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Procurement: The Missing Link to Project Success

The Story of QGC and Their Future Maintenance Costs

In 2010, a Queensland Coal Seam Gas company embarked on an ambitious project, eager to capitalize on the booming energy market. However, behind the scenes, poor procurement decisions planted the seeds of long-term inefficiency.

Instead of standardizing equipment, they procured over-engineered components from multiple manufacturers. Maintenance became a logistical nightmare, with mismatched parts and higher repair costs eating into profitability.

Why? Their procurement function simply followed orders, ignoring market-standard solutions and future operational needs.

What began as a promising project became a cautionary tale, highlighting how ineffective procurement can derail even the most well-funded ventures.

Are procurement mistakes costing your projects more than you realise?

For project directors, the real challenge isn’t just managing budgets or meeting deadlines—it’s ensuring your procurement function is proactive, strategic, and aligned with your goals.

Without it, poorly defined contracts, cost blowouts, and supplier issues can derail even the most promising projects.

Why Procurement Matters

Procurement isn’t just about buying—it’s the critical link between your project’s vision and successful delivery. Treating it strategically ensures:

  • Clear Scopes: Suppliers know exactly what’s required.
  • Risk Mitigation: Proactive planning avoids costly disruptions.
  • Goal Alignment: Decisions reflect both operational and strategic objectives.

Ignoring procurement’s role can lead to serious challenges. Learn more about the consequences of Procurement as an Afterthought in Projects.

The Benefits of Strategic Procurement

Experienced procurement teams set projects up for success by delivering value, reducing risks, and ensuring efficiency. They help organisations:

  • Avoid delays and inflated costs.
  • Align procurement strategies with project goals.
  • Minimise disputes with clearly defined contracts.

Discover how Experienced Procurement Teams Safeguard Project Success.

The Risks of Poor Procurement

When procurement is reactive or inexperienced, projects often face:

  • Inefficient processes that increase costs.
  • Missed deadlines due to supplier disputes.
  • Damaged stakeholder trust and confidence.

Understand the High Cost of Poor Procurement in Projects and why it pays to get it right.

Take Action Today

Don’t let procurement derail your project. With the right expertise, you can reduce risks, control costs, and deliver on your goals. Contact Acquire Insights now to ensure your procurement strategy drives project success.

Procurement Readiness Checklist for Projects

Essential for aligning procurement with operations, it streamlines workflows, mitigates risks, and ensures projects stay on track and deliver value.

The 7 R Framework helps organisations streamline tenders, mitigate key risks, and ensure infrastructure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

Your Partner in Procurement for Australian Infrastructure Projects

With over 15 years of commercial procurement expertise, we help clients tackle complex projects, mitigate risks, optimise contracts, and achieve smarter, cost-effective outcomes.