by Janice Marquardt | Jun 30, 2026 | Supply Chain Career
Procurement can be incredibly variable in its workload. Some weeks we’re running flat out with multiple contract signatures, RFPs due, and technical evaluations completing ready for the next step. Some weeks are quieter with RFPs in flight, technical teams going...
by Janice Marquardt | May 26, 2026 | Conferences, Creative Solutions
For a utility conference, the keynotes were shockingly (refreshingly?) non-utility. I just got back from the Utility Supply Management Alliance (USMA) conference in Florida, and what an interesting conference! I got done typing my notes from the four (!) keynotes at...
by Janice Marquardt | Apr 28, 2026 | Creative Solutions
“AI can draft, or edit, but it can’t do both.” This is the best summary I’ve heard of large language models so far, and struck me as simple and profound. My brother uttered this phrase at a recent small family gathering, where we had gathered to celebrate my father’s...
by Janice Marquardt | Mar 3, 2026 | e-Auctions
Here’s a truth that will not surprise you: Sometimes people don’t want to do an e-auction. I’ve talked about convincing the skeptics in the context of procurement transformation, but this is more specific. This sounds like, “An e-auction might be a good idea, BUT . ....
by Janice Marquardt | Feb 17, 2026 | Creative Solutions, e-Auctions, Processes
This week was the week of shifting sands. I’m not sure why this was the week, but multiple e-auctions I’ve been involved with had last-minute changes, unexpected challenges, and a bit of a scramble. This is a learning opportunity for how to deal with very specific...
