Immediate results

Experienced procurement teams quickly identify risks and close critical gaps to avoid costly disruptions. By asking open, high-level questions—such as “How does this impact the future operational cost of what we are building?”—they ensure alignment with project objectives.

Here are three areas where experienced procurement teams deliver immediate value:

1. Testing Historic Assumptions (pricing, lead times, etc)
   Major projects often rely on outdated pricing or lead time assumptions. Experienced teams validate these early, uncovering cost escalations and providing time to identify savings.

2. Avoiding Over-Engineered Specifications
   Asking, “Does an off-the-shelf solution meet 80% of our needs?” prevents unnecessary complexity, costs, and risks.

3. Approvals: Start with the End in Mind
   By proactively addressing approval and operational risks early, experienced teams align procurement with project milestones and avoid last-minute delays.

Read article: Three Areas Where Experienced Procurement Teams Deliver Immediate Value to Infrastructure Projects

Productive Tension:

Experienced procurement teams introduce productive tension—a healthy level of challenge that drives better outcomes and unlocks solutions to expensive problems. By pushing back on assumptions and questioning established processes, they encourage teams to think differently and find smarter, more cost-effective approaches.

Here’s how they create value:

• Challenging Over-Engineering: They ask, “Is there a simpler, off-the-shelf solution that achieves the same result?”
• Promoting Innovation: By encouraging alternative approaches, they uncover unique solutions that reduce costs and risks.
• Balancing Priorities: They ensure decisions align with project objectives, operational requirements, and financial constraints.
• Facilitating Collaboration: By creating constructive discussions, they bridge gaps between engineering, finance, and operations teams.
• Avoiding Complacency: They challenge teams to avoid “business as usual” thinking and explore untapped opportunities.

This productive tension fosters creative problem-solving, ensuring the project benefits from practical, efficient, and value-driven solutions.

Strategic Partners, Not Just Process Managers:

Experienced procurement teams do more than simply follow procedures—they act as trusted advisors, helping engineering and finance teams find optimal solutions. Instead of blindly processing requests, they collaborate across departments to ensure procurement decisions align with project goals, operational needs, and financial outcomes.

Here’s how they add value:

• Challenging Assumptions: When engineering teams propose bespoke solutions, they ask, “Is there an alternative that meets 80% of the needs for less cost and complexity?”
• Balancing Costs and Value: They work with finance teams to ensure cost control while delivering long-term value.
• Optimizing Specifications: By reviewing overly detailed or unnecessary requirements, they identify simpler, more practical options.
• Streamlining Processes: They align procurement timelines with project milestones, preventing bottlenecks and delays.
• Finding Win-Win Solutions: By engaging suppliers early, they identify innovative approaches to solve complex problems efficiently.

By bridging silos and guiding teams, experienced procurement professionals help deliver smarter, more cost-effective project outcomes.

Read Article: 7 R Framework: Ensuring Procurement Success for Infrastructure projects

The ROI of Investing in Expertise

Investing in experienced procurement professionals is like using a high-quality GPS for a long journey—it may cost more upfront but prevents costly detours, delays, and wasted resources. An experienced team brings clarity, precision, and foresight to complex projects, delivering value far beyond their cost.

Here’s why the ROI is undeniable:

• Negotiating Better Terms: They secure favorable contracts that save millions over the project’s lifecycle.
• Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Their expertise prevents errors that can lead to budget blowouts or delays.
• Streamlining Processes: They optimize procurement timelines, reducing inefficiencies and risks.
• Improving Supplier Relationships: Strong engagement ensures reliability and long-term value.
• Delivering Tangible Savings: While an experienced team may cost 30% more, their contributions deliver exponential returns.

The right investment in expertise pays off in smoother, more successful project outcomes.