INVERTO Supply Management News, published four times a year, provides valuable information about key issues and developments in procurement and supply chain management. Subscribe today to receive INVERTO Supply Management News by e-mail or post.
Rapid change is fast becoming the norm and it is increasingly difficult to forecast economic developments with any degree of certainty. We demonstrate how companies can adjust to groeing volatility by injecting more flexibility into their structures.
Also covered: optimising procurement at Siteco Beleuchtungstechnik, new INVERTO office in Austria, range planning in the fashion retail sector, Peter Wessman a new Partner at INVERTO.
Companies are facing major challenges in global markets: They not only have to be faster and better than their competition – they also have to be more cost-effective. We believe the best way for organisations to exceed customer requirements is for them to take an integrated and professional approach to Supply Chain Management.
Also covered: Valora Logistik profits from its own logistics infrastructure, Pharma manufacturer Patheon optimises its global procurement function, Online assessment tool extends INVERTO HR services, e-contor sourcing software.
Raw material prices have been volatile over recent years.
Our annual survey has confirmed that the procurement of raw materials is now a headline issue in all sectors. How are European firms placed when it comes to raw materials management?
Also covered: The opening of our Munich office, INVERTO UK at the Institute of Directors, an audit trip to China with the WHU, Guido Klentner becomes a new partner at INVERTO.
Procurement is still an often overlooked function at banks and financial service providers. Using Sparkasse Bremen as an example, we demonstrate how the banking industry can achieve significant savings and enhance organisational efficiency by improving procurement practices.
Also covered: Optimising the procurement of key products at Lista AG, the sourcing market in Japan, central procurement at Polish energy firm PGNiG.
Companies sourcing goods from China are increasingly reporting a range of difficulties, from dramatic price increases and delivery bottlenecks to complete supplier failures. What is it all about?
Also covered: Purchasing one-off requirements in project business at Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH, Indian automotive supplier SETCO optimises strategic procurement, boosting performance in operational procurement, forecast models for raw materials price trends.
One of the most important challenges for procurement teams is coping with dwindling resources. A cross-sector study conducted by INVERTO has shown that many companies have still not put in place comprehensive and systematic raw materials management.
Also covered: The appreciation of China’s currency, procurement in the mining industry at KGHM Polska, sourcing flavourings and additives, India as a hub for food sourcing, e-map as a new tool for marketing procurement.
This special issue provides an overview of how INVERTO has grown and cites numerous project examples that illustrate what day-to-day work in our company is like. People who have played a part in our ten year history also have their say, including clients, business partners and our own team.
Also covered: An interview with the founders of INVERTO, the story behind e-contor Sourcing Suite procurement software, presentation of our international offices, publishing announcement of the book “Hamster oder Haifisch?” (Hamster or shark?).
Every company has felt the effects of the global economic crisis. And yet, family-run companies achieve more consistent rates of growth over the long term. As part of a study, INVERTO AG asked some 300 family businesses about their current situation and what the future holds for procurement and sourcing in their organisation.
Also covered: Optimising indirect procurement at Valora AG, development in raw materials prices in spring 2010, labour shortages in China, duo in charge in Warsaw.
Supply management is still far too often overlooked in the healthcare sector. How do buyers in the healthcare sector balance cost pressures against the expectations of hospital authorities?
Also covered: Marketing procurement at Freixenet Germany, managing raw materials prices at the touch of a button with e-contor Sourcing Suite, potential savings for manufacturers of generic medicines, motorcycle sourcing in China.
China has long been much more than just a sourcing market for cheap and simple products. China is one of the driving forces behind the global economy. It remains a “must” for procurement managers, but the economic crisis and a number of years’ experience in China have led to some uncertainty over how to approach this market. We address the question of how successful sourcing works in today’s China.
Also covered: Procurement in the construction sector using the Jansen Building Group as an example, marketing procurement, new faces in London and Mumbai, raw materials news, study on marketing procurement in the trade sector conducted by the EHI Retail Institut and INVERTO.