Hi, I’m Neil Keating, owner, and Principal of Supply Chain Connections. In this article, I share 3 ways I work with organisations to build more effective supply chain solutions that are a win-win for everyone involved.
One of the biggest mistakes I see organisations make with their supply chain is not reviewing their procurement processes and contracts, or delaying bringing in the right support because they fear what it might cost to get top-tier advice.
This article is for you if you’re an:
- insurance company
- a builder or supplier who contracts to insurance companies,
- any business or organisation looking for procurement help (yes, we help businesses outside the insurance and building sector, too!)
Let’s dispel one of the biggest myths about what I do: I work with clients in various arrangements – it does not need to be an end-to-end project.
So, let’s dive into three different ways Supply Chain Connections can support you that won’t cost an arm and a leg, but will get better outcomes and mean fewer operational challenges.
My focus is always more nuanced than just saving a quick buck because we all know that cost savings on their own usually equate to a drop in quality and more stress and headaches down the line.
1. Supply chain diagnostics
Here’s a great example of how we can work with your internal team or provide a standalone supply chain diagnostics service.
Diagnostics are at the heart of effective supply chain management. Think of it as a top-to-tail health check for your operations. Diagnostics involves analysing your current processes, identifying bottlenecks, and uncovering opportunities for optimisation.
For insurance companies, builders, suppliers, and non-insurance-connected clients alike, diagnostics offer valuable insights into areas for improvement.
These diagnostics can encompass various facets, such as:
- efficiency and effectiveness
- cost-effectiveness,
- risk mitigation, and
- compliance.
For instance, a builder who contracts to insurance companies regularly might undergo our Diagnostics service to review their processes, to ensure they can meet timely project completion, cost savings and better client relationships.
Similarly, a supplier outside of the insurance sector might leverage diagnostics to enhance their procurement controls and processes to make sure they fit the business need.
2. Supply chain business advisory (including RFP strategic guidance)
Over the past few years, I’ve evolved our offering to include business advisory services. These have proven pivotal in helping SMEs forge and maintain stronger, more effective supply chain connections and suppliers winning more work.
We all know RFPs serve as a bridge between buyers and suppliers, and while the goal is to facilitate transparent communication and fair competition, in my experience, that’s not always how it plays out.
Whether you’re an insurance company seeking the best value for your clients or a builder looking for reliable suppliers, creating an effective RFP process or knowing how to navigate one can be overwhelming without the right guidance.
That’s where we come in, our business advisory services complement RFPs by offering strategic insights and recommendations tailored to your specific needs. From market analysis to supplier selection, these services provide invaluable support at every stage of the procurement journey.
insurance companies can business advisory services to expand their network of partners and enhance service delivery and challenge any historical assumptions. Similarly, builders can lean on our expertise and knowledge to improve their proposals to help win more work.
3. Supply chain manager: project support and contract negotiations
Don’t have an in-house supply chain manager, or eager for help with contract negotiations or project support.
Effective contract negotiations are essential for establishing mutually beneficial partnerships and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Whether you’re finalising agreements with suppliers, subcontractors, or clients, having an expert with relevant experience can make a difference in getting to a win-win quicker.
We’ve been in enough hard-fought supplier negotiations over the years from both sides to know what does – and doesn’t – work. Through our Project Support and Contract Negotiation and Project Support we eliminate some of the BS that usually goes with it.
Project support services offer comprehensive assistance throughout the negotiation process, from drafting contracts to resolving disputes.
This service suits various industries, including insurance, construction, and beyond – we’ve been engaged from both sides of the fence. Insurance companies often enlist our help to secure more favourable terms with service providers and mitigate potential risks, while builders can benefit from expert guidance in negotiating contracts with subcontractors and managing project timelines effectively.
3 ways Supply Chain Connections offer solutions
Supply Chain Connections’ depth and width of services can help your organisation drive efficiency, collaboration, and growth no matter the industry you’re in.
By investing in diagnostics, business advisory, and project support, you can harness the power of Supply Chain Connections expert knowledge and expertise to propel your business forward in an ever-evolving marketplace.
If you’re ready to optimise your operations and unlock new opportunities for growth, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me an online enquiry here, or connect with me on LinkedIn!
