help your organization achieve the results you want.

If you want to go explore this topic in greater detail, please contact me. I invite you to request 30-minute discovery conversation. In my experience the next step will be apparent at the end of the call. I never assume that what I have to offer will be right for everyone, so don’t expect a sales pitch. You can reach me at 973-936-9672.

If you would like to know more ways to reduce costs without changing the way you do business, simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact information and the best time to reach you.

You Won’t Drift to Success©

Commit to taking the next step.

Until Next Time, I Wish You Great Success in Your Business and in Your Life

Mike Jeffries