• A range of category resources from articles to blogs to white papers, will give members support to manage the complexities of MRO procurement
  • Data and collaboration is key to successful MRO procurement management
  • A complicated process, this partnership means CIPS members receive practical, easy to understand guidance

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), the largest professional body in the world and RS Components, the global distributor for engineers, have forged a partnership to offer CIPS members knowledge resources to unravel complexity to achieve cost savings, and understand the nature of MRO costs.

The insights also include papers covering topics such as Complexity Conceals Potential Cost Savings which outlines the three key methods of unravelling MRO complexity by focusing on the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, analysing consumption data, and tracking savings achieved. Other areas of discovery include Understanding the Distinct Nature of MRO costs which highlights how indirect costs are often missed compared to direct procurement activity.

Members are also advised to put customers first, before cost savings because of the inherent risks and cost implications if things go wrong. RS industry sector manager Chris Cruise explains why procurement teams should put service levels before cost cutting.

Further guidance from the RS Connected Thinking hub includes Simon Roberts explaining why eProcurement is a logical step for most organisations and what to consider when making the switch.

David Noble, Group CEO, CIPS said: “Complexity is the enemy of good procurement practice. As professionals become busier and the world of business more challenging, having straightforward, practical guidance is not only essential but can solve the perpetual procurement conundrum – how to spend well, act ethically, make a difference for my organisation.

“I’m pleased that we continue working together, increasing the insights our members receive. I’m particularly gratified that the partnership offers insight into the use of data to support an understanding of the pattern of trends and associations, behavioural analytics, which is highly valuable to a professional moving towards strategic procurement and supply management. 

“This is the key differentiator between a professional with their finger on the pulse and one who will soon find themselves lost in modern procurement.”

Klaus Goeldenbot, Industrial President, RS, said: “We’re proud to be able to partner with CIPS as a knowledge partner on MRO procurement and share best practice, advice and thought leadership. We’re committed to driving procurement excellence as an enabler for growth. Procurement decision makers are challenged with a changing world, financial pressures and demanding stakeholders and need suppliers with a partnership mentality who can help.

“Our experience and knowledge can enable customers to optimise their suppliers and processes and help define cost-saving strategies to reduce the true cost of procurement, which is significantly more than simply the cost of products. Supply management is a complicated topic but is also a route to a successful business and procurement excellence is an achievable goal we should all strive for.”

For more information on the MRO resources please visit the CIPS website or the RS Connected Thinking Hub