Strategic supply chain management decisions are made at an enterprise level that determine benefits and efficiencies of the supply chain. These articles and links examine these strategic decisions and how they affect a company's supply chain.
Business professionals responsible for purchasing typically manage procuring raw materials, supplies and services. Managing the supply chain using involves negotiating the contracts required to support a company's production of products or services. The Institute of Supply Management provides resources, tips and tools for procurement professionals. It also offers certification programs that stress the importance of effective purchasing and supply management to an organization. Supporting a company's operations typically means providing a continuous flow of materials and services required for production. By buying competitively from diverse suppliers, purchasing professionals obtain the right amount of quality goods and services at the best price. Negotiating persuasively helps maximize the investment and establish lucrative working relationships with suppliers. By analyzing usage, purchasing professionals work with their suppliers to avoid duplication, errors and waste. Evaluating and certifying suppliers ensures that all purchases meet the established criteria on an ongoing basis. Buyers in purchasing and supply management departments perform the critically important role of negotiating the best deals. Effective purchasing professionals must know what they're buying, how it will be used and the factors that affect quality, cost and delivery. Service and support needs must also be analyzed and discussed. By conducting thorough research and communicating effectively, purchasing professionals secure contracts that are mutually beneficial to both companies. These contribute to long-term, productive partnerships that are important