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SRM Q&As

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SRM Q&As

  • Meeting and greetingWe would like to set up a 'meet the buyer' event for our suppliers. What would your top three recommendations be? 13 September 2012
  • 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? 17 March 2011
  • 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 05 August 2010
  • 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 22 July 2010
  • 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 24 June 2010
  • 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? 27 May 2010
  • 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? 13 May 2010
  • 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? 18 March 2010
  • 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? 14 May 2009
  • 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? 16 April 2009

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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

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  • 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
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