WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE
“ CURRENTLY , WE USE A SUITE OF DIFFERENT PROCUREMENT TECH TOOLS ; AT THE HEART OF THIS IS GEP ’ S SMART SUITE ”
JIM TOWNSEND CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER , WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE
The procurement evolution and digital strategy “ WBA ’ s been very progressive with its large-scale transformations in terms of the core elements of business and its digital transformation , but also in procurement ,” Townsend says .
That much is certainly evident , but what exactly instigated this and how has it added business value to customers ? “ Retail and healthcare have revolutionised over the past five years , and the pandemic has further accelerated development within these sectors . Customers and patients expect increased convenience through digital omnichannel experiences , as well as greater value , transparency , sustainability , and diversity ,” Townsend outlines .
Change has been a prevalent theme throughout the last decade , with much of society opting to purchase through multiple channels and maximising the opportunity of the online spaces to match the needs and expectations of generations brought up in a technological world ; the pandemic merely illuminated and sped up this shift .
Explaining the process further , Townsend says : “ We recognised that strategic supply partnerships were crucial to delivering a new sustainable customer offering and that the investments needed to be funded through
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