CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

The reduction in time spent on contract redlining when utilising AI

To deliver on this, procurement teams need stronger commercial judgement, stakeholder influence and the ability to build relationships.

“ Procurement these days needs to speak the language of R & D, of P & L, of quality, of resilience, of sustainability, as well as proving we spend the company’ s money wisely and responsibly. Critically, this needs to be supported by good data and the right governance,” Ard explains.

Taking a closer look at sustainability, Ard states that ESG is not something that Schneider Electric adds on at renewal.“ It’ s what it takes to do business with Schneider Electric. And it’ s not optional,” he says.“ It’ s firmly embedded and a measurable part of how we evaluate suppliers alongside cost, quality and delivery. We use a structured ESG assessment approach that recognises suppliers are at different maturity levels, from basic compliance through to more advanced sustainability practices.

“ For areas where progress is possible, we take a more developmental pathway and work closely with suppliers to help them improve over time. We believe that’ s how you work with strategic suppliers. Based on joint conviction, not forced to accept in a contract renewal.”

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