by Janice Marquardt | Nov 18, 2025 | Definitions, Org Chart, Processes
I once had a supervisor who was obsessed with what he called “the 4-box model” of procurement. His version graphed supply chain complexity/risk on the y-axis and supply chain cost on the x-axis, classifying suppliers into one of the four resulting quadrants. Low cost...
by Janice Marquardt | Oct 21, 2025 | Creative Solutions, Processes
People often tell me starting their own business is their dream. They imagine a world with fewer meetings, more control over their own schedule, and being their own boss. While all these things are somewhat true, there’s definitely a “the grass is greener” effect in...
by Janice Marquardt | Oct 14, 2025 | Contracts, Processes, Uncategorized
There are multiple reasons to attend conferences: networking, being visible in your professional community, and especially learning new things. If you’re like me previously in my career and can’t attend conferences for various reasons, I can bring back at least a...
by Janice Marquardt | Oct 7, 2025 | Definitions, Org Chart, Processes
A perennial favorite topic in procurement is category management. It’s one of the first steps in improving an organization’s supply chain maturity and is a huge step in going from a purchasing team of PO-cutters and expediters to building real, strategic, long-term...
by Janice Marquardt | Sep 16, 2025 | Contracts, Processes
Following last week’s article, you’ve decided you need more contracts to add value and reduce your supply chain risk. Maybe you have a couple of blanket POs and want written terms, or maybe you have a couple contracts on supplier paper. But now what? What does the...
by Janice Marquardt | Sep 2, 2025 | Benefits, Contracts, Processes, Supply Chain Career
Are you ready for the holidays? Those of you in retail are responding, “Of course, I’ve had to be worrying about stocking up and overseas freight for weeks now. After all, some FedEx Demand Surcharges start on September 29th this year.” The rest of you might be...
