Navigating the Impact of Volatile Markets on MRO Procurement

Navigating the Impact of Volatile Markets on MRO Procurement

Introduction

Imagine a raw material shortage halting your production, sending ripples through your entire supply chain. This is the reality for MRO procurement in volatile markets. Organizations must be agile enough to evolve and meet their targets in the current volatile economy. Volatile markets introduce additional challenges to even the most well-oiled procurement processes. In light of these difficulties, let’s examine MRO procurement’s obstacles in erratic markets and present workable solutions. 

Challenges of MRO Procurement in Volatile Markets

Now, let’s get down to business: the difficulties associated with MRO procurement in volatile markets.

Rising Prices: 

Imagine if prices are rising one day and falling the next. Why? Put it down to the erratic political landscape and those annoying trade barriers. All of a sudden, the materials, tools, and pieces you need are quite expensive. For instance, in the recent past, the global steel price surged by 20% due to supply chain disruptions in the procurement of coking coal caused by the pandemic and the ongoing Ukraine war. In such a scenario, unexpected expenses can harm operational costs when budgeting becomes a challenge .

Supply Chain Disruptions: 

Nearly 49% of the companies surveyed last year experienced supply chain disruptions followed by shortages of critical MRO items. Such global disruptions can impact the flow of goods across borders. Unless the company has a diversified supplier base and contingency plan, delays and shortages of critical MRO items can lead to production halts and maintenance backlogs.

Lack of Focus:

Most organizations focus on short-term gains and cost reduction rather than value creation. For instance, around 85% of companies feel a high demand for sustainable procurement. The shocking part is that just 46% of people have actually fully embraced these important behaviors. It’s like not wanting to follow the X markings on a treasure map! Investors are considering such nonfinancial factors to identify risks and growth opportunities. Unless the company has a dedicated team to focus on key driving factors that bring value to your procurement practices, staying afloat in the volatile market is impossible . 

Mitigating the Impact: Strategies for Effective MRO Procurement

Are you familiar with the lean procurement model? Moglix vouches for it! They gave it to one of the best OEMs for power management systems, and guess what? It has revolutionized cost reductions throughout these wild fluctuations in the market. There’s more, though! See these additional clever approaches for creating a fantastic MRO procurement model. 

Diversify Your Supplier Base: 

Around 48% of companies are already considering adopting a diversified supplier base as one of their major procurement KPIs. They have understood that relying on a single supplier leaves them vulnerable to price fluctuations and potential supply chain disruptions. Search giant Google announced that it will spend around USD 1 billion annually with diverse US suppliers by 2025. Other big companies like Micron Technology, Xcel Energy, and Air Products are also considering diversifying at least 15% of their supplier base to create backup options in case of supply chain issues by 2025.

Build Strong Relationships with Vendors: 

As per research by Procurement Leaders, around 47% of the supplier collaborations fail due to lack of trust and commitment. It hampers procurement success. Companies must maintain a robust vendor relationship on multiple levels as it has many benefits. For instance, if you have a good relationship with your vendor, order and quality issues go down, and you can take advantage of fixed pricing for longer. 

One of the best ways to achieve a robust vendor relationship is to treat them like business partners. For instance, technology giant Intel is considering spending $300 million annually to partner with suppliers undervalued by society for so long. 

Also, keeping your vendors loyal to you with timely invoice clearances is crucial. In this way, you will not be like those companies that lose 20% to 30% of their vendors due to disloyalty in payments.  

Embrace eProcurement Technology: 

What’s the newest hot thing in the business world? eProcurement applications! Many businesses are hopping on board to simplify their MRO purchase processes. It’s as if you could wave a magic wand and solve every annoying procurement headache. Ideal procurement tools are so beneficial that their global market size is expected to reach USD 8.17 billion in 2024. An ideal procurement software allows you to automate tasks, get real-time data on inventory levels and spending patterns, and facilitate communication with vendors, all from a single dashboard. This prepares CEOs to make faster decisions and improve visibility into their procurement process.

Conclusion

Coming through MRO procurement challenges under a volatile market is challenging for procurement managers. It requires diversifying your supplier base, building strong relationships with vendors, leveraging eProcurement software, and adopting flexible procurement practices. Once you master these strategies, you can meet your MRO needs efficiently and cost-effectively, even when the market throws curveballs your way.

Looking to build robust MRO procurement solutions to stay unhinged from future market fluctuations?

References


Cost Savings through Contract Optimization: Tips for Procurement Professionals

Cost Savings through Contract Optimization: Tips for Procurement Professionals

Introduction

Did you know that poor contract management cost companies 9% of their annual revenue? In this regard, procurement professionals using manual contract management processes struggle to identify and capitalize on cost-saving opportunities. Fortunately, innovative digital solutions are now available to overcome these challenges through effective contract optimization. Let’s go into procurement management and investigate state-of-the-art tactics that optimize cost savings via simplified procedures.

Innovative Strategies for Cost Saving by Streamlining Procurement Management 

Several innovative strategies can help you streamline your procurement processes without much hassle. Consider adopting the following strategies: 

Standardize Contract Templates

Take your time to develop standardized templates for commonly used contracts. You can also get standard procurement templates online, as Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) provides for its contracting officers on their official website. Using such templates can save your productive man hours (cost to company).  

Implement a Centralized Contract Repository 

In a study conducted by ContractSafe, 90% of contract managers waste their valuable time searching for specific documents. Imagine the time, energy, and resources they can save with a centralized contract repository. For instance, procurement officers can use  cloud-based central repositories to store and access all contract files during requirements. It will also provide a clear audit trail and simplify compliance audits to avoid potential fines and legal repercussions. 

Focus on Vendor Management 

Around 47% of the supplier collaborations can’t stand as their business relationship lacks trust and commitment. That’s where vendor management becomes imperative. If you’re working with multiple vendors, consider vendor consolidation as your ideal bet. Nearly 60% of procurement costs happen because of logistical delays and vendor management helps businesses optimize cash flow with ease. 

How does a strong vendor relationship help reduce costs  in procurement? 

When you maintain a good relationship with your vendor, they prioritize you over other clients to supply raw materials without any quality issues. Additionally, if you have inked a fixed price for a long time based on  your strong business relationship, you can easily keep your monthly burn as before despite price fluctuations in the market. 

Giant companies like Intel, Google, Micron Technology, Xcel Energy, and Air Products have already announced diversifying their supply chain to build a strong network of vendors to easily absorb future supply chain disruptions

Digital Tools to Streamline Procurement Management

Collaborative Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Platforms 

Around 48% of organizations have decided to diversify their supplier base to protect their supply chain from volatile market conditions and reduce procurement costs. In this regard, digital SRM tools are highly useful. Such tools provide CEOs with real-time visibility into a diverse range of reliable suppliers to overcome disruption risks and improve decision-making from a unified platform. 

Price and Supply Chain Risk Monitoring Tools

What if you can collect and stock raw materials ahead of the supply chain disruption? Around 86% of organizations look forward to leveraging real-time digital transformation of supply chains. The aim is to track past market data and predict stockout to overcome supply chain disruptions with ease. In this regard, you can leverage AI and machine learning to predict price fluctuations and adjust purchase strategies to keep your procurement costs under control amidst future supply chain disruptions. 

Predictive Analytics for Spend Management

Will it not save your management a lot of time to get future spending patterns sorted ahead of market volatility? Predictive analytics is one tool that can analyze your historical data through machine learning to predict spending patterns in line with future needs and potential cost fluctuations. This can help your procurement team optimize the budget, secure cost-effective contracts, and make informed decisions before the market condition turns red. Learn more about how Moglix helped an automotive OEM to unlock cost savings in indirect procurement through supplier consolidation.

Leverage Moglix Contract Management Software To Stay Above Market Volatility 

Moglix Contract Management software empowers CPOs and CTOs to easily transform their procurement processes, streamline contract lifecycle management, and learn negotiation processes to keep costs under control.

With our contract optimization software, you can:

  • Gain real-time insights into evolving market trends
  • Connect  with top-performing suppliers
  • Perform risk assessment through data-driven evaluations 
  • Take the help of powerful analytics to make strategic decisions 
  • Leverage AI-driven insights to identify cost-saving opportunities 

Looking to streamline your contract lifecycle management to overcome the volatile market every time? 
Partner with Moglix Solutions! Visit our website to learn more.

References

How much is technology transforming supply chains?

How Businesses Can Drive Efficiency Through Vendor Consolidation

How Businesses Can Drive Efficiency Through Vendor Consolidation

As per a Gartner review, nearly 65% of the organizations use vendor consolidation to improve risk posture, while 29% to reduce spending on licensing. Vendor consolidation is important to streamline procurement operations and maximize efficiency for sustainable growth. When you reduce the number of vendors, you unlock many benefits, including cost reduction, streamlined procurement, improved visibility, and more. Let’s understand these benefits and learn some of the best vendor consolidation tactics to easily overcome process challenges . 

Four Significant Benefits of Vendor Consolidation 

Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of vendor consolidation. 

Cost reduction 

Where 60% of procurement costs result from logistical delays, vendor consolidation is the best way to optimize your cash flow. For instance, you can place a higher volume of orders at better prices and reduced shipping costs. In a study by CIO Tech Talk Community, 95% of respondents confirmed that they are seriously considering vendor consolidation in the next 12 months, with 69% citing finance-driven cost-cutting as one of the major driving forces. 

Streamlined Processes

What if you can save your valuable time and minimize errors through an effective vendor consolidation? Nowadays, well-maintained vendor management systems are also helping CPOs automate routine tasks related to vendor interactions from a centralized platform. For instance, you can provide vendors with secure access to important documents so that you can get relief from administrative burdens. 

Improved Visibility and Control 

In a recent study, only 6% of the participant companies admitted to having full visibility into their supply chain. When you manage multiple vendors, keeping a tap on the overall spending and performance becomes a challenge. Through consolidation, you can track expenditures and performance KPIs more effectively. For more clarity, you can go through this case study to understand how Moglix helped a leading adhesive manufacturer attain supply chain visibility across 70 plants through vendor consolidation. 

Strengthened Supplier Relationship 

Several reasons, such as the conflict in Ukraine, the rising cost of oil, and the global economic downturn, have significantly contributed to supplier chain disruptions worldwide. It’s costing companies an average of $184 million per year. Consolidating vendors can help companies foster a stronger collaboration with suppliers to get priority during supply chain disruptions. 

Evaluating and selecting vendors for consolidation: a strategic approach 

Here are some key steps to perform a thorough evaluation for vendor consolidation. 

Vendor assessment 

You should use several key factors to do vendor assessment; only pricing structure does not suffice. Look for strengths, weaknesses, and overall performances. For instance, for assessing vendors for office supplies, consider their pros, such as product selection, eco-friendly product line, and reliable delivery, as well as their weak spots, such as customer service and pricing structures. Those who stand tall on all your diverse requirements should be considered for consolidation.  

Financial Health 

As per the Corporate Finance Institute, four major aspects are highly useful for financial health analysis: income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, and rates of return. 

You can use various techniques, such as horizontal, vertical, or ratio analysis, to get information about your vendors’ financial performance and position. 

Negotiation contracts 

Imagine having access to the spending patterns of your vendors to leverage better deals during negotiation. This is one of the best ways to consolidate vendors. Unfortunately, only 5% of organizations use expense data for negotiations with vendors. They feel it’s a tiresome process. However, this is very much possible by using technologies to gather accurate data through an ideal vendor management system. 

Are you looking forward to consolidating vendors to reduce costs and achieve great visibility?
Partner with Moglix Solutions! Visit our website to learn more.

References

Sustainable Success: The B2B E-commerce Trinity of People, Planet, and Profit

Sustainable Success: The B2B E-commerce Trinity of People, Planet, and Profit

Since the inception of balance sheets, the ‘bottom line’ has served as the ultimate conclusion for businesses—a singular metric, focus, and story. Yet, the narrative is evolving. Today’s businesses are acknowledging the limitations of this singular approach and embracing a more comprehensive one: the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). This framework acknowledges that a company’s success extends beyond financial performance to encompass its impact on both people and the planet. With over 80% of the largest 100 companies adopting this approach, they have witnessed their average annual ROI soar to 13.5%, surpassing the traditional business average of 9.1%.

Read More

How CEOs of EPC Project Developers Can Improve EBITDA Through Use of Prefabricated Structures?

How CEOs of EPC Project Developers Can Improve EBITDA Through Use of Prefabricated Structures?

Can adopting prefabrication enhance the EBITDA for the EPC sector? 

The answer is Yes. These days EPC project developers are already harnessing the benefits of Prefabrication.  

In fact, in China, a famous construction company erected a structure in just 5 days. When research was conducted on the construction analysis, it revealed that prefabrication reduces construction timelines—by up to 36.04% for timber frameworks and 25.53% for masonry activities.  

This evidence really makes it clear why firms should start leaning into prefabrication—it’s all about getting better results, both financially and operationally.  

Let’s dive into how you can make that happen in this blog. 

Boosting EBITDA with Prefabrication: A Strategic Shift for EPC Leaders 

Think about it: prefabricated structures are quickly becoming the go-to for fast-tracking projects like schools, hospitals, and homes. And for the CEOs of EPC Project Developers, there’s a golden opportunity here to boost your EBITDA.  

Enhanced Project Scheduling and Planning  

Incorporating prefabricated structures into the infrastructure supply chain emerges as a strategic maneuver for CEOs of EPC Project Developers aiming to boost EBITDA, underscored by the tangible predictability enhancements it brings.  

A pivotal productivity indicator, the project schedule, sees a notable uplift from prefabrication/modularization techniques.  

According to feedback from industry stakeholders, 66% of respondents attest to a positive influence on project timelines due to Prefabrication, with 35% of them reporting schedule reductions of four weeks or more. A prime example of this is the assembly of the CitizenM Hotel in New York City using 210 prefabricated modules within 19 days, underscoring the profound efficiency and time-saving potential of prefabricated structures in meeting tight project deadlines and accelerating market readiness. 

Improved Cost optimization  

EPC CPOs aiming to boost EBITDA find a valuable ally in prefabricated structures, known for slashing project costs. According to Dodge Data and Analytics, 65% of over 800 AEC professionals surveyed report budget reductions, with 41% noting cuts of 6% or more. EVgo’s venture into prefabricated DC fast chargers, reducing installation times by 50% and costs by 15%, exemplifies this efficiency.  

This approach acts as a strategic tool for financial and operational optimization in EPC ventures. 

Risk Mitigation  

Adopting Prefabrication offers CPOs a strategic path to enhance EBITDA through improved safety, a critical concern in the construction industry.  

According to McGraw-Hill Construction, 34% of users report enhanced site safety with prefabrication, attributing this to fewer needs for high-risk activities like scaffolding work and minimizing tight-space operations.  

Notably, CPOs, especially those in EPC firms, observe the most significant safety improvements, aligning risk management with financial optimization, thereby indirectly boosting EBITDA through reduced accidents and associated costs. 

End Game: The Impact of Adopting Prefabricated Structures on EBITDA of EPC Project Developers 

Prefabrication and modularization represent key strategies for EPC CPOs aiming to enhance EBITDA, offering benefits in efficiency, cost reduction, and site safety. As these construction methodologies gain traction, they are pivotal for competitive advantage and financial success.  

For in-depth insights and implementation strategies, Moglix Business provides expert consultation. With a solid history in significant EPC projects and a comprehensive design-build-delivery framework, Moglix Business is a valuable resource for EPC professionals looking to optimise project outcomes through Prefabrication. Explore more to discover how you can transform your project delivery and achieve unparalleled success with Moglix Business custom fabrication solutions.

How Progressive Design-Build Can Enable CEOs of EPC Project Developers to Reduce Time and Cost Overruns

How Progressive Design-Build Can Enable CEOs of EPC Project Developers to Reduce Time and Cost Overruns

How can the persistent issue of project overruns be addressed by CEOs of EPC project developers?  

A revealing case study from Jordan, where machine learning models were used to predict project cost and time overruns, showed that every project had cost overruns: 76% due to incorrect estimations and 24% due to overstated estimates. This highlights the critical challenge of managing costs and timelines effectively.  

Here, Progressive Design-Build emerges as a strategic solution offering a new direction for industry leaders. This blog outlines how the Progressive Design-Build approach can be a game-changer for EPC project developers.  

Design-Build: A Strategic Approach for EPC Projects 

In EPC projects, the Design-Build is a simple process. The reason behind this is that the combination of the design and construction stages is part of one contract.  

This approach brings clarity and eliminates conflicts that are often present in the traditional Design-Bid-Build model. 

Cost and Speed Advantages 

Design-Build projects present a notable financial advantage, being at least 6% less costly than those using the Design-Bid-Build method and 4.5% less than those managed through Construction Manager methods.  

This efficiency translates into direct savings for EPC project developers, underscoring the method’s financial benefits. 

Moreover, the speed of construction with Design-Build outpaces traditional methods, being at least 12% faster than Design-Bid-Build and 7% faster than Construction Manager approaches. This acceleration ensures projects are completed within tighter schedules, enhancing overall project efficiency. 

Progressive Design-Build: A Comparative Analysis 

A comparison between Progressive Design-Build (PDB) and traditional Design-Build (DB) emphasizes PDB’s improved time performance. PDB projects have significantly lower time overruns (0.41% for PDB vs. 8.0% for DB), showcasing the method’s capability to keep projects on schedule. Despite these differences, both PDB and DB effectively manage costs, with no significant variance in cost performance between them. 

End-Game for CEOs of EPC Project Developers: Zero Down Time and Cost Overruns 

For EPC project developers aiming at efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely project completion, the Design-Build method, especially its progressive variant, stands out.  

This approach is underpinned by strong statistical evidence showcasing its advantages in cost savings, construction speed, and market adoption.  

Moglix Business emerges as a strategic partner in this context, providing customized solutions to meet the unique challenges of infrastructure development. Interested parties who want to learn more about it are encouraged to explore how Moglix Business custom fabrication solutions can elevate their projects to new heights of success and operational efficiency. 

AI and automation: Propelling the Future Growth of B2B SaaS

AI and automation: Propelling the Future Growth of B2B SaaS

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a present-day reality. Businesses have moved beyond the question of whether to adopt AI and are now focusing on how to effectively deploy and scale it to maximize benefits. Projections indicate a significant surge in revenues within the AI software industry, expected to reach $120 billion by 2026 from a mere $10 billion in 2018. The manner in which businesses harness these services will profoundly impact their future revenues.

Read More

Women are emerging as leaders in the supply chain and operations landscape.

Women are emerging as leaders in the supply chain and operations landscape.

As the global marketplace continues to evolve, our perception of leadership must evolve alongside it. Gender diversity isn’t merely a trend—it’s a crucial strategic necessity. Research consistently demonstrates that teams with diverse backgrounds outperform those lacking diversity, bringing a wealth of perspectives and experiences that drive innovation and resilience.

Within the dynamic realm of supply chains and operations, a silent revolution is taking place. Women, formerly confined to the sidelines, now stand at the forefront, breaking stereotypes and reshaping conventional notions of leadership within this complex network. In this article, we will delve into the significance of empowering women leaders in supply chain and operations. By challenging traditional norms, promoting inclusivity, and embracing diversity and innovation, women leaders play a pivotal role in driving organizational success.

Read More

Why CEOs of Hard-to-Abate Industries in India Should Consider Investing in CCUS?

Why CEOs of Hard-to-Abate Industries in India Should Consider Investing in CCUS?

As per the Paris Agreement, all nations worldwide are committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45% by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. In this regard, reducing emissions from various industries is a great challenge. This is especially challenging for hard-to-abate industries like steel, cement, and chemicals. These industries are crucial for economic development. Yet, they account for about 30% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. The CCUS technology (carbon capture, utilization, and storage) is a possible solution. Let’s understand how CCUS is an ideal investment for Indian CEOs of hard-to-abate industries to tackle GHG emissions effectively. 

What is CCUS? 

CCUS represents a series of processes to capture CO2 directly from fossil, biomass stations, industries, or air and convert it for various applications. Once captured, the CO2 is transported by ship or pipeline to the point of storage or application. There, it gets processed for various applications. Majorly, it is used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) or the production of low-carbon fuels like methanol. The same can be used as an input or feedstock to create products or services. Otherwise, the CO2 is securely stored in geological formations so that it does not enter the atmosphere and harm the climate balance.  .php?post=24032&action=editCCUS represents a series of processes to capture CO2 directly from fossil, biomass stations, industries, or air and convert it for various applications. Once captured, the CO2 is transported by ship or pipeline to the point of storage or application. There, it gets processed for various applications. Majorly, it is used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) or the production of low-carbon fuels like methanol. The same can be used as an input or feedstock to create products or services. Otherwise, the CO2 is securely stored in geological formations so that it does not enter the atmosphere and harm the climate balance.  

What CCUS Technologies Are Available Today? 

Some major CCUS technologies are available today to handle carbon emissions easily. Let’s understand how CO2 is processed under these CCUS technologies. 

  • Direct Air Capture (DAC): Collected directly from the using air filters  
  • Carbon Capture at Power Plants: CO2 is captured from power plants and processed for storage or enhanced oil recovery.  
  • Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW): Crushed silicate minerals like basalt and glauconite increase the soil’s CO2 capture capacity. 
  • Aqueous Amine-Based CO2 Capture: Using amines to absorb CO2 for storage or reuse 
  • Membrane Gas Separation: Using permeable materials to separate carbon dioxide and other gasses at low temperatures and pressures 
  • Carbon Capture and Conversion: Converting the captured CO2 into usable products such as fuels, industrial chemicals, and polymers. 
  • Chemical looping: Using metal-based particles to separate CO2 from the fuel for storage and further reuse  
  • Cryogenic Carbon Capture (CCC): Leveraging cryogenic cooling to capture and remove CO2 from gas streams 
  • Carbon Capture Using Nanotechnology: Carbon nanotubes capture CO2 at a very low pressure  

CCUS Global Application and Potential in India 

CCUS has been gaining popularity for its effectiveness in handling carbon footprints from the environment. As per the IEA report, around 40 commercial facilities have benefited from applying CCUS to their industrial processes. It has been used as one of the primary ways of carbon capture and utility storage. Though CCUS deployment slowed down in the past, in recent years, it’s been under development for over 500 projects across the CCUS value chain.  

How will Implementing CCUS Benefit Industries? 

CEOs in India can leverage CCUS to:  

  • Meet Net-Zero Goals: India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. In this regard, CEOs of hard-to-abate industries can use CCUS, which has already been a proven and effective method worldwide, to contribute significantly to achieving this ambitious green transition. 
  • Improve Energy Security: Companies can utilize the captured CO2 for EOR, like in the Ankleshwar oil field CO2-EOR project in Cambay Basin, India. This can enhance India’s energy security by extracting more oil from existing fields. As a result, it can reduce dependence on imported fuels and strengthen energy independence. 
  • Creating Economic Opportunities: The application of CCUS in Industries will unlock new job opportunities in India. Companies would require manpower to construct, operate, and maintain CCUS technologies, which will indeed create a positive economic impact. 
  • Have a Competitive Edge: As the global market increasingly focuses on low-carbon products, adopting CCUS allows Indian industries to remain competitive and adapt to changing market demands. 

End Game: Accelerating Clean Energy Transition in India  

For CEOs of hard-to-abate industries in India, CCUS is not just an option but a strategic necessity. CCUS application can promise industries long-term sustainability, contribute significantly to India’s green transition goals, and create a cleaner and brighter future for the nation. As the world moves towards a low-carbon future, adopting CCUS allows Indian industries to have a competitive edge in the market and attract new investors. 

Are you looking forward to stepping up your industry’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions? 

Visit our website to learn how Moglix Business custom fabrication solutions can accelerate your clean energy transition

The Kolkata-Bangkok Highway: A Superior Choice Over Tianxia

The Kolkata-Bangkok Highway: A Superior Choice Over Tianxia

In Chinese, ‘Tianxia’ signifies ‘a community of shared destiny,’ representing profound interconnectedness. Despite its historical reverence, recent years have seen numerous supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and overreliance on the South China Sea. It’s apparent that ‘Tianxia’ has faltered in delivering its promised monopoly over the global manufacturing supply chain. Is there a superior option? 

Enter the Kolkata-Bangkok Highway, conceived by a nation offering democracy, demand, and a decisive policy framework for business facilitation: India.

Read More