We believe the purchasing function should have the same credibility and stature in a company as the sales and marketing functions. What the company sells comes from what it buys. Consider total costs, quality, delivery speed and other factors that go into the buying decision, impacting business sales. Expert buying grows profits.
Suppliers are as important as customers.
Last month this column talked about partnering with suppliers. A strong supply partnership that brings new technology, continuing cost leverage and exemplary service is just as important to a company's success as a strong customer relationship. Successful companies today are realizing that all of the above is true. They are redefining the mission of purchasing and changing the way purchasing is viewed throughout the organization. The universal benchmark in any company is sales and marketing.