Procurement specialist exemplifies value of Lean supply chain

Supply management and spend analysis consultant BravoSolution reported this week that it sustained its eighth consecutive year of profitable growth in 2011. The company pointed to its process improvement and Lean management strategies as being behind much of the growth.

Through effective supply chain management and quality improvement efforts, BravoSolution managed to glean a 95 percent customer retention rate and spending visibility across more than $650 billion worldwide.

“Executive teams at companies across the world are becoming much smarter about procurement,” said Marc Bergeron, general manager of BravoSolution U.S. “They understand the impact it has on profitability and growth, especially in a volatile economy.”

The key is in meeting customer demands with the right combination of people, processes and technology, Bergeron added. Organizations must align themselves with the supply management objectives of their clients.

Economic, political and environmental uncertainty has broadened the risk profile for supply chains and procurement professionals worldwide. This trend has driven many companies to invest in continuous improvement to sustain growth and cushion themselves against excessive risk.