Purchasing

Team approach gains in popularity
Traditionally, services were bought by whoever was using the service. But, that was yesterday. Today, 96% of the services buy involves purchasing staff. Compared to 77% in 2003, this is a 20% increase, according to a recent PURCHASING buyers survey. The survey also found that about 70% of companies are including purchasing staff on their cross-functional teams.

• Surprise!
• Buyers are red hot
• Is the growth run coming to an end?
• Partnering pays off in tight times

CPI Edition Ethylene is pricey, hard to find Briefs Chemicals Distribution Partnering pays off in tight times Distributor Profile Ashland Distribution helps clean up chemical waste Exclusive Business Data Chemicals, resins elevated Petrochemicals Hurricanes whip up prices; forecast calls for stormy skies Departments Buylines Oil equals headache for commodity management Aetna's silo-busting strategy corrals SG&A spend Software Updates Hurricanes have made a mockery of assured supply ProcureCon attendees swap ideas, lessons, business cards Kudos GSMS provides real-world advice on hot issues Who's News Purchasing leaders rank globalization a top issue Gambling is cool in Vegas, but not in purchasing Research Update Price Fixing News Inside Purchasing Hot items Leadtime Report Metals leadtimes are shrinking Logistics Outsourcing provides faster ramp-up for SunnyD What's Hot RFID News Fuel pricing update Briefs MRO U.S. Postal Service adds services to online catalog What's Hot Briefs Product Update Product Update Professional Profile Overseas experience key for Hallmark's Krouse Rants and Ravings Rants & Ravings

Metals What's Hot Metals Chips Aluminum Novelis expands British recycling Aluminum Extrusions Is the growth run coming to an end? Copper Rod Buyers have found alternatives to Asarco Exclusive Business Data Signals mixed; future uncertain Nickel Inco and Falconbridge head for the altar Steel Industry officials debate capital spending on capacity Value-Added Distribution Buyers want more than what is being offered News Economy How Supply Managers See Business Prices Factors Affecting Product Cost Supply What's Happeing in Markets Tip Sheet Key Metrics and Supply Alert