Paul Kefford

For some equipment manufacturers, procurement still lives in a very small box. That box is labelled "savings". Cost reduction. Price negotiation. Annual targets. Supplier consolidation. And while cost absolutely matters, something far more powerful is being missed. In 2026, procurement is not just a control function. It is a growth engine! We said it ! The truth is this. In many businesses, supply chain decisions made quietly in conference & technical / engineering rooms have a greater impact...

Executive Summary In an era where volatility, innovation, and sustainability define corporate success, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) has evolved from a procurement tool into a strategic imperative. SRM transforms supply chains into value chains — driving innovation, resilience, and cost efficiency. Yet, many organisations still underinvest in this discipline. This article explores why SRM is fundamental to ongoing business success , offering a strategic framework and visual...

For the last two decades, electronics procurement has been measured by one simple metric: cost. Lowest price, fastest lead time, problem solved. Those days are over. Global disruptions, counterfeiting, sanctions, material shortages, ESG regulations, and geopolitical volatility have exposed a truth the industry has avoided for too long: ➡ You are no longer just responsible for your suppliers. You are responsible for your suppliers’ suppliers… and theirs… and theirs. In other words: ✅ If a raw...