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Writer's pictureAugust Consulting

Streamlining Procurement for Australian Organisations: Balancing Time and Value

Updated: Oct 18, 2023

In the fast-paced world of Australian business, with evolving markets and fierce competition, the efficient management of procurement processes has become more important than ever. Effective procurement extends beyond purchasing; it includes strategic planning, optimising, and ultimately, ensuring the sustainability and success of organisations.

August Consulting | Procurement specialists sitting analysis data around a table.

The challenge that many businesses are now faced with is finding the delicate balance between saving time and maximising value in their operations. For procurement professionals and organisational leaders striving to leverage profitability and efficiency, it’s crucial to take a step back to reassess their roles critically. It’s about discerning what part of the procurement process truly adds value and what part consumes time without delivering proportionate benefits.


Identifying the Time vs. Value Piece

How can organisations identify the time vs. value piece in their procurement processes? It begins with pausing and reflecting; is time better spent implementing automation for routine tasks, or should a more comprehensive re-engineering of the entire process be considered to enhance efficiency and effectiveness?


Time: A Precious Commodity

Time is a precious resource in today’s fast-paced business environment. Procurement professionals often juggle numerous tasks, from negotiating contracts to managing suppliers and analysing spending patterns. It’s imperative to pinpoint activities that consume excessive time without delivering a proportional value return.


Value: The Ultimate Goal

Procurement strategy should always align with the broader organisational goal of delivering value. Value can be considered in terms of cost savings, supplier relationships, or strategic contributions. Consequently, the time spent within the procurement process is an investment in delivering tangible value to the organisation.


August Consulting | infographic explaining how to unlock profit potential in a business

Leveraging Automation for Efficiency

One way to balance the time vs. value equation is through automation. Routine and time-consuming tasks can often be automated, releasing valuable resources. In addition to saving time, automation also minimises the risk of errors, ensuring that procurement professionals can focus their efforts on strategic, high-value activities.


Process Re-Engineering for Transformation

Despite the benefits, automation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Sometimes, it necessitates a more holistic approach through process re-engineering. Organisations should consider re-evaluating their entire procurement process to identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks. This comprehensive approach can lead to transformative changes that result in substantial time and cost savings.


Shaping the Future of Procurement Success

Rethinking the approach to procurement strategy offers organisations a pivotal opportunity to balance the time vs. value equation. It calls for a critical reassessment of processes and the chance to streamline procurement functions, drive innovation and deliver quantifiable benefits that resonate throughout the organisation.


To learn more about how you can embrace the power of PaaS and lead your organisation into a new era of procurement strategy, contact August Consulting by phone, email, or via social media channels.

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