New purchasing systems: what to look for and how to get one!

Organizations around the globe are turning to purchasing for new strategic initiatives and additional competitive advantages that can be available through the supply chain. Purchasing´s ability to respond will depend not only on the vision and expertise within the purchasing organization, but also on the tools in place to support strategic purchasing activities. The paper discusses two separate and distinct features required of a new system. First is its ability to create process efficiency that stirs interest in the organization to use it for transaction processes. Second, and more importantly, a system must be a tool for decision support in creating and implementing all purchasing strategies