Cost savings, often referred to as hard savings, represent direct and measurable reductions in expenditure relative to a prior benchmark (for example, reduced unit costs), which have an immediate impact on financial performance. In contrast, avoidance cost savings, sometimes categorized as soft savings, are realized by preventing future increases in prices or expenses, thereby safeguarding … Read more

Supplier heatmapping is a visual data analysis method employed by procurement and supply chain professionals to efficiently identify and prioritise suppliers based on value or risk. Rather than manually reviewing spreadsheets, teams utilise colour-coded grids (heatmaps) to detect patterns and anomalies across the supplier portfolio.   How Supplier Heatmapping Operates Heatmaps typically plot suppliers along … Read more

As of March 2026, heightened tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel have closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing major disruption to global energy supply chains and shipping routes. The strait handles about 20% of worldwide oil shipments and 25% of seaborne oil trade, making its closure a significant shock. Shipping traffic has fallen by … Read more

Conflict has always shaped procurement—but since 2010, the pace of change has accelerated dramatically. From the structured systems of the 19th century to the strategic frameworks refined during global conflicts, procurement has evolved into a critical driver of resilience and performance. Today, technologies like AI, Big Data, and digital platforms are transforming procurement from a … Read more

The Polaris UGM-27 missile, now long retired, played a key role in shaping modern procurement strategies. As a nuclear-armed, two-stage, solid-fuel, submarine-launched ballistic missile, Polaris served as the main nuclear weapon of the US Navy from 1961 to 1980. Its development was a turning point for procurement professionals, laying the foundations for strategic practices still … Read more

This post analyses the influence of conflict on civilian procurement strategies, with particular attention to developments since 2010. Historically, procurement practices in both military and civilian contexts have been shaped by warfare, from early market-based exchanges to more structured systems established during the mid-19th century, notably during the US Civil War. The global conflicts of … Read more

My recent Poll showed most people believe procurement corruption can be reduced but not wholly eradicated. Cooperation among governments, businesses, and civil society helps lessen corruption, yet persistent self-interest makes full elimination unlikely. Corruption continues due to weak controls, limited transparency, and collusion, causing high costs, lower quality, and financial loss across sectors. Common Corruption … Read more

A recent Poll highlighted how global events influence procurement strategy. Geopolitical risks are crucial for strategic procurement yet often overlooked by buying professionals. Key geopolitical factors include: Embargoes and sanctions (e.g., West vs Cuba, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Syria; PRC vs Taiwan) Trade wars (notably USA-PRC) Hot wars (e.g., Russia-Ukraine) Cold wars (NATO-Russia, USA-PRC, … Read more

Iran has demonstrated its capacity to disrupt regional energy flows since the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s; however, it remains uncertain whether this influence will impact the outcome of the current conflict. Recent missile attacks by Iran have targeted oil tankers and facilities, resulting in temporary interruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently Brent crude … Read more