Purchasing Departments Listing Vendors
In the traditional supply and procurement approach to managing vendors, Purchasing departments often take a contract-driven approach to selecting, engaging and managing vendors. Preference is given to service providers who have been checked out and meet legal requirements, and are under our umbrella contract on the preferred vendor lists.
Challenge
Vendors on the preferred vendor list may not always meet the requirements of departments for extending their resources or skill requirements. Or the style and approach of a particular vendor may not mesh with how the department works or what is needed. This may cause tension and conflict between Purchasing and the department using vendors. In the past 10 years, many companies have evolved a Sourcing function to take a broader and more strategic approach to engaging vendors.
Experience
We have worked with various functional departments, Purchasing groups, Sourcing Interests Group, and NAPM. Often we can bridge the gap, and create the necessary dialogue understanding between the two groups.
Services
Think180 can provide An objective assessment of departmental needs, while taking Purchasing requirements into account. We act as facilitators, and involve Sourcing or Purchasing in the conduct of our workshops.
Resources
Article "Who Controls Sourcing?"
Outsourcing Matrix
Model - Outsourcing Lifecycle
Podcast Series "Managing Vendors and Contractors"
Workshop - Managing External Resources
Article "Value of Partnering"