Category: Definitions
-
Unveiling the Dynamics of the Supply Chain Cycle: From Demand Planning to Supply Planning
In this segment of our comprehensive series exploring the entire supply chain cycle, we delve into the central aspect of the planning function: demand and supply planning. In larger or more mature supply chain teams, these planning functions often form integral parts of core supply chain responsibilities. Conversely, in less integrated teams or certain organizations,… Read more
-
Unveiling the Dynamics of the Supply Chain Cycle: From Contracts to Business Planning
Embarking on the first installment of our comprehensive series delving into the intricacies of the full supply chain cycle, we kick off by exploring the critical junctures of contracts, sourcing, and business planning. While we could start anywhere in this cycle, let’s start from the top. Within this model, eight main components encapsulate major processes… Read more
-
Elevating Negotiation Mastery: Strategies for Success Beyond the Basics
In our ongoing exploration of negotiation dynamics, it’s high time we delve into fundamental aspects: the basic parameters and rules that underpin successful negotiations. Gone are the days of fixating on the physical placement at a negotiation table—our current era emphasizes virtual interactions, with participants toggling mute buttons and cameras on and off. Nonetheless, several… Read more
-
Strategic Negotiations: Building Value Beyond the Bottom Line
Now that you’ve used data to find market rates to negotiate great pricing and you’ve changed the rules to create win-win scenarios with suppliers, where else can you find value in a negotiation? In non-price parameters. As supply chain or procurement professionals, our role is not to simply cut costs. Our role is to build… Read more
-
Unlocking Value: Change the Negotiation Rules to Achieve Win-Win Outcomes
In negotiations, achieving a win-win often involves rule adjustments, not to deceive the other party but to enhance value for both sides. Let’s explore a couple of strategies that can transform the negotiation landscape. Quantity Discounts and Bundling: Boosting value in negotiations is frequently tied to increasing volume, and many goods and services are incredibly… Read more
-
Negotiate Smarter, Not Harder: A Deep Dive into Data-Powered Procurement Methods
The last time I searched for an image depicting negotiation, all I found were variations of two shaking hands – unmistakably two white men in suits. This time, as you can see, there were more diverse options. In today’s business landscape, negotiations rarely play out as two people, regardless of gender, age, or attire, simply… Read more
-
What is an e-Auction?
This very reasonable question almost always comes first when I mention e-Auctions. My first answer is usually that it’s like eBay backwards. An e-Auction, specifically here a reverse English auction, is an online negotiation tool where multiple suppliers bid to sell a specific good or service to a company by decreasing their prices, and the… Read more