In the current context of inflation linked to the latest crises (Covid-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine, etc.) and Climate change, the 2023 edition of e-Purchasing Solutions show, at the beginning of October in Paris, gave pride of place to supplier relationship management and expense analysis tools. With a new dilemma, concerning the “right” strategy to adopt in such a situation: arbitrating between the end of the month, in other words short-term performance, and the end of the world. In terms of supplier relationship, speakers at the inaugural round table and conferences devoted to these issues insisted on the need to strengthen the risk management, by checking compliance at all levels (financial, environmental, social, ethical, legal, etc.) and by diversifying the panel. They also advised to refine the control of expenses, to better monitor the impact of price fluctuations and eliminate unnecessary purchases, or to intensify the contract management : execution monitoring, verification of revision indices, renegotiation, etc.
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In the current context, marked by increasing inflation linked to recent global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, as well as growing concerns linked to climate change, the 2023 edition of the Solutions e-Achats show , at the beginning of October in Paris, gave a prominent place to supplier relationship management tools and expense analysis. This year, a new dilemma has arisen, giving rise to deep reflections as to the "good" strategy to adopt in such circumstances: should we prioritize the satisfaction of short-term needs, symbolized by the end of the month, or should we focus on the long-term survival of our planet, thus evoking the end of the world?
Regarding the management of relationships with suppliers, the speakers at the inaugural round table and conferences dedicated to these issues emphasized the urgent need to strengthen risk management. This involves careful verification of compliance at all levels, whether financial, environmental, social, ethical, legal, and much more. At the same time, diversification of the supplier panel has become imperative in order to reduce vulnerabilities.
The experts also provided sound advice on fine-tuning spending controls. This includes better monitoring the impact of price fluctuations and eliminating unnecessary purchases, thereby contributing to more efficient and responsible financial management. Additionally, intensification of contract management was recommended, encompassing activities such as monitoring execution, checking revision indices and allowing for renegotiation when necessary. These measures are part of a long-term sustainability perspective, while guaranteeing short-term economic performance, and constitute responses to the challenges posed by our times.