Why is procurement and supply chain management important in companies?
For those who believe that purchasing is "only" about buying goods and services without any long term strategic planning, it is time to think again!

Procurement and Supply Chain Management is so much more, its a strategic partner within the organisation that is responsible for spend management. Purchasing and managing supplies of goods and services is in fact an essential role in any business. It is important that procurement takes a strategic role if companies are to succeed, especially in light of a world pandemic, economic downturn and recession.

What is Procurement and Supply Chain Management?
There is a direct relationship between Procurement and Supply Chain Management. Procurement is the strategic process of sourcing and acquiring the goods and services a company needs to fulfill its business objectives. Purchasing is a set of tasks involved in buying goods and services. Purchasing involves tasks such as ordering, raising purchase orders, receiving, and arranging payment. It involves purchasing of goods and services, not only at the right price, but also at the right quality and quantity, and that the product is delivered on time. Supply Chain Management is the process of transforming goods into products and distributing them to customers as efficiently as possible. 

When preparing a purchase, the need for a specific product or service should be considered, what problems should be solved, what is the cost of the solutions available, what benefits should be achieved and how should the benefits be measured or measured. It is important for those involved in strategic procurement to get to know the market, look at the history, recent sales figures and make plans ahead. Planning involves deciding what to buy, when and from what sources. It is also important to decide which procurement methods to apply, as government agencies and municipalities have used, among other things, open and closed tenders, price inquiries and negotiations.

The aim is also to increase responsibility, transparency, simplification and efficiency in procurement, education and specialization of staff in this field, as well as to share knowledge and experience of, procurement within companies, tenders, price inquiries and other matters relating to the procurement of goods and services in companies. The expert group will promote the importance of procurement in companies as well as disseminate the methodologies and theories related to procurement. Proper and cost-effective procurement will be the guiding principle, for example by seeking the best possible result, taking into account costs and benefits, as well as clear management and defined procedures for purchasing goods and services. The importance of buying products at the right time, at the right price, in the right quantity, and so on.

The aim is for the professional group to meet at least 6 times a year, the agenda will be presented at the beginning of each year. The group will also promote lectures and education on procurement issues. We encourage all those involved in corporate procurement; Managers, experts, representatives and those who are interested in purchasing and consider themselves to have a mission within the group to join it.

Please register on the group's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/346093842194490/