Sustainability in supply chains is often associated with renewable energy, sustainable materials and responsible sourcing. But another important factor starts much earlier in the process: demand forecasting. Accurate demand forecasting helps organisations align purchasing, production, inventory and logistics with what [Read More]
El Niño can disrupt global supply chains by changing weather patterns, affecting agricultural production, transport routes, energy supplies and commodity prices. For procurement professionals, this can mean higher costs, longer lead times and increased supplier risk. You may have seen [Read More]
When organisations think about supply chain disruption, they often focus on geopolitical tensions, supplier failures or economic uncertainty. However, one increasingly important factor is the weather. As temperatures continue to rise across many parts of the world, prolonged periods of [Read More]
Direct and indirect procurement are often viewed differently within organisations. Direct procurement is typically associated with production, revenue generation, and supply chain continuity, making it highly visible to senior leaders. Indirect procurement, by contrast, often operates behind the scenes. This [Read More]
When organisations invest in capital expenditure (CAPEX) assets such as machinery, vehicles, IT infrastructure, or production equipment, significant attention is typically given to sourcing, supplier selection, and whole life costing. However, one critical stage of the asset lifecycle is often [Read More]
Whole Life Costing is a procurement approach that helps organisations understand the true cost of an asset over its entire lifecycle, rather than focusing solely on the initial purchase price. While an asset may appear to offer the best value [Read More]
The relationship between supply and demand is becoming increasingly complex, and geopolitics plays a central role in shaping it. Political decisions, conflicts and international relations are no longer distant concerns. They directly influence how goods are produced, distributed and consumed. [Read More]
The ongoing Iran conflict has the potential to significantly disrupt global supply chains. As the Middle East is a key hub for energy production and international shipping routes, instability in the region can have widespread economic consequences. From rising energy [Read More]
Achieving MCIPS is a major milestone for procurement professionals and a clear sign of commitment, capability and career progression. In this Q&A, Andrew shares his journey through CIPS Levels 4, 5 and 6 with Oxford College of Procurement and Supply, [Read More]
Procurement has an established role in securing products and services at the best possible cost. But achieving that consistently depends on more than negotiation. It relies on suppliers delivering reliably, communicating clearly and working collaboratively when challenges arise. In many [Read More]
