Training

Good supply market knowledge is the backbone of any effective category management strategy. Critical sourcing, pricing and risk management decisions cannot be made without a holistic understanding of the structure, conditions, and dynamics of the supply market. This course provide participants with a methodology as well as tools and templates, to gather the right market intelligence, thoroughly evaluate their supply markets, and integrate the analysis into their sourcing, negotiation and risk management strategies.

Supply managers are entrusted with an important fiscal responsibility: to effectively manage the costs associated with the products, services and assets they procure for their companies. To fulfill it, they must ensure that prices paid to suppliers are appropriate, and that the items are acquired in ways that result in the lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). This course provides participants with tools and techniques to effectively analyze category costs and evaluate supplier prices across products, services and capital spends. They also learn how to use their analyses to negotiate and establish prices with suppliers, and manage overall category costs.

Good supplier relationships offer a great many benefits and can play a critical role in helping companies achieve significant competitive advantages. They serve to assure supply, reduce costs, improve processes and drive innovation. While many companies recognize the value of supplier relationships, few have a structured, systematic approach to managing them in ways that tap the full potential of the supply network. As a result valuable opportunities are left unexploited on the table. This course provides participants with a structured approach and effective practices to define, nurture, and manage truly value-driven relationships. It will help drive big returns on the investments of time and resources companies make in their suppliers.

Supply management has evolved into a predominant risk management function for companies. Outsourcing, the globalization of supply networks, and the unending drive towards lean operations have all significantly amplified the complexity of supply chains. Supply chains have thus become increasingly vulnerable to a wide array of risks – trends and events that can disrupt the flow of critical products and service. Supply risks that aren’t properly managed can cost companies millions (or billions in some cases) in additional expenses, lost sales and market share. Supply management is at the forefront of managing these risks. To be effective, risk management must be fully integrated into every category management activity that the supply management team undertakes. This course provide participants with a methodology to assess the business risks associated with their respective categories and develop well thought-out strategies and plans to avoid or mitigate them.

This course is an overview of the supply management charter and covers key processes, programs and best practices for effective supply management. It is intended for personnel who are responsible for establishing and implementing supply chain processes across a business unit/company, as well as individuals from internal stakeholder groups, whose buy-in is critical for supply management teams to deliver to their full potential.