5 common procurement myths busted
We arm you with some myth-busting one-liners to help you educate your workplace.
Myth: Procurement people are nothing more than over-paid bean counters
Reality: Procurement people have a vastly different role and responsibilities to Finance people, with each contributing differently to the success of the overall business. For procurement, this often means acting as the interface and conduit for the business with external parties and being agents of change and innovation within the business. Procurement people are just as much sales people as they are finance people.
Myth: Procurement is a constant obstacle for other business functions
Reality: Procurement works with other business functions to overcome business obstacles and create better outcomes. Often this is not a quick fix for the short-term; rather it’s an action for the long-term. Obstacle or aid, it’s a deliberate practice for business sustainability.
Myth: Procurement people just get in the way and complicate things
Reality: Procurement people help make things happen, in the right way and with the right resources. This takes effort upfront and should be seen as an opportunity to get things done right. Complications arise from lack of consideration, which is not the case for procurement.
Myth: Procurement is nothing more than glorified outsourcing
Reality: Procurement is the means to consider different options and seek opportunities, get thinking creatively, and forge new and better ways. Outsourcing is a potential strategy that has its appropriate uses, but it’s not the only option that is put in place.
Myth: Procurement departments are always trying to find ways to save costs, but don’t consider the broader cost to the business of what they do
Reality: Cost is a major factor, but it’s more than just a dollar value. Procurement is in a good position to highlight different perspectives and the cost/benefits from business decisions. Savings is one of the tangible outcomes from looking at situations differently.
