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    Navigating Procurement Challenges in Start-Up Environments

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    When establishing a new Procurement organization, we must consider several factors, sometimes we must implement a procedure that we know it will be temporary. These temporary procedures can serve as crucial stepping stones, allowing us to quickly adapt to immediate needs while we refine our long-term strategies. It’s essential to monitor their effectiveness closely, making adjustments as necessary to ensure they align with our overall goals and lead to sustainable improvements.

    Before deciding on these new Procurement procedure, we must coordinate with several departments in the company, for example Finance, Production, Warehouse, even our own Suppliers and stakeholders. Gathering input from these departments helps us understand their unique challenges and requirements. By fostering collaboration, we can ensure that our temporary procedures are not only effective but also integrated seamlessly into the existing workflows. This approach prepares us for a smoother transition to permanent solutions that meet everyone’s needs.

    One of the biggest challenges is Supplier relationships, we are starting from nothing, must of the time trying to sell our potential volumes to suppliers. Evaluating different supply options for replenishment like, reorder points, fixed-period, demand driven, just-in-time, etc. Building these relationships takes time and trust, which is why transparent communication is vital. Regularly sharing our procurement plans and volumes can encourage suppliers to invest in our partnership. Additionally, as the company grows we should consider leveraging technology to streamline our ordering process and improve demand forecasting. This will not only enhance our efficiency but also strengthen our supplier collaborations, ultimately leading to better pricing and service.

    As we refine our Procurement procedures, it’s crucial to ensure they are adaptable for future integration with an ERP system. This foresight will enhance data consistency and improve decision-making across departments. By aligning our temporary strategies with ERP capabilities, we position ourselves for greater efficiency and scalability in the long run. The role Procurement plays in the blue-printing, module configuration, P2P workflow, etc are crucial to a successful implementation. Moreover, training our procurement team on the ERP system will be essential for maximizing its potential. Understanding how to leverage the system’s functionalities will empower us to make informed decisions and foster collaboration throughout the organization. Continuous feedback from users will help refine processes, ensuring our procurement strategies evolve alongside our business needs. Ultimately, this proactive approach will pave the way for sustainable growth and operational excellence.

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    Alfonso de las Cuevas
    Alfonso de las Cuevas
    Alfonso de las Cuevas is a seasoned procurement and supply chain executive with over 36 years of diverse experience across industries such as food, oil, gas, and technology. Renowned for his strategic vision and technical expertise in SAP and ERP systems, Alfonso has successfully led procurement transformations, streamlined supplier management, and negotiated high-value contracts that drive operational efficiency and sustainable growth. Fluent in English, Spanish, and professionally proficient in Italian, he excels in leading multicultural teams and building strong stakeholder relationships. Alfonso’s career is distinguished by his commitment to excellence, innovation, and fostering inclusive, collaborative environments.