Procurement Magazine December 2023 | Page 49

for the organisation ’ s lean adoption ,” he says , adding :“ You also need to ensure collaboration with cross-functional teams to understand diverse needs and challenges recognizing procurement within the broader organisational context .”
Alongside this ,, he says there must also be clarity in objectives , and a focus on continuous improvement . This , he stresses , involves “ clearly articulating objectives , guiding the implementation of lean practices , whether that may be reducing lead times , minimising inventory or enhancing supplier relationships ”.
This , he says , is reinforced by “ a continuous improvement culture ”, designed to encourage regular reviews of performance , as well as feedback and learning from successes and failures . Vengat says such an approach needs to be adopted both inside a business and externally , in collaboration with suppliers . “ Collaborate transparently with suppliers ,” says Vengat . “ Sharing forecasts and working jointly to identify areas for improvement is critical .”
His final advice is to maintain adaptability throughout the project . “ Always be open to change ,” he advises . “ Dynamic business environments demand flexibility of procurement .
He adds :“ By adhering to these guidelines , organisations can successfully implement lean procurement , driving efficiency , reducing costs and fortifying overall supply chain resilience .” procurementmag . com 49