10 supply chain cost-saving levers: 6. Design savings into products
Design savings into how products are engineered. Might additive manufacturing (3D printing) be a more cost effective way to create certain components, for example? Also explore batch sizes, order frequency and product specifications for ways to reduce costs.
10 supply chain cost-saving levers: 5. Seek efficiencies
Spending more on labour to increase output is no longer an option for many smaller businesses. Take a rigorous view of your costs and revenue – not just the top line but every component of costs. Get granular. What are the challenges you’re facing in each area of your business, and how might you meet these more efficiently? Invest in new IT platforms that include, perhaps, a customer relationship management platform, or – in warehouses – automated picking systems and barcode readers.
10 supply chain cost-saving levers: 4. Understand your costs
Use a ‘should-cost’ cost analysis model that is based on current prices in order to understand the underlying cost exposures for suppliers, in order to create new saving opportunities. Meaningful cost analysis will shed light on what is driving prices, and this gives organisations a better negotiating position with suppliers, through tactics like bundling separate purchases to enable volume discounts
10 supply chain cost-saving levers: 3. Collaborate across functions
Procurement teams have a broader set of levers capable of creating value than any other business function, and are at their most effective when they leverage cross-functional collaboration. Breaking down data silos to enhance visibility across functions has never been more important. Monthly business reviews or quarterly supplier workshops are not enough. Failure on this front will be expensive. Inventory imbalances are the enemy of cost efficiency
10 supply chain cost-saving levers: 2. Negotiate with suppliers
Many suppliers are currently at capacity, so they’re looking for simple orders they can execute quickly. Reduce range and increase volume. This makes you a more attractive customer and means you might be able to negotiate. Businesses should also consider what else they can offer suppliers to make them a more attractive customer. Maybe ask suppliers if you can act as a reference, or a case study – anything to make you valuable to them.
10 supply chain cost-saving levers: 1. Establish a procurement nerve centre
A procurement nerve centre brings together specialists across the value chain – from supply chain, planning, finance, operations, and engineering. The idea is to ‘triage’ supply availability problems for raw materials and components in a centralised, strategic fashion. Such an approach can more-readily identify cost savings, find alternative sourcing options and develop deeper supplier relations.