Purchasing

Centralize!
Most procurement experts believe 15-20% of purchased materials and services can be saved (billions of dollars in a large company) by centralizing procurement and leveraging a far-flung corporation's buying power. Despite this expert opinion, backed by numerous examples, many medium and large companies maintain decentralized, splintered, uncoordinated procurement operations.

• No big increase in orders, prices perceived for 2003
• No inflationary forces in the marketplace
• Fine chemical makers ready to network in the Big Easy
• Polymer switching can cut costs in key applications
• Purchasing drives enhancements
• Bayer's Rx: Innovation
• Suppliers: Friend or foe?

CPI Edition Chemforecast Polymer switching can cut costs in key applications Chemical Transaction Prices Rising energy costs impact market prices Purchasing transaction price survey results Informex Highlights Fine chemical makers ready to network in the Big Easy Departments Buylines Source abroad, but watch those logistics costs Imports keep competition humming in motor mart Tune in to supply management's best minds Buyers are cautious about economic prospects for 2003 Intern programs provide low cost access to new talent Reynolds leaves Sony Electronics for Adelphia International law trumps UCC for deals in 61 nations Purchasing publishes office tech book Inside Purchasing Ten commandmants of reverse auctions Leadtimes Leads signal production growth Logistics The Return of Rail: Shippers see carrier service improving Product Update Mixed automotive demand slows recovery Logistics What's Hot

Metals What's Hot Aluminum Sheet No big increase in orders, prices perceived for 2003 Exclusive Business Data Activity not great, but will improve Gold Some mavens see planets aligned for price at $375/oz Metals Outlook 2003 No inflationary forces in the marketplace Steel Processing distributors keep consolidating ownerships Industry consolidation offers few certainties Superalloys Demand decline from aerospace weakens prices News Economy How Supply Managers See Business Prices Factors Affecting Product Cost Supply What's Happening in Markets Tip Sheet Key Metrics and Supply Alert Transaction Prices Energy costs force index higher Purchasing transaction price survey results