In the business environment, where speed and adaptation are competitive advantages, optimizing processes and increasing productivity are increasingly important strategies.
The adoption of agile procurement, or agile procurement, in Portuguese, allows companies to respond quickly to market demands and consumer expectations.
Agile procurement is based on the principles of agile methodologies, adapted to the purchasing sector, prioritizing flexibility, collaboration and continuous delivery of value.
Traditionally, negotiations were focused on the best prices and cost control. However, the current scenario demands more than just savings from the purchasing department.
Agile procurement broadens the scope by also prioritizing innovation, collaboration with suppliers and flexibility to adapt to business needs.
According to a McKinsey report, companies that adopt agile practices in purchasing processes using purchasing management platforms, such as e-Procurement, achieve 70% efficiency.
Below, check out the benefits of agile procurement for your purchasing team and how to implement the strategy in your department's day-to-day activities:
Benefits of agile procurement for B2B purchases:
1. Adaptability and flexibility
The ability to adapt is one of the pillars of agile procurement, enabling purchasing teams to adjust their strategies and operations quickly and efficiently.
One example is the diversification of suppliers, helping to minimize the impacts of shortages in more challenging scenarios.
2. Operational efficiency
O agile procurement improves process efficiency by enabling continuous and rapid adjustments to purchasing operations, reducing response times and improving resource management.
For example, the purchasing automation speeds up order approval and reporting, increasing team productivity.
3. Reduction of costs and more savings
With the agile approach, it is possible to implement more strategic and knowledge-based purchasing practices. data analysis, resulting in significant savings and greater control over expenses.
For example, comparing suppliers' offers, using an automated comparative map, is a way to obtain better prices, terms and payment conditions.
4. Improved collaboration
Agile procurement promotes effective collaboration between requesters, purchasing teams and suppliers, better aligning needs and expectations.
The use of collaborative platforms, such as e-Procurement, facilitates real-time monitoring of purchases, contributing to the reduction of lead time.
5. Visibility and control
The agile approach provides a clearer, more detailed view of purchasing performance and metrics, enabling more proactive management and more informed decisions.
An example is the monitoring of Strategic Purchasing KPIs, such as savings, price evolution and suppliers' compliance with ESG and compliance criteria.
How to implement agile procurement in your purchasing area?
1. Adopt an agile mindset
Having an agile mindset means adapting quickly to changes, collaborating with the team, learning from mistakes and adjusting strategies.
The focus is on continuously delivering value, prioritizing experimentation, feedback and continuous improvement of the purchasing sector.
2. Invest in technology
In the modern world, there is no agility without technology. By automating purchasing processes using platforms such as e-Procurement, manual tasks are eliminated.
In addition to reducing the time needed to complete a purchase, professionals are freed up to direct their strategies towards what really brings value to the business.
3. Foster a collaborative culture
A collaborative culture is essential to the success of agile procurement. Encourage open communication and the exchange of ideas between the purchasing team and other areas of the company.
To achieve agility, collaboration must be promoted not only within the team, but also with suppliers and other stakeholders.
4. Ask suppliers for feedbacks
Suppliers are important partners in providing insights on how to improve and streamline procurement processes.
By regularly soliciting feedback, you can identify opportunities for improvement and adjust strategies, resulting in more efficient collaboration and mutual benefits.
5. Seek continuous learning
The continuous development of skills and competences is essential to keep up with changes in the sector and ensure the effective application of agile practices.
To prepare for the challenges, stay up to date with trends and innovations in purchasing and supply chain. Attend training, workshops and industry events, such as ME B2B Summit.
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