Reviewing The ABCs of spend analysis:Acquire the data skills

Opening statement of this article on spend analysis is a must read:

Data is only data until it’s analyzed and acted upon- then it becomes information.

Unless you are planning on entering the business world in a top notch position, I mean top notch, where you will have a programmer at your side, you better be working on those computer skills.

The Purchasing survey found that almost half (48%) of buyers polled said data analysis skills are a pre-requisite for hire into their procurement organization.What are you doing to improve your skills?

When Briggs-Weaver decided their buyers needed more computer skills, our manager purchased coupons at Comp USA.Each buyer got so many coupons to take the classes they felt they needed the most help in.They have all stages of Excel from beginner to advance.This also is available in Access.The manuals you receive are great for reference.They offer the all day classes, on line classes, CD-Rom classes and will even give classes at your own facility.There are many companies that offer the same thing.

Our company’s learning center offers many programs in excel and access. Also another great help is the course on Lotus Notes.We have also had on line training classes. Never hurts to get a few of those self improvement courses on your list of accomplishments also.

As stated in the article, “Thinking is still the most critical skill we bring to the party.” I have seen people walk away from a management position because of the extensive data collection process which is now part of the job.These are the people with product knowledge, who are organized and detailed and are the problem solvers.Without experience you don’t know what to do with the data you just spent all that time collecting.

This is where a procurement department can work hand in hand. The new kid in the department might be a computer whiz, whereas you might have the background in knowledge. Now is the time to join forces.