What are the most important issues for supply chain/purchasing professionals today?

On March 26, 2009 (12:30 to 1:00 PM EST), the inaugural broadcast of Procurement Insights "PI Window on Business" will air (Episode Link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Jon-Hansen/2009/03/26/PI-Window-on-Pro...).

This first segment will focus on anything and everything dealing with purchasing and the modern supply chain practice. As a result, I would like to invite you to submit questions and/or comments on the issues that concern YOU the most.

All questions will be answered on air by myself and appearing guests. Comments of course will be discussed.

Use the following link to learn more about the PI Window on Procurement show, as well as upcoming episode themes: http://procureinsights.wordpress.com/pi-window-on-business-blog-tal...

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Permalink Reply by Jamie Green on April 14, 2009 at 3:48pm: I think one of the most important issues for SCM Professionals today, as if it hasn't been the same in the past, is how to optimize cost savings whether through local negotioation and/or GPO especially in today's economy filled with monetary crisis.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Hans Dueck on April 22, 2009 at 10:45pm: I think the most inmportant issues in the SCM field are cost optimization. This does not just mean beating your suppliers down on price. I beleive that making and building new systems and finding new efficient ways of doing business are a bigger factor. Although as I am finding out it is harder to make things more efficient in a large organization.
Why does it seam to always come up that cost of materials is the only way to save money in the SCM world. I beleive that working with supplier to implement lean systems, JIT systems (before it becomes Just to Late) and organizing your inventory in a effective manner are simple yet hard to get started ways to serious cost savings.

Hans Dueck; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Karen Price on June 3, 2009 at 9:21pm: I think Spend Analysis is critical now. Rationalize suppliers, and gain complete visibility into all spend. You'd be surprised what we find when we go to work for a company. Seriously, 10% savings I've seen recently on $10,000,000 spend. Some companies offer Spend Analysis for a shared-savings cost. Nothing out of pocket to your company. It seems like a "no brainer." Not to mention, when the economy does pick up, a company that has done the "house cleaning" will be leaner and ready to ramp up better. My motto, as with nearly everything is, the more information you have, the better decision making you can do. Now is the time to get the reporting in place, cut maverick spend, work with suppliers and strengthen relationships.

Just my two cents. Ofcourse, I have to disclose, that I work at a company that provides these services. http://www.enporion.com .; ▶ Reply to This