case study of procurement process

Written by Marijn Overvest | Reviewed by Sjoerd Goedhart   Fact Checked by Ruud Emonds | Our editorial policy

Procurement Strategy Case Studies — 5 Insightful Examples

Table of content

  • InDemand’s co-creation model
  • Copenhagen supplies seasonal and diverse organic fruit and vegetables
  • Catalonia’s aim to clean air
  • The Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of the Netherlands procuring textiles
  • Combining procurement models
  • Procurement Expert’s Insights 
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Key takeaways

  • Procurement strategy case studies are real-life examples of how organizations make purchases, showcasing the challenges and decisions they encounter.
  • Successful strategies depend on efficient coordination and collaboration between essential procurement players.
  • Knowing the factors affecting procurement strategizing helps build better procurement outcomes for the company.

Setting the appropriate strategy in procurement is the first step to improving control and effectiveness of the procurement and sourcing activities. However, not everyone knows where to start in their strategy. 

In this article, we will check five procurement strategy case studies that can give you insight into strategies they have used to streamline their processes. We will explore the problems that arise and how they have conquered them with their strategy. 

After reading this article, you will gain enough knowledge on tackling the problems in your procurement by formulating your very own strategy. So, I’d like to make your procurement process more effective than before!

But before you read the whole article, I have created a free-to-download editable procurement strategy template. It’s a PowerPoint file you can use to create your own strategy. I even created a video where I’ll explain how you can use this template.

Example 1 — InDemand, Co-creation Model Helping to Procure Innovation in Public Organizations

Actual case:.

InDemand brought together procurers from three different European Regions namely: Murcia, Oulu, and Paris to test a new co-creation model which is said to be a model that is faster, leaner, and requires fewer resources and overheads. Thus, being more suited to everchanging technologies, such as digital solutions. 

InDemand aims to help promote innovation by combining what the clients need (health professionals of the Murician Health Service), and the development of the solutions in the process of co-creation (a collaboration of health professionals together with tech companies). 

The Murician Health Service (EPICO), used the InDemand model to know the challenges of enhancing accessibility for and follow-up epileptic patients. Thus, a call to companies to co-create an innovative solution alongside clinicians commenced. 

After a tender process was launched, Oxiframe (renamed Aircrum IT) was selected to work together with neurologists and patients. After the engagement process, Servicio Murciano de Salud (SMS) prepared an open tender for a solution. Thus, a bigger company named PULSO won the bid and collaborated with Oxiframe to make an innovative solution. 

Final Deal:

The InDemand model has been leveraged to more than 50 procurement innovation projects. It is estimated that more than 200 organizations submitted a bid for the different calls based on the InDemand model from the numerous procurement organizations. 

Additionally, there was a 100% acceptance of the tool which was found to truly help improve communication between doctors and their patients affected by epilepsy. It has heightened patient satisfaction by up to 50% and led to a quality of life improvement for direct communication between doctors and their patients. 

After the success, it was then tested on 54 patients at the Hospital of Cartagena for 2 months and eventually tested on a wider group. Thus, it is a great example of how to use a co-creation model with companies together with clinicians and their patients. 

What Can We Learn From It?

We can learn here that demand-driven co-creation works, at least in the healthcare sector, to address the problems perceived by parties involved in the creation of a solution. 

Together with the clinicians and the patients, the collaboration worked well. The exchange of ideas, needs, solutions, standard practices, and legal limitations has become a valuable component to co-create an innovative solution. 

Example 2 — The City of Copenhagen Supplying Seasonal and Diverse Organic Fruit and Vegetables

Copenhagen, the most populous city of Denmark, has set a target for 90% of the food served in municipal facilities to be organic. It has also ensured that it was buying seasonal produce to support efforts of strengthening biodiversity in agricultural production in both Danish and foreign producers. 

It is important to note that “seasonality” is not meant to be the seasons in Denmark. Rather, it defines the season somewhere in the world helping to ensure fairness and transparency. 

Furthermore, an extensive market engagement was conducted to ensure the requirements were ambitious and also achievable. The bidders were also asked to complete the “seasonal wheels’ to demonstrate the varieties of the typically used products available throughout the year. 

The first contract was issued in January 2014. However, the tender was abandoned due to multiple errors seen in the bids. The contract was reissued in April 2014. Seven tenders were then submitted and only two of those met the requirements. After that, the contract was awarded in July 2014. 

The innovation in the supply and delivery of products, improved relationships with the suppliers, and greater sustainability initiatives in sourcing food were all positive results of the extensive market dialogue. 

Additionally, the organic food market in Denmark has remarkably grown in recent years and the organic food service market increased up to 33% between the years 2013 and 2014. 

We should take note that there is a risk in carrying out the innovation procurement process that is susceptible to being abandoned due to a lack of competition. The extensive market engagement Copenhagen has done can be time-consuming. 

However, by building a strong knowledge of the market, it is achievable to produce realistic yet innovative specifications or requirements to attract necessary competition. 

Example 3 — Catalonia’s Aim to Clean Air through Clean Vehicle Procurement

Catalonia is an autonomous region in Spain. Its government has passed the responsibility for certain legislative and policy areas, including the environment. The Ministry of Territory and Sustainability is the expert body for environmental policies and leads the promotion of Green Public Procurement in Catalonia. 

The Catalonia government uses GPP to support numerous strategic policies such as reducing negative impacts of consumption and production, promoting eco-innovation and transformation, and supporting other policies that pursue sustainable objectives. 

The government of Catalonia focuses on low-carbon vehicles that align with wider environmental priorities within the region. Air pollution is a specific concern within the wider urban area of Barcelona where nitrogen oxide exceeds the annual limit. 

An Air Quality Plan of the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona has brought 40 municipalities together to solve the air pollution problem. Catalonia’s Government approach to combat air pollution is to provide guidelines on the GPP vehicles, government agreements regarding GPP, eco-labeling to identify low-carbon vehicles and the LIVE platform which is a public-private platform promoting sustainable mobility. 

The GPP guidelines laid out clear and simple criteria that public procurers procurement can follow to buy low-emission vehicles, as well as consider the use of vehicle fleets in the delivery of service contracts. It also includes the maximum energy consumption and technical specifications of the award criteria. 

Additionally, the Catalonia government supports the Catalan Ecolabelling. It is a regional voluntary ecolabel awarded to products and services that fulfill specific environmental quality requirements beyond what is compulsory under the current regulations. 

The result of vehicle-related tenders in the Catalonia region has produced positive impacts on the environment. It is estimated that through its procurement strategy, it has produced energy savings of 2,120 Tons of Oil Equivalent (TOE) and a reduction of 7,166.7 tons of carbon emissions compared to benchmark levels. 

Catalonia’s government approach demonstrates that procurement can play a significant role in contributing to wider environmental policies and public health goals. 

Additionally, by aligning the EU national and regional policies, it is achievable to send a clear message to markets and the citizens of Catalonia about the importance of the environment through sustainable activities. 

ChatGPT Course

Example 4 — The Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of The Netherlands Procuring Textiles Made From Recycled Fibers

The Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (MODNL) is a large public sector buyer that employs around 58,000 people across the army, military police, air force, and other supporting roles. 

It is also one of the 45 public sectors and private parties brought together by the Dutch Government’s Circular Procurement Green Deal, tasking participants in carrying out two circular procurement initiatives between the years 2014 and 2016 to increase knowledge and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. 

One of the areas of focus of MODNL was textiles because it needed to equip its large numbers of personnel with uniforms and other textile products. However, textile production is linked with numerous environmental and social problems. Ultimately, the energy to transform raw materials and manufacture new fibers in the production of textiles has great carbon emissions. 

Therefore, the MODNL began exploring the market for recycled textiles in January 2014 by publishing a request for information and conducting an open meeting with the textile suppliers. This market engagement aimed to know if it is possible to require recycled fibers to be used in the production of certain items. 

Through its market research , it identified that manufacturers were able to meet the requirements around the use of recycled content. However, MODNL must focus on the items’ ability to perform their use rather than the technical values such as the tensile strength. 

The contracts awarded in June 2016 are worth approximately $455,000 for towels and washcloths and $1.46 million for overalls. Only six suppliers submitted their bids and only four of them met the tender requirements. 

Now, two Belgian companies supply the MODNL with towels, washcloths, and overalls. The parties will innovate during the four-year term which could result in a higher percentage of recycled materials later on in the execution of the contract.

Subsequently, a separate eight-year contract was also signed for reuse services where a third party was contracted to sort items of clothing for reuse and resale with income being returned to MODNL. Thus, it results in considerable savings for the MODNL.  

Circular procurement needs suppliers to find alternative inputs and new ways of working. Thus, to assist innovation, the market engagement conducted by the MODNL found that functional rather than technical specifications provided suppliers with more space to innovate and find new ways to meet the MODNL’s material needs. 

We can learn here that when asking the market to work with new materials or in an innovative way, it is necessary to give them more lead-in and response time to consider and prepare non-traditional offers. 

Moreover, it is important to take note that you should not introduce price ceilings based on existing prices, and costs, as expected on a pilot test, can constrain the development potential of new areas. 

Example 5 — Combining Procurement Model For Sustainable Buildings

The South Moravian Region has over a million inhabitants and is the fourth-largest region in the Czech Republic. The landscape of the region is distinguished by its highlands as well as the Moravian Karst. The abundance of caves and gorges provides ideal conditions to treat respiratory diseases. 

The regional government aims to build a new treatment facility for respiratory diseases near the town of Ostrov u Macochy. The procurement approach was set up to give the market the chance to show the best they can offer to create the building as aesthetically pleasing, energy-efficient, and a comfortable place for patients. 

The process includes preliminary consultation and market dialogue to test the feasibility of the procedure and to provide a detailed description of the planned procurement process and requirements of the tenders. 

Furthermore, the procurement procedure combined various methods to filter the bids. The tender itself was awarded using a combination of a competitive procedure with negotiation and an architectural design contest. 

The preparation of the tender process started in April 2018 and the procurement commenced in April 2019 with a total contract value of $6 million. 

Seven suppliers submitted their bids which were to be assessed by an expert independent evaluation committee that recommended the exclusion of one supplier due to flaws in its bid. 

The remaining were then evaluated according to set criteria which are based on the reports of the expert examiners who examined in detail the values offered in the quality of technological and energy solution criteria. 

The contract was awarded to the selected contractor in April 2020. Since then, the construction started in June 2021 and is expected to be done by the end of 2022.

The winning bidder offered numerous sustainable solutions including reusable components of the main construction and interior design layout that enables simple layout adjustments that may be done in the future. The successful bidder also committed to achieving a reduction in the annual consumption of non-renewable primary energy. 

We can learn here that preliminary market consultations are crucial when the contracting authority undertakes a new approach to procurement. Additionally, it is important to present the intentions and goals to potential suppliers, get feedback from the market, and find other information significant to prepare the procurement process. 

All parties involved in the preparation of the actual procurement process were sent a request to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the procurement process they utilized. 

Using the BIM method leads to better execution and more efficient operation of the building. Furthermore, as the tender used numerous methods, it is significant to see the effectiveness of the DB approach as it can be an interesting and legitimate way for contractors to implement large-scale projects. 

Procurement Expert’s Insights on Procurement Strategy Case studies

For this article, we asked an experienced procurement expert to share her insights to help answer common questions about case studies regarding procurement strategy.

Nesrin Chabbah Senior Lead Buyer

LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/nesrin-chabbeh

1. What do most people get wrong about procurement strategy case studies?

“What’s commonly misconceived about procurement strategy, as evident in the given cases, is its potential to profoundly influence organizational objectives beyond mere acquisition efficiency. Procurement transcends simple procurement; it’s a strategic instrument capable of propelling innovation, sustainability, and social advancements. These examples underscore how procurement, when meticulously strategized and implemented, can yield positive effects not just on operational efficiency but also on the environment, public health, and society at large. It involves harmonizing procurement with grander visions and engaging stakeholders for impactful results.”

2. What should people know about procurement strategies if they are planning to start working on this?

“For those embarking on the journey of devising procurement strategies, understanding that it’s not merely about obtaining goods and services is pivotal. Procurement strategy extends to shaping innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. Effective strategies align with broader organizational goals, incorporating sustainability, ethical sourcing, and fostering supplier relationships. Engaging stakeholders and fostering transparency is vital for success. Moreover, the ability to adapt strategies to emerging technologies and market shifts is essential for staying competitive and achieving long-term success in procurement.”

3. From your experience, what is the most important thing you learned about procurement strategy case studies?

“The core lesson in mastering procurement strategy is understanding its dynamic and multifaceted nature. It extends beyond the efficient acquisition of goods and services; it encompasses supply chain optimization, innovation encouragement, sustainable practices, and fostering strong supplier relationships. Crafting an effective strategy demands comprehensive knowledge of market dynamics, legal considerations, risk mitigation, and emerging technologies. Flexibility and adaptability are paramount, as strategies must evolve in response to evolving business landscapes and shifting consumer demands. Ultimately, a well-crafted procurement strategy profoundly influences an organization’s overall performance and its capacity to meet objectives both effectively and responsibly.”

4. What tips can you give them to be effective in procurement strategies?

“To ensure an effective procurement strategy, it’s crucial to align with organizational objectives and understand needs and goals thoroughly. Employ data-driven decision-making, leveraging insights for optimal choices. Prioritize risk management by identifying and mitigating potential supply chain risks. Cultivate strong, transparent relationships with suppliers, adhering to compliance and ethical standards. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, integrating sustainability practices, and optimizing costs through strategic negotiations. Maintain clear communication channels and invest in team training for skill development. Regularly measure performance and adaptability, embracing change as a part of the process. By following these guidelines, you can enhance your procurement strategy and achieve better outcomes.”

5. Can you give us examples of procurement strategy challenges and how you solved them?

“Monitoring supplier performance and their resilience posed significant challenges. However, implementing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), conducting monthly meetings, improving communication, and setting clear goals engaged suppliers, fostering responsibility and driving them to deliver their optimal results.”

The five insightful procurement strategy case studies offer valuable lessons for organizations seeking to enhance their procurement processes.

These case studies emphasize the importance of understanding market dynamics, engaging stakeholders, aligning procurement with broader policy objectives, and fostering innovation through collaboration.

By drawing insights from these examples, organizations can tailor their procurement strategies to address specific challenges and achieve more effective and sustainable outcomes.

Frequently asked questions

What is a procurement strategy case study.

A procurement strategy case study is a real-world example of how organizations buy things, showing the challenges and choices they face.

What types of procurement strategies are commonly explored in case studies?

Case studies may cover a range of procurement strategies, including strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, e-procurement, cost optimization, and sustainability initiatives.

What can organizations learn from mistakes in case studies?

Case studies highlight mistakes made by others, offering useful insights into what went wrong and how to avoid similar issues for better outcomes.

About the author

My name is Marijn Overvest, I’m the founder of Procurement Tactics. I have a deep passion for procurement, and I’ve upskilled over 200 procurement teams from all over the world. When I’m not working, I love running and cycling.

Marijn Overvest Procurement Tactics

10 Procurement Case Studies: Examples & Lessons Learned

Effective procurement practices are crucial across all industries. By examining procurement case studies, we gain valuable insights into the impact of procurement solutions and best practices that can drive success in any industry.

Explore a range of procurement case studies that showcase how organizations in various sectors— non-profit , technology, healthcare , and beyond—have leveraged innovative procurement strategies to overcome challenges and enhance overall efficiency:

Procurement case studies from different industries

By examining procurement case studies from different sectors, we can uncover how organizations have leveraged innovative solutions to address challenges, optimize operations, and achieve remarkable results.

1. Real-life example from energy & utilities sector

The leading utility company faced significant supply chain constraints that extended lead times for crucial transformers and electrical equipment to over two years, jeopardizing their expansion plans and project timelines. 1

A procurement software vendor partnered with the utility company to secure future production slots, negotiate favorable contract terms, and streamline internal processes. This collaboration resulted in a 5% cost reduction through competitive bidding, standardized pricing adjustments, and the creation of unique material codes for better forecasting and budgeting in future projects.

Lessons learned

The case highlights the importance of strategic supplier partnerships, direct negotiations to mitigate supply risk, and the value of streamlining internal processes to improve efficiency and cost savings in procurement.

2. Real-life example from oil & gas sector

A leading global oil and gas company faced inefficiencies, data silos, and governance issues in its procurement process due to reliance on 15 legacy custom solutions, which led to delays, a lack of visibility, and an overly complex approval system. 2

The procurement software vendor implemented its intelligent category management (ICM) system, consolidating the 15 legacy solutions into two centralized systems. This solution digitized contracts, increased eSourcing adoption by 20%, improved procurement ROI by 15%, and provided real-time insights to enhance category strategies, supplier relationships, and overall procurement efficiency. 3

The case demonstrates the benefits of consolidating and centralizing procurement systems, leveraging real-time data and insights for strategic decision-making, and using intelligent category management to improve efficiency, cost savings, and risk management in procurement.

3. Real-life example from the healthcare sector

For more information, check Healthcare Procurement Challenges & Effective Solutions .

Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County faced frequent system failures and limited access to budget details during the purchasing process due to a problematic general ledger system, leading to workflow interruptions and high error frequency. 4

The procurement software provided a requisition solution that offered accurate budget reporting, visibility and transparency throughout the purchasing process, and seamless integration with the hospital’s materials management and ERP systems. This led to improved processing times, reduced errors, and enhanced efficiency.

The case underscores the importance of adopting tailored procurement solutions to overcome system inefficiencies, reduce errors, and streamline operations, leading to significant improvements in budgeting, transparency, and procurement professionals satisfaction. Technology can help procurement teams streamline their processes and improve communication with different suppliers.

4. Real-life example from the non-profit sector

For more information, check Nonprofit Procurement: Checklist & Challenges .

Central Park Conservancy faced a lack of control and chaotic ordering due to a paper-based requisition system that hindered tracking, approvals, and efficient order placement. 5

The procurement software vendor provided an integrated electronic procurement solution that included customized workflows, audit trails, and seamless integration with Blackbaud Financial Edge, enabling accurate tracking of expenditures, encumbrances, and accruals.

The implementation of procurement software significantly streamlined the procurement process, reinforced purchasing policies, and enhanced spend management, leading to improved efficiency, time savings, and better control over financial operations.

5. Real-life example from the financial sector

Hellenic Bank faced a lack of standardization, centralization, and digitalization in its procurement processes, leading to inefficiencies, high costs, and a need for improved compliance with regulatory requirements. 6

The bank implemented an AI-powered source-to-pay software to centralize procurement activities, streamline operations, and integrate key processes such as risk assessment, supplier management, and contract management. The deployment was phased, starting with the source-to-contract module and extending to procure-to-pay functionalities.

For more information, check 10 AI Procurement Use Cases & Case Studies .

The implementation of the procurement tool led to a significant transformation in procurement operations at Hellenic Bank, resulting in standardized processes, enhanced visibility, reduced cycle times, stronger supplier partnerships, and strategic insights. The bank also anticipates further benefits, including cost reductions and improved compliance, as they fully integrate their procurement activities on a single platform.

6. Real-life example from the construction sector

High Speed 2 Ltd. faced the greatest challenge of achieving supply chain transparency and resiliency for the UK’s largest infrastructure project. This involved managing a large number of suppliers and contractors in a complex market, with costs and risks exacerbated by external factors like hyperinflation and labor shortages. 7

HS2 implemented the supply chain management initiative, a focused approach using data-driven collaboration with suppliers to ensure transparency and mitigate risks. The effort involved mapping and assessing critical contracts and suppliers across multiple tiers, leveraging dashboards and innovative methods to deliver valuable insights into the supply chain.

The case study shows that commitment to collaboration and proactive risk management can achieve significant advancements in supply chain transparency, maintaining quality, and ensuring better deals for organizations. HS2’s successful development of supply chain management allowed them to focus on immediate needs, securing value for taxpayers by understanding and managing risks in real-time.

7. Real-life example from the chemical sector

Bioscience company Royal DSM N.V. (DSM)’s indirect procurement processes were fragmented, leading to inefficiencies and excessive time spent on operational tasks, detracting from value-creating activities. The purchase-to-pay process was also suboptimal, with potential payment delays introducing risk. 8

DSM implemented a procurement software solution to digitalize and automate procurement transactions. This included a comprehensive source-to-pay process supported by a robust governance structure and global rollout, starting with a pilot in Brazil to navigate complex tax regulations.

Starting the transformation in a region with complex tax systems, like Brazil, allowed DSM to learn valuable lessons that simplified the global rollout. Effective change management and extensive training, including local language support, were crucial for the successful adoption and deployment of the new procurement processes.

8. Real-life example from the transportation sector

Transport for London (TfL) faced a severe skills shortage and lack of diversity in the transport industry, with a workforce predominantly composed of older white males, while a significant portion of young Londoners were unemployed or out of education. 9

TfL established the Supplier Skills Team and implemented Strategic Labour Needs and Training (SLNT) requirements in contracts. This approach required suppliers to deliver specific skills and employment outputs, with a focus on apprenticeships and job starts for disadvantaged groups. TfL also partnered with charities and employability groups to support these efforts.

Successful outcomes were driven by strong internal buy-in, clear communication of goals with suppliers, effective partnerships with the right organizations, and recognition of achievements. TfL’s approach has led to thousands of apprenticeships, job placements, and the employment of disadvantaged individuals, setting a standard now being adopted by other public sector bodies.

9. Real-life example from the technology sector

Jumio faced challenges in managing its procurement and accounts payable processes , particularly with manual purchase order (PO) matching, which caused bottlenecks and inefficiencies, especially as the company scaled globally across multiple subsidiaries. 10

Jumio implemented an integrated procure-to-pay finance automation solution, which automated PO and invoice processing, self-service supplier onboarding, and improved month-end reconciliation.

Automation of procurement and accounts payable processes significantly reduced workload, improved efficiency by eliminating manual tasks, accelerated financial reconciliation, and ensured seamless integration with their ERP system.

10. Real-life example from the education sector

Pearson, a global leader in education, struggled with disjointed procurement systems that lacked comprehensive spend visibility and compliance enforcement, hindering strategic decision-making. 11

Pearson implemented a business spend management platform to unify their procurement processes, improve risk management, enhance compliance, and achieve better deals, with a focus on user-friendly adoption.

The integration of the procurement software platform significantly increased spend compliance from 22% to 85%, reduced operational inefficiencies, and resulted in high user satisfaction, demonstrating the value of streamlined procurement processes.

Summary of lessons learned from the procurement case studies

  • Procurement software integration significantly increased spend compliance and reduced operational inefficiencies.
  • Automation improved efficiency, reduced manual tasks, and streamlined financial processes.
  • Effective change management and training were crucial for successful adoption.
  • Commitment to collaboration and proactive risk management enhanced supply chain transparency and efficiency.
  • Centralizing procurement systems and using real-time data led to better decision-making and cost savings.

What is a sustainable procurement process?

Sustainable procurement is a critical part of supply chain management, aiming to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. Companies like Walmart have implemented sustainable procurement strategies to reduce their carbon footprint. 12 Sustainable procurement can have a significant impact on the environment and the bottom line.

What is supply chain optimization?

Optimizing the supply chain is a key aspect of procurement, involving the management of parties involved in the procurement process. Competitive bidding and digital solutions can help procurement teams streamline their processes and reduce costs. Data obtained from supply chain optimization can provide detailed information on procurement processes and help procurement professionals make better decisions. Procurement teams play a critical part in the procurement process, requiring strategic goals and specific contracts to achieve success.

Further Readings

  • Top 10 Procurement Software Features & Pr i ces Analyzed

10 AI Procurement Use Cases & Case Studies

  • Non-profit procurement: Checklist & Challenges
  • Healthcare Procurement Challenges & Effective Solutions
  • Procurement Software Comparison, Testing & Benchmarking

If you need further help in finding a vendor or have any questions, feel free to contact us:

External Links

  • 1. Leading Utility Mitigates Supply Risk and Reduces Costs With GEP . GEP SMART. Accessed: 20/August/2024.
  • 2. How a Fortune 500 Oil & Gas Major Partnered With GEP To Achieve a 15% Jump in Procurement ROI . GEP Smart. Accessed: 20/August/2024.
  • 3. How a Fortune 500 Oil & Gas Major Partnered With GEP To Achieve a 15% Jump in Procurement ROI . GEP Smart. Accessed: 20/August/2024.
  • 4. Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County Reduces Costs with PairSoft . PairSoft. Accessed: 20/August/2024.
  • 5. PairSoft Helps Central Park Conservancy Streamline Procurement . PairSoft. Accessed: 20/August/2024.
  • 6. How Hellenic Bank Transformed Its Indirect Procurement Operations With GEP Software . GEP Smart. Accessed: 20/August/2024.
  • 7. High Speed 2’s approach to building supply chain transparency . Procurement leaders. Accessed: 21/August/2024.
  • 8. DSM: Digitalizing global procurement processes for strategic source-to-pay capability . SAP Ariba. Accessed: 21/August/2024.
  • 9. Working with suppliers to achieve social opportunities . PROCURA+. Accessed: 21/August/2024.
  • 10. Jumio Fights Fraud By Delivering a Smarter Identity Verification Experience . Tipalti. Accessed: 21/August/2024.
  • 11. Pearson Gets an A in Business Spend Management . Coupa. Accessed: 21/August/2024.
  • 12. Product Supply Chain Sustainability . Walmart. Accessed: 20/August/2024.

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Case studies.

Read our case studies to see how our clients, including hundreds of Fortune 500 and Global 2000 enterprises, leveraged our supply chain and procurement technology solutions and strategies to overcome significant challenges.

These stories offer an in-depth view of our client engagements and explain exactly how we secured excellent outcomes.

How an American Retailer Saved $25M on Packaging Through Strategic Sourcing Powered by GEP

How an American Retailer Saved $25M on Packaging Through Strategic Sourcing Powered by GEP

case study of procurement process

Consumer Packaged Goods

Global fresh foods company saves millions through supply chain transformation in partnership with gep.

How Hellenic Bank Transformed Its Indirect Procurement Operations With GEP Software

Banking & Financial Services

Global Manufacturer Boosts Compliance and Reduces Maverick Spend With GEP SMART

Industrial Manufacturing

Global manufacturer boosts compliance and reduces maverick spend with gep smart.

Leading Utility Mitigates Supply Risk and Reduces Costs With GEP

Energy & Utilities

Leading utility mitigates supply risk and reduces costs with gep.

GEP Helps Fortune 500 Tech Company Optimize Inventory, Free Up $1 Billion in Working Capital

GEP Helps Fortune 500 Tech Company Optimize Inventory, Free Up $1 Billion in Working Capital

Large Oil & Gas Company Transforms Procurement Operations With GEP SMART

Oil & Gas

Large oil & gas company transforms procurement operations with gep smart.

How a Global Fast-Food Chain Saved $22M on a Key Raw Material Category With GEP

How a Global Fast-Food Chain Saved $22M on a Key Raw Material Category With GEP

Leading Telecom Company Saves $25 Million Through eAuctions by Partnering With GEP

Leading Telecom Company Saves $25 Million Through eAuctions by Partnering With GEP

Key insights.

Procurement and supply chain leaders worldwide look to GEP for process, technology and industry expertise, and we are happy to share our learnings from years of complex problem solving. The GEP Knowledge Bank encompasses proprietary research, issue-orientated white papers and webinars, case studies, and playbooks and primers.

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case study of procurement process

Snack giant unlocks savings to fuel growth

  • Call for Change
  • When Tech Meets Human Ingenuity
  • A Valuable Difference
  • Related Capabilities

Call for change

Companies are redoubling their efforts to give customers what they want when they want it in this highly competitive industry.

A fast-growing multinational food and beverage company wanted to become the global leader in the snack food market, but its fragmented finance and procurement processes meant it couldn’t keep up with changing customer demands or the company’s rapid growth. Employees worked in silos and the company’s operating margins were lower than its peers. Procurement, which was spending more than US $18 billion with suppliers annually, didn’t have visibility into spending and payments were often delayed and duplicative, posing an unnecessary risk.

To grow and meet customer demand, the company leaders knew they had to transform the core order to cash (OTC) and source-to-pay (STP) processes. The business saw shared services as an integral way of attaining greater efficiency, market responsiveness, improve productivity, grow the bottom line and meet customer demands.

case study of procurement process

When tech meets human ingenuity

Using SynOps , Accenture’s platform that connects intelligent technologies, talent and data and analytics, to move their OTC and PTP operations to an intelligent operating model would help to drive efficiency, accelerate business growth and help the company safeguard its financial health.

Order to cash

$217 million in working capital freed up due to improvements in process efficiencies, up by 34%. Enhanced productivity, analytics and automation helped strengthen management of customer payments.

Source to pay

The procurement team has implemented new technologies, analytics and ways of working have generated $23 million in identified savings.

A valuable difference

Using SynOps to accelerate its move to intelligent operations, the company operates faster and more efficiently and generated more than US $550 million in savings. The company can invest these savings in new products and better customer and supplier experiences.

in working capital savings due to new sustainable OTC processes that have improved efficiencies.

addition in cash flow, due to improvements in days payable outstanding (DPO)

increase in correct customer invoices through touchless cash applications that automatically match payments.

Related capabilities

Procurement, finance bps.

IMAGES

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  2. Procurement Process in 7 Simple Steps, Procurement Cycle| SpendEdge

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  3. What is the Procurement Process?

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  4. What Is Procurement? Types, Processes & Technology

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VIDEO

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  2. eProcurement Business Case

  3. Secrets of E-Commerce and Supply Chain

  4. CfA Summit 2013

  5. URBACT Case Study on Public Procurement for Food: Brussels-Capital Region (BE)

  6. URBACT Case Study on Public Procurement for Food: Liège (BE)

COMMENTS

  1. Procurement Case Studies

    Procurement case studies are helpful to draw inspiration from as they offer real-life examples of challenges and solutions, allowing you to learn from the successes and mistakes of others. ... Given the achieved result, I still stand by the process, but if you want to ensure they will continue to do business with you in the future, it is ...

  2. Procurement Strategy Case Studies

    The five insightful procurement strategy case studies offer valuable lessons for organizations seeking to enhance their procurement processes. These case studies emphasize the importance of understanding market dynamics, engaging stakeholders, aligning procurement with broader policy objectives, and fostering innovation through collaboration.

  3. 10 Procurement Case Studies: Examples & Lessons Learned

    Explore a range of procurement case studies that showcase how organizations in various sectors have leveraged innovative procurement strategies: Software Lists. AI Automation AppSec CRM Data incl. Web Data Data Security Network Security Process & Task Intelligence Workload Automation.

  4. Successful Procurement Turnaround: 6 Case Studies to Inspire

    The case study of Cisco Systems demonstrates the power of proactive measures in driving successful procurement turnarounds. By adopting innovative technologies, fostering collaboration across functions, and prioritizing data-driven decision-making; organizations can achieve substantial improvements in cost savings , efficiency gains ,and ...

  5. Turning Procurement Around: 6 Case Studies of Success

    In conclusion without concluding or summarizing anything specific about Case Study #1: Ford , this case study highlights the importance of strategic partnerships with suppliers, technological advancements in procurement processes,and a focus on sustainability and innovation for successful turnaround in procurement operations. Case Study #2: Samsung

  6. PDF A Case Study on The Procurement Process Development in The Public

    A CASE STUDY ON THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS DEVELOPMENT IN THE PUBLIC ENTERPRISE THROUGH ERP ADOPTION Jeongwook Khang and Yungmok Yu Jeongwook Khang is a senior researcher, Center for Gas Economics and Management, Korea Gas Corporation. He has a master degree at Industrial Engineering and now in doctorial course at Production and Operations Management.

  7. PDF Modern Procurement PROCUREMENT CASE STUDIES VICTORIA

    the procurement process, which is then priced into their tenders. By separating price risk from ... institutions that arise from a designed approach to procurement. The case studies refer to procurement of: electricity for small government establishments; fuel needed for the government fleet; procurement of medical expertise needed to ...

  8. Turning Procurement Around: 6 Case Studies of Success

    Lessons from these case studies provide valuable insights into turning procurement around and achieving success in this critical function. One common theme that emerges is the importance of strategic planning and alignment with overall business goals. In each case, companies recognized that procurement should not be seen as a mere cost center ...

  9. Supply Chain Case Studies & Procurement Case Studies

    Procurement and supply chain leaders worldwide look to GEP for process, technology and industry expertise, and we are happy to share our learnings from years of complex problem solving. The GEP Knowledge Bank encompasses proprietary research, issue-orientated white papers and webinars, case studies, and playbooks and primers.

  10. Transforming Procurement Processes

    Procurement, which was spending more than US $18 billion with suppliers annually, didn't have visibility into spending and payments were often delayed and duplicative, posing an unnecessary risk. To grow and meet customer demand, the company leaders knew they had to transform the core order to cash (OTC) and source-to-pay (STP) processes.