Buyer’s 10 Commandments

30 September 2009 | Allan Wright

Posted in: General, Purchasing

For years I used to bleat about the “Buyer’s 10 Commandments” when interviewed or interviewing. However, I always stopped after two. More recently I decided to complete the list of what I feel SCM is all about. I hope it generates some discussion/comment/criticism.

1. Safety and security of supply: ‘Thou shalt not stop production.’
2. No surprises if any supply issue should threaten to materialise: ‘There shall be no surprises.’
3. No quality, health, safety or environment risks or issues with the chosen supplier base or product/service provided: ‘There shall be no risks to life or limb incurred from chosen supplier.’
4. Cost-effective supply chains: ‘Thou shalt spend thy employer’s money wisely.’
5. SCM to be seen as an easy-to-do-business-with organisation: ‘Thou shalt deal with thy contacts with a fair and friendly disposition.’
6. 100 per cent documentation accuracy throughout the fulfilment cycle: ‘Thou shalt ensure all services are properly advised and invoiced.’
7. Suppliers to be treated fairly: ‘Treat thy suppliers in the manner thou would want to be treated thyself.’
8. SCM staff to operate at the uppermost level of business ethics: ‘Thou shalt not act in any dishonest way with thy suppliers or thy employer.’
9. SCM to have active engagement in business improvement objectives: ‘Thou shalt offer thy talents to the maximum benefit of thy employer.’
10. SCM leading cultural change and enhancing business health as top performing professionals: ‘Thou shalt lead the way in delivering thy employer with the best performance of all his workers.’

Allan Wright is managing director of Supply Chain And Procurement Administration (SCAPA) Services

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