http://blog.procurementleaders.com/procurement-blog/Sigaria Limiteden-GBSquarespace Site Server v5.5.4 (http://www.squarespace.com/)David RaeFri, 03 Jul 2009 08:58:23 +0000http://blog.procurementleaders.com/procurement-blog/2009/6/19/phrase-wars-vendors.html#comments24789:786461:comment/4690376Roland V. PedersenFri, 03 Jul 2009 08:49:42 +0000http://blog.procurementleaders.com/procurement-blog/2009/6/19/phrase-wars-vendors.html#comments24789:786461:comment/4690281Rakesh ShuklaThu, 02 Jul 2009 14:00:37 +0000http://blog.procurementleaders.com/procurement-blog/2009/6/16/one-trillion-dollars-is-a-lot-of-cash-to-have-tied-up.html#comments24789:786461:comment/4674828
How true.

In the financial supply chain, the classic tug o' war is buyers (AP) vs. sellers (AR) -- HOW FAST OR SLOW are invoices paid.

Discounts notwithstanding, buyers want to pay as late as possible while sellers want payment as early as possible. Each party is trying to optimize working capital and when it comes to managing working capital - TIME IS MONEY. The fact is that more businesses fail due to cash flow issues than due to lack of profits.

More here:

http://blog.170systems.com/bid/7636/AP-vs-AR-A-Classic-Tug-O-War-over-Working-Capital]]>Sudripto DeWed, 01 Jul 2009 16:44:26 +0000http://blog.procurementleaders.com/procurement-blog/2009/5/21/procurement-and-marketing-an-unlikely-match-not-at-pg.html#comments24789:786461:comment/4670134
Having said that it is a no-brainer that agency costs can be curtailed in these trying times of stagnating demand, by eliminating wastes. Let us take the case of the Zoozoo ads of Vodafone, with these “live-animated” characters as endorsers, which you would love to watch in the breaks of the popular Twenty-twenty cricketing extravaganza. Even though the agency spent a fortune on costumes, props and the locale of Cape Town, they have eliminated wastes by virtually preventing any post-production work. (you would call it a rework in general parlance). And Vodafone had prepared budget accordingly.

For organizations with whopping marketing spends, there is a possibility of a volume game which comes into play, during marketing purchases. And our procurement experts who are the best in business would be the right fit. But this does not make procurement "cut-coct syndrome" the panacea of all marketing spend management.

The link below gives the clear prerequisites for any organization planning to jump into the marketing-procurement JV bandwagon.

http://www.infosysblogs.com/supply-chain/2009/07/beware_do_not_mix_procurement.html#more

My experience both as a procurement practitioner and a stint in marketing & sales, gives the clear difference in focus among these functional disciplines. Even though it is a “good-to-be” position, but necessary care and mastery in certain aspects of marketing spend analysis is required.]]>Gunilla HuddlestonMon, 29 Jun 2009 14:47:59 +0000http://blog.procurementleaders.com/procurement-blog/2009/6/29/marketing-procurement-does-wpp-news-mean-weve-cracked-it.html#comments24789:786461:comment/4649768http://www.procurementleaders.com/news/network-research/hh-survey/), the concept and creative category was identified by 64% as having the most potential for savings with procurement's involvement.

The economic downturn has no doubt escalated the involvement of procurement and it will be fascinating to see what best practices and measurements for success not only in procurement performance but also marketing planning will follow as a result.]]>John McPhersonWed, 24 Jun 2009 13:20:00 +0000http://blog.procurementleaders.com/procurement-blog/2009/6/11/supply-chain-finance-future-concerns.html#comments24789:786461:comment/4617460
So there are two ways in which a multi-bank SCF solution can be created; either directly by the large corporate ( and we all know the challenges there- mindshare, knowledge, technology, etc). The second, and potentially more interesting scenario, would be the same sort of program as the Bank of England is looking at delivering. A nationalized SCF.

Do we know if there are other countries looking into a nationalized SCF scenario?]]>Andrew DaleyTue, 23 Jun 2009 12:20:14 +0000http://blog.procurementleaders.com/procurement-blog/2009/6/10/the-big-debate-if-sales-earn-commission-so-should-procuremen.html#comments24789:786461:comment/4601267
In over 10 years of recruiting procurement specialists I have never had a role where there is a bonus directly linked to savings achieved. There have been many variations but nothing really close to the classic commission structure available for sales people.

However, I have had many many job seekers suggest that if they were to get such a bonus structure, they would seriously consider a lower basic salary such was there confidence that they would be better off overall.

I think it could be a very popular move amongst the profession but it would take a significant cultural change in many companies for it to happen.

Andrew Daley, Edbury Daley]]>David RaeTue, 23 Jun 2009 09:22:17 +0000http://blog.procurementleaders.com/procurement-blog/2009/6/19/phrase-wars-vendors.html#comments24789:786461:comment/4601051
If they see the relationship as one sided as a vendor-client relationship then the benefits of an equal partnership (innovation, flexibility, collaborative improvement...) will be completely lost.

It can be a subtle change of behaviour or corporate philosophy but one that makes a huge difference.]]>T. ApplegateTue, 23 Jun 2009 08:33:46 +0000http://blog.procurementleaders.com/procurement-blog/2009/6/19/phrase-wars-vendors.html#comments24789:786461:comment/4601005Herb ShieldsMon, 22 Jun 2009 22:25:30 +0000http://blog.procurementleaders.com/procurement-blog/2009/6/19/phrase-wars-vendors.html#comments24789:786461:comment/4591030