Pre-Conference Workshops:

Building Blocks of SRM
June 15, 2011

Registration 12:30–1 pm

Workshop 1–5 pm

In order to elevate the relationships with suppliers to truly gain the full range of business benefits, organizations need to move beyond transactional vendor relationships to be more strategic and collaborative in nature, which can only be achieved through an effective Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) program. There is an increasing amount of advice available about SRM “best practices,” but research continuously shows enormous disparity in the results companies achieve through their SRM programs. This is mainly because SRM is not well defined or properly developed within the organization.

During the workshop you will gain an understanding in the fundamental strategic principles of SRM to be able to create the proper foundational structure for your strategy. In doing so you will be able to deliver step changing value creations well beyond cost savings and ensure long term support from the business. Included in the discussion will be:

• Building and articulating the business case for continued investment in SRM
• Define the main focus and scope of your strategy, including supplier segmentation
• Ensure a trusting and collaborate environment, both internally and externally
• Balance the long-term goals of collaboration and innovation with the short-term need to contain costs

Jonathan Hughes, Partner, Sourcing & Supplier Management Practice Leader, Vantage Partners