Today too purchasing departments face numerous challenges: changes in the supply chain risk putting this sector, considered central and strategic for the future, in difficulty.
During IUNGOforum 2024an annual event organized by JOINa survey was conducted to better understand the challenges of the purchasing department. The more than 250 participants agreed that the transformation we face is very profound and new tools and processes are needed to be successful.
The analysis revealed that if 25.45% of companies still adopt a traditional vision focused on cost control and operational management, 32.73% of respondents instead see purchases as a strategic elementwith almost one CPO in three considering the evolution of the sector an essential step to adapt to a complex and dynamic context.
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A strategic approach to purchasing management leads to numerous advantages; in particular, participants mentioned more time for strategic activities thanks to the automation of operations (25.53%), the improvement of relationships with suppliers which promotes stability and growth (17.65%) and cost reductionalong with increased supply chain visibility (15.29%).
“This transformation reflects a increasingly marked tendency to make the purchasing function not only reactive, but proactivecapable of contributing in a strategic and innovative way to the entire organization” he commented Micaela ValentCOO Area Solutions of IUNGO.
However, it is necessary to face new challenges develop specific skills that some companies still don’t have. The survey revealed that the key areas identified by professionals aredata analysis (18,64%), l’continuous learning (15.25%), the cross-functional collaboration (11.86%) and the supplier management and negotiation skills to build solid relationships (10.73%).
“The survey confirmed that the purchasing function is experiencing profound change, with managers called upon to play a leadership role in the evolution of the supply chain. The goal is to make it more efficient, resilient and strategic. To do this, it is essential to acquire new skills, adopt innovative methodologies and build solid partnership relationshipskey elements to face future challenges and ensure sustainable value creation for the company” concluded Valent.
Source: www.tomshw.it
