[Skip to content]

Supply Management logo

The purchasing and supply website

.

SRM resources

  • Meeting and greetingWe would like to set up a 'meet the buyer' event for our suppliers. What would your top three recommendations be?
  • ''Bleak winter'' for manufacturing sectorAccording to CIPS CEO David Noble the sector is in for a gloomy period in the next few months.
  • Room for manoeuvre in a monopolyWe are about to enter negotiations with a monopoly supplier. Can you suggest any ways in which we could win better terms?
  • Huge divergence in European manufacturing recoveryStrong growth in the manufacturing sector in Germany and France contrasted with contractions in Spain and Greece, the latest Markit Eurozone Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index found.
  • Mileage in respectWould your suppliers go above and beyond the call of duty for you should the need arise? To ensure they do so, you need to treat them fairly, says Sue Hornibrook
  • Growth in UK manufacturing begins to slowThe UK manufacturing sector is growing at its lowest rate since September 2009, according to the latest Markit/CIPS UK Manufacturing PMI.
  • South African manufacturing growth set to stallManufacturing growth in South Africa is likely to falter in the second half of 2010, despite expanding in August for the first time in three months.
  • Good news for US manufacturing growthManufacturing activity in the US continues to grow with new orders and jobs on the rise, the latest monthly PMI report from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) shows.
  • Speculate to innovateWe would like to encourage innovation among our suppliers, developing new products and services together. What is the best way to achieve this and what are the potential pitfalls? Senior buyer, Southampton
  • It's time to pop the questionWe have dealt with suppliers on an informal basis for more than six years. I have recommended to the company we sign formal deals with them. How can I do this without harming our relationship? Purchasing manager, Cheshire
  • Together is betterAs UK industry and government look for new ways of working together, a new standard for collaboration has been developed to provide rules and guidance for business, says David Hawkins
  • Engineer a shift in spend habitsI have been asked to take on, review and make savings to our company's engineering consumable spend. How do I approach it without damaging relationships with our engineers and suppliers? Purchasing and logistics manager, South Wales
  • Guide to Supplier AppraisalThe second of Supply Management's practical guides to the basics of purchasing and supply covers how to evaluate suppliers
  • Time for a database clear outWe maintain details of thousands of vendors, many of whom we never or rarely use. What is the most efficient way of managing a supplier database to make it relevant and cost-effective?
  • A deal that looks good on paperI need to draw up a strategy for print procurement, specifically for letterheads, business cards, leaflets and reports. But I can't guarantee any volumes to suppliers. How can I get the best deal?
  • How do I measure SRM?Our company is developing a supplier relationship management programme, but is struggling to calculate the cash benefit of it. Is there a formula that could be applied?
  • Uncovering hidden costsThe issue of cost has never had such a great focus. Irrespective of sector, size or situation, the economic downturn has driven cost high up organisations' agendas.
  • On your marksIt's essential to have the right supplier, but how do you decide who's fit for the job? Peter Smith examines the pros and cons of a few approaches to assessing bids and tenders
  • Know the scoreA collaborative supplier evaluation project reinvigorated the supply chain at US home improvement chain Masco. Cheryl Phillips and Steven Melnyk explain how it was achieved
  • 6 steps to better SRMCost-cutting pressures have overshadowed SRM during this recession. But, writes Alan Day, procurement leaders need to upgrade their capabilities to be ready for recovery
  • Time to break the monolopyI have been asked to buy a piece of technology. We have two major vendors supplying to different regions, which results in a lack of competition. How can I get the best deals?
  • Attract the right interestI am keen to find new suppliers to my company for services we require. What is the best method of identifying potential candidates and attracting them to tender?

Editor's choice

Configure your Portal

  • SRM (left)
Configuration

HOW TO

  • Guide to Supplier AppraisalThe second of Supply Management's practical guides to the basics of purchasing and supply covers how to evaluate suppliers 10 June 2010
  • Uncovering hidden costsThe issue of cost has never had such a great focus. Irrespective of sector, size or situation, the economic downturn has driven cost high up organisations' agendas. 07 January 2010

BLOG

  • Support from the top is crucial to SRM
    If the board executives don't think strong relationships with suppliers are valuable, it's tough for procurement to succeed with this agenda. 17 May 2013
  • SRM (right)
Configuration
Comments
Please enter your comments below
Fill out the all the boxes and click the 'Submit comments' button to make a comment on this page
*Comments are added to the bottom of the page. They are moderated and will not be published until approved by the Supply Management team. They may be edited. Please note unless marked “confidential” your feedback may be published on our letters page