Complete List of Sessions
Day 1
06 May 2018
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Navigating and Networking ISM2018
This session will give you an overview of the Conference’s various components, introduce you to what’s new this year and show you how to navigate it for a more streamlined and enjoyable experience.
Steve Miller
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Combative to Collaborative: The Evolution of Sourcing at GE Appliances
Hear the transformational journey of GE Appliances’ (GEA) to work collaboratively with suppliers to achieve world-class results. He’ll cover (1) GEA’s approach to supplier segmentation which ultimately created improved strategic relationships and (2) how the company manages those supplier relationships through quarterly business reviews. He’ll also review GEA’s yearly supplier conference, an opportunity for top suppliers to spend a day with executive leadership and align with GEA strategic goals to improve overall supply chain performance.
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
CPO Town Hall and Networking Event
In this one-of-a-kind session, you’ll hear leading CPOs answer directly to you on all your hot-button issues. In this no-holds-barred session, we are marching to the beat of our own drums by eliciting diverse and candid viewpoints on topics involving procurement transformation, providing value in M&A activity, innovation and stakeholder alignment, managing risk in the age of constant disruption and developing and retaining both internal and external talent. Expect audience participation with rapid-fire Q&A. This will be followed by a networking session in which CPOs will take your most vexing questions as they travel from table to table.
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Managing Complexity to Increase Competitive Advantage
No organization is immune to the challenges faced in supply management. Join our panel of impressive senior leaders for a no-holds-barred question-and-answer session. We will be diving into topics no one wants to admit they are struggling with, like business continuity, cyber security and supply chain resilience. Deborah K. Stanton, Executive Managing Director of CAPS Research, shares the latest research on these topics and moderates a candid discussion with these high performing executives.
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
CPSM® Exam Updates: What They Mean to You
You’ve heard the news — changes are coming to the CPSM Exams. Last year, we talked about ISM’s Job Task Analysis, which produced interesting findings. Some of those findings are being applied to the certification programs. In this session, ISM Certification experts will provide insights to those changes —to the exams and courseware — and what they mean to your certification progress. This session is ideal for those who have started pursuing the CPSM, instructors and others involved with the CPSM Exams or courseware.
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Driving Efficiency — When to Deploy Technology and When to Focus on “Blocking and Tackling”
In the near-constant push to do more with less, technology like robotic process automation and artificial intelligence is a viable solution. What should we eliminate, simplify, automate or outsource? When and where should we deploy these solutions to get the most out of them? This session will focus on using discipline and simplifying complex processes to achieve a greater level of efficiency.
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Steel: Lock Now or Buy on Spot? The Prices and Availability Outlook for the Next 12 Months
Steel prices have been volatile for the past several years, and there is little reason to expect a change. John Anton will outline the current cycle and whether buyers should lock current prices or wait for further declines. This session will cover price forecasts for sheet, plate, bar and stainless steel, as well as examine risk to price and supply.
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Trends and Transportation: Getting to the Next Level
This session addresses the trends within over-the-road and intermodal operations. Attendees will learn the changes for 2018, the challenges that may arise, and how to prepare companies to move forward.
Day 2
07 May 2018
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
“Architecting” an Improved Procurement Capability to Enable Business Success
Today’s CPOs need to enable success as it’s defined by the business — while doing more with less. To succeed, CPOs must become more of an “architect” of procurement capabilities that leverage not only their own staffs, but also a growing list of such supporting options as BPO, GPOs, GBSs, open buying and digital. Beyond “what,” they must also decide “where” to execute activity on a global, regional and local basis. In this session, Chris Sawchuk will highlight insights from Hackett Group research and moderate a panel of procurement executives who will share experiences and perspectives into this “architecture” concept.
Steve Hrubala
Mindy Holden
Eric Germa
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Evolution of Procurement to become a Value Driver — The Future of the CPO
The future of procurement and supply management, finance and shared services can be tapped through the Internet of Things, which is revolutionizing all lines of businesses by making them more simple, smart and strategic than ever. Learn how to leverage this trend to migrate from a CPO to a chief value officer and transform the end-to-end, source-to-pay process from archaic category management to a driver of a more efficient and effective digital business. In this session, SAP executives will share insights on successful evolution of business models and how to scale by adapting the digital transformation to prepare for the future.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Fine Tuning External Workforce Management — Nashville Style
Attendees will learn from experts addressing “typical” temporary labor spend, as well as hear viewpoints on looking beyond to tackle the broader external workforce. The session will cover recent study findings, perspectives on governance models, and key must-answer questions before ending with success stories you can model in your organization.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Top Strategies From a General: Are You Prepared?
Hear how Blaine Holt became one of the top 10 logistics leaders in the U.S. Department of Defense, where his groundbreaking cost-saving ideas — and the strategic influence to make them happen — earned him designation as “the No. 1 strategist and innovator” by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Lessons learned from rolling out a global supply chain risk and resiliency program
Supply management leaders manage risk as part of their daily routines occasionally making it difficult to get their buy-in for your programs, especially since supply chain dynamics make many traditional operational risk and business continuity techniques ineffective. Still, supply management leaders need your risk-management techniques and tools to make decisions, solve problems and communicate in complex environments. See how one organization inspires resilient supply chain efforts and builds a community of supporters. Gather methodologies, tools and road maps to find your program success. The Learning Objectives: are (1) identifying common pitfalls of a risk-and-resiliency supply chain program roll out, (2) adopting persuasive communication, (3) coalition building and (4) selling techniques to create demand.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Procurement Drives Business Growth Through Sustainable Sourcing
As people’s relationship with food changes and the millennial demographic rises, consumers prefer brands and companies that operate with a sustainability-focused mindset. The Hershey Company is all about doing well by doing good. Learn about the company’s sustainable sourcing strategy, key initiatives for such agriculture commodities as cocoa and how procurement is driving sustainable sourcing programs, making this a competitive differentiator to the consumers while helping enhance brand loyalty and deliver business growth.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
AI for Strategic Sourcing
This session will take participants through six key steps in strategic sourcing and demonstrate how two of those steps have already been automated — with the other stages not far behind. We argue that fully autonomous sourcing bots will achieve (1) better savings, (2) faster execution, (3) finer control and (4) improved data absorption and reasoning from third-party sources, resulting in a competitive advantage. We will offer a view on possible rollout strategies for enterprises that maximize impact and benefits.
10:00 am-11:00 am
Value of the Procurement Center of Excellence
Learn what value comes from having a Procurement Center of Excellence and how to keep relevant during change. During this session we’ll discuss how to make the most out of your data for analytics, metrics, and reporting. We’ll also talk about what best in class sourcing organizations do relative to process, contract management, savings tracking, and event management.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Category Management: Tools, Techniques and Results
This session will present effective category management tools and techniques — some well-known, some not — for optimizing savings. These tools and techniques can create longer-lasting relationships and bottom-line savings in the manufacturing and services industry.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Let’s Jazz This Place Up! Empower Women in Supply Management
While most people in supply management agree that the unique skills women bring are advantageous to the profession, 70 percent to 80 percent of these positions — and 95 percent of the top positions in Fortune 500 companies — are held by men. Discover how you can help make a change.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Blockchain and Supply Management
As a distributed ledger system, blockchain is a technology that holds great potential for procurement organizations. There are many ways that this technology can improve supply management Based on a recently completed CAPS Research project, this session will discuss the state of blockchain and where it is likely to be implemented in procurement organizations. Several use cases will be discussed.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
The Keys to Failure
In the current global climate, organizations must be prepared to respond quickly to cybersecurity incidents. Effective preparation permeates all business areas. This presentation will cover critical components of readiness for business executives when dealing with situations involving online security.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Young, Energized and Taking Supply Management by Storm
Join Thomas CEO Tony Uphoff as he facilitates a TED Talks style session with six of today’s most impressive emerging leaders in Supply Chain. Panelist include: Mitchell Agee from The Boeing Company, Charlotte de Brabandt from Johnson & Johnson, Trenton Lara from Pacific Gas and Electric, Tanner Ryan from Shell Trading Company, Sharndeep Singh from Johnson Controls and Lauren Sylvester from the US Postal Service. Today’s young supply chain professionals are making their mark in companies across all industries and in all corners of the world. Hear the one thing that has had the biggest impact on their careers. Learn about how they streamlined key processes, created new tools and workflows and saved their companies big bucks. Includes data points on the millennial supply chain community as well as a Q&A session with the speakers.
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Economic Update – Report On Business® Semiannual Forecast
The Report On Business®, featuring the PMI® and NMI® is a world renowned economic report produced by Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) for more than 80 years. During this session, you will see data on manufacturing and services sectors of the U.S. economy, plus learn insider secrets to using the Report On Business® to make strategic business decisions. As one of the most highly rated sessions, this interactive presentation will help you use the data alongside your company data to shine in your organization.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Making the Decision: Distributor Label Versus Supplier Direct Purchases
There is a high level of complexity associated with the decision around direct versus distributor purchases. This session takes an in-depth look at the decision-making process of determining if an organization should purchase a distributor’s private label items or contract directly with its supplier/manufacturer partners on direct purchases. There are numerous costs associated with both options that lead to overall total cost. These costs will be uncovered so procurement leaders have greater visibility into cost and can therefore make more informed buying decisions.
Steve Miller
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Orchestrating a Successful Procurement Transformation: A Symphony of Recruiting, Branding and Leading
Want to know what it takes to start, grow and maintain a best-in-class procurement group? Experts will offer lessons on recruiting top talent; selling the benefits of procurement; and delivering immediate and sustainable value. They will (1) show why a world-class team is the foundation to a procurement transformation, (2) discuss the best way to promote and communicate the change vision across the enterprise and (3) explain how data and analytics are integral to building a thriving procurement team.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
The Supply Chain Control Tower Leads to Customer Centricity
In a world that has never moved faster, had more demanding customers nor a shorter window of opportunity, the supply chain control tower is critical. An E2E team must be able to sense, respond and manage changes, disruptions and exceptions to prevent and minimize impact to the supply chain. At the heart of the control tower is 24/7 collaboration, technology, fully connected visibility and transparency to enable and drive decision making.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Process and Digital Technology Opportunities in Procurement
The environment of systems and tools platforms in which procurement operates is rapidly evolving. This session will expand on opportunities where procurement can work differently, applying the latest digital solutions like process robotics, predictive analytics and blockchain. Also, to be discussed: guided buying, B2B marketplaces and mobile apps — and their benefits to stakeholders and procurement organizations.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Stakeholder Engagement and Alignment
Supply management must align with and influences business leaders and other internal stakeholders to maximize value for a business. However, this can be difficult in a complex global and/or matrix organization. Session participants will learn how to help align competing objectives across various functions and geographies in their organizations
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Balancing the Travel Equation
This provocative session will challenge almost every buyer’s view of how to source the travel category. It makes the case for using the total cost of travel as the basis for travel procurement and travel policies. Attendees will gain practical methods for benchmarking to include recent research on the negative costs of tough travel policies, as well as learn how travel goals must be framed to deliver strategic business results.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Measuring What Matters — Simple Steps to Track Sustainable Procurement
There is a compelling business case for sustainable purchasing, but how do we effectively measure and report the impact of integrating sustainability into procurement? And by what criteria are we measuring success?
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Supply Management Talent Rings the Bell on Rotational Programs
What does it mean for procurement practitioners as more companies initiate and expand rotational and leadership development programs? In this session, our panel members will share their rotational program insights and how it forged the grassroots stage of their careers. Since each program has its own nuances and structure, you’ll get to hear about their different experiences and have an opportunity to engage with them in a lively Q&A session.
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Implementing a Risk Management Initiative
Take the journey implementing a risk management program with third- party vendors. This session will review two years of lessons learned as Zimmer Biomet developed a formalized supplier risk management program. Topics include developing policies and procedures, as well as tackling culture shifts internally and externally. Other discussion areas include addressing single- and sole-sourced risk reduction, business continuity planning and financial risk assessment of the supply base.
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Blockchain Platforms for Direct Materials Procurement
Hear insights from Taylor, drawn from his blockchain experience and research as the founder of Aperio and an advisor for Sweetbridge, one of the most significant and aspirational blockchain projects. Participate in a discussion of how blockchain technologies can be used to dramatically change the way we purchase materials and work with partner companies.
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Changing the Perception of Procurement in Marketing
Marketing is a major indirect spend, and procurement does not always have a voice in campaign and agency spend. Marketing and procurement need to find a common language and learn how to work effectively with each other as respected equals. According to A.T. Kearney’s latest Assessment of Excellence in Procurement research, procurement is “proactively involved” in marketing in fewer than 20 percent of companies. If collaboration increased with the other 80 percent of marketers, both parties would reap significant rewards.
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Seeing Into the Future of Procurement — What You Need to Know
We’ve all heard the hype about the future of technology in procurement and shared services, but what’s the reality? AI, robotics and machine learning are coming into the mainstream after years of hype and promise. The emergence of new tools and technology is transforming business. In what some are calling the Fourth Industrial Revolution, what are the risks and rewards for procurement professionals? Learn how you can embrace the support of new technology and stay in front of the learning curve for you and your business.
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Day 3
08 May 2018
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Procurement’s Guide to Mastering Project Management
The job of a procurement professional doesn’t stop once the contract is signed. The purchase of goods, services or technology require unique strategies during performance. This follow-up to ISM 2016’s Statement of Work Signature Session is designed to help ensure that a process is put in place to review and manage a supplier’s contract performance, after the scope of work is signed. Attendees will learn how to (1) confirm the supplier stays on time and on budget, even when the needs of the company change, (2) manage risk as performance occurs and (3) successfully manage a project. The importance of planning, adherence to best practices, supplier evaluation techniques and proper reporting will also be discussed. Attendees will leave the ability to identify effective project management practices and their related processes.
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Elevating Employee Engagement — Tackling Generation Gaps, Virtual Teams, and the Global Workforce.
The workforce is rapidly evolving. Due to such challenges as generational gaps, virtual workforces, and an increasing global workplace only 30 percent of the global workforce feels engaged. This has a direct negative impact on the bottom line. In this discussion of employee engagement Dima Ghawi will share insights on how to foster a happy and lucrative work environment for all types of employees by connecting their strengths with career aspirations. Creating a more positive company culture for all workforce types results in lower employee turnover, improved quality of work, improved overall morale, and a positive influence on the bottom line.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
No More Playing it by Ear When It Comes to Collaborative Negotiations
This session provides you with the skills and knowledge necessary for building a bridge of collaboration between the sourcing function and the sales function to ensure exceptional outcomes for both parties. Explore how sourcing is truly “reverse sales” and explore what the sales and sourcing professional have in common. Learn how transparent collaborative negotiations will save you time by increasing your efficiency and effectiveness in your negotiations.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Your impact in 100 days
The session details leadership challenges and lessons from the first 100 days operating in a transformational company. A key focus on people development, new sourcing process, and technology tools to drive: collaborative stakeholder engagement, business cost savings and revenue growth, and enhanced capabilities around spend analytics. Challenges included driving transformational change while keeping the lights on, navigating through resource constraints, and working to create excitement in our journey.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Rise of the Machines: The Five Innovative Technologies that will Fundamentally Change Procurement
In today’s age of innovation and intelligence, procurement leaders that consistently leverage new technology innovations will enjoy a significant competitive advantage and truly challenge the conventional wisdom of what is possible for procurement. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, advanced analytics for big data and robotic process automation (RPA) are emerging solutions that will fundamentally change the procurement industry.
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Procurement Transformation in a Private Equity Context
Discover what private equity operations experts think about the role of procurement in creating value in their portfolio companies — through assessing, challenging and transforming procurement functions. A panel of private equity operations leaders will share how procurement can deliver its share of the investment thesis through leveraging synergies, managing categories (direct and indirect) strategically, managing suppliers across a portfolio of companies, and developing talent at individual companies with guidance from a broader operations group. The viewpoints of these private equity peers will lend a unique perspective about driving results and making an impact in a function across companies and industries, with an opportunity for questions and best-practice sharing.
Steve Hrubala
10:00 am - 11:00 am
E-commerce: Learn how to meet traditional, mobile and online customer needs by leveraging e-commerce solutions.
In today’s world of connected commerce, consumer expectations drive business decisions. Managing insight into product availability, shipping options and easy returns can be a key differentiator. To build that differentiation, you need to rely on a network incorporating the integrated solutions that will optimize the entire ecosystem of your product, drive efficiencies in your retail and e-commerce logistics and minimize touchpoints. As a FedEx sales leader, Dave Edmonds is uniquely positioned to provide a fascinating perspective regarding how customers of all sizes expand into new markets and take advantage of customized fulfillment, shipping and delivery experiences; helping them grow while offering operational efficiencies to help control cost.
10:00 am-11:00 am
Enabling Profitability and Growth with Data in a Global P&L
Few places around the globe are as competitive as Asia. Learn how in that market material cost can be a key driver of competitiveness, revenue growth and profitability. Data analysis should not just be viewed from the perspective of a buyer or commodity manager. By expanding beyond supplier spend, inflation and productivity, you can influence the business by creating synergies that accelerate growth and profitability. Asian competitors are aggressive and expanding globally. Explore lessons learned to help you compete in your market.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Driving an Indirect Sourcing Transformation
For the past two years, Boston Scientific embarked on an indirect sourcing transformation to create a world-class sourcing organization, become a trusted partner to our functions, regions and divisions while driving US$100 million in cost savings. Hear Boston Scientific’s approach to indirect spend and the transforming of our indirect sourcing organization. Boston Scientific created (1) a closed loop process to communicate savings to controllers, (2) a governance model to create policies, processes and accountability and (3) an organizational structure to drive spend optimization of US$2.5 billion in indirect spend.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Creating Value Through Strategic Partnerships
Create value and manage supplier risk beyond standard supplier relationship management by creating strategic partnerships with your most critical suppliers. Turn a strategic supplier into a strategic partner by creating exceptional executive relationships and promoting and managing a portfolio of strategic-partnership initiatives. Attendees will discover (1) the genesis of the program, (2) the quantitative and qualitative process for selecting strategic partners and (3) best practices for ensuring best results.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Bringing Your Authentic Self to Work and Its Challenges
Aligning your personal and professional values with that of your employer can often be difficult. Many professionals find that where there is an incongruence, professional dissatisfaction and performance suffers and the stress can be server enough to cause medical conditions. Many are no longer willing to “sacrifice” or hide part of themselves to fit into the larger corporate normative culture. So, the real challenge is how to be yourself while being successful and attaining your professional hierarchical ambitions.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
The Power Behind Southwest Airlines — Managing a Fuel Supply Chain from Source to Delivery
Learn how supply management aligns with the company’s strategic vision while breaking down the anatomy of the fuel supply chain from source to delivery. We’ll explore balancing sourcing strategies with risk mitigation and supply chain security. We’ll also dive into a recent example of supply disruption (Hurricane Harvey) and how business-continuity plans play a key role in preparedness.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
How Google Helps Power Supply Chains
In this session, we’ll discuss Google Cloud’s offerings, including machine learning and Internet of Things (IoT) advancements, and how they help organizations make better decisions about how they do business, manage supply chains and work with third-party vendors. This session is designed for procurement professionals wanting to learn what artificial intelligence applications are ready to use in Google Cloud, what is in the pipeline and how it could provide new transformative, value-adding capabilities for procurement.
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Leveraging Material Handling: Essential Strategies for Maximizing Your Automation Investment
Modern supply chains must be increasingly agile, providing faster response times and greater visibility. To achieve these objectives, companies are relying on automation. From simple conveyor systems to full-scale, robotic solutions, supply chain automation is necessary to maximize productivity, reduce costs and improve customer service. In this presentation, you will learn about the evolution of automation, how to implement the right level of technology, and tips for negotiating and procuring your automated system. Whether new to automation or a seasoned expert, you will walk away with new ideas for improving your operation and maximizing your investment.
2:30 pm-3:30 pm
All In On Analytics – Running Your Procurement Organization by the Dashboard Lights
You have plans to digitize – or have already substantially digitized – your Procurement processes, with a goal of increasing efficiency and savings, but also to gain real visibility to the underlying process that will allow you to leverage analytics for better and more strategic decision making. This session will utilize a case study approach to illustrate how analytics can provide the insights you need to: · Prioritize optimal savings opportunities and track savings realization throughout the project lifecycle · Proactively monitor and ensure compliance by end-users and suppliers · Preemptively mitigate potential supply risk events before they occur · Proscribe and standardized processes while pinpointing and remediating process defects · Partner and collaborate more effectively with internal business stakeholders and external suppliers · Promote Procurement’s business value contributions to the C-suite
2:30 pm-3:30 pm
How Will Corporations’ Procurement Departments Respond to the Return of Inflation?
After more than 20 years of low—at times, negative—price increases, inflation is returning. As a result, if interest rates rise as expected, it is likely inflation will be fueled further by government action in the near-term. Increasing inflation will force managers to work more closely with other internal departments to mitigate the negative impacts of increasing inflation.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Intergenerational Challenges in the Workplace — A Tennessee Excursion into Leadership, Followership and Mentorship
From big bands to rock ’n’ roll, while music is often viewed as generational, each era lays a foundation for the next to follow. Make an excursion into the “new workplace,” where leadership, mentorship and followership are the three key elements essential to developing a dynamic workforce. This presentation calls out the importance of blending these elements, regardless of intergenerational differences, to deliver results, transfer knowledge and prepare for the future.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Addressing Risk in a Constantly Changing Environment
Today’s constant changing business environment requires professionals to recognize and mitigate challenges regularly to protect and grow their businesses. One of the keys to success is having the ability to identify, engage, address, and learn from threats. This session will highlight common and emerging risks as well as highlight various strategies to mitigate them.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Forward Thinking Applied through Box’s Business Model
This session will focus on how direct materials concepts are interwoven into Box’s business model. Attendees will learn how Box’s thought leadership on quality timeliness, and traceability of input materials (data and content) delivers goods on time and without defects to an eager consumer base.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Breaking Through in New Complex Services Categories
Sourcing complex services is considered the next frontier in best-in-class procurement organizations. Approaching greenspace categories in your organization is always a difficult task. This presentation will describe proven approaches to building rapport and establishing long-lasting partnerships with categories and business lines that were long seen as “out of scope.” Complex services can come with roadblocks, but with determination, persistence and a leadership-supported process, success is in reach.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Ten Principles for Successfully Navigating the Ethical Rough Seas of Supply Management
Join members of the ISM Ethical Standards Committee in a lively interactive session addressing today’s knotty ethical challenges and opportunities. By adopting 10 core principles of ethical practice, supply managers can have a positive company-wide impact. These principles successfully utilize collaboration, positive influence and sound business processes. Safe passage through the murky waters of ethical dilemmas is possible! Attendees will receive a checklist of 10 core ethics principles, and the panel will provide examples from supply management situations.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Guided Auctions using Machine Learning
What’s the next step in optimizing auctions? There are countless auction types, and selecting the right one could make all the difference between a good result … and a great one. This session will show how machine learning can be used to guarantee great auction outcomes.
Bernd Huber
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Is Your Market All Shook Up? Business Maestros Share Secrets to Walk the Line with Your Commercial Relationships
Short-term results are king in today’s business world. Cut costs or be thrown into the ring of fire. But at what price? Commercial relationships are changing, and it’s tempting to be a gambler and put your suppliers under pressure. An extreme focus on cost reduction can kill creativity and damage relationships throughout the value chain’s wide-open spaces. Visionary procurement leaders are acting differently and seeing exceptional results. These experts will share some leading-edge ways they work to build remarkable commercial relationships.
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Reshaping Procurement through Digitization and Analytics
Digitization and analytics tools promise to step change procurement capabilities in providing end-to-end visibility, driving new insights, automating processes and enabling speed. In this session, we will discuss key trends, potential use cases, and provide impactful examples.
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
From the Amazon to the Moon: The Possibilities for Procurement
Today we are faced with complex supply chain challenges. In fact, it is hard to think about an area of business that modern procurement doesn’t touch – employment law, climate change, human rights…and now social media at the epicenter of a storm created by the exploding digital landscape, which is causing many industries to pivot. As the complexity of our supply chains have increased, so too have the number of issues we need to deal with. Most of these are too big for any one person – or even any one company – to solve alone. In this session, you will gain an understanding of (1) why procurement needs to work more closely and on a global scale, (2) how networks and social media will help the profession get ahead of issues, (3) why procurement is still in need of a brand makeover, and (4) how you can help.
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Direct Procurement: Transitioning from Tactical Purchasing to Strategic Supply Chain Management
Hear an overview of restaurant supply management through Brinker International’s journey from tactical purchasing to strategic procurement. This session will cover how to deliver cost savings and quality enhancements while maintaining neutral or favorable cost impact, as well as provide insight into Brinker’s triad process — the collaboration among the culinary, quality assurance and procurement teams for product development and sourcing. Finally, attendees will gain an understanding of how these initiatives impact Brinker’s bottom line.
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Five Archetypes of Cybersecurity Breaches in the Supply Base
Is cybersecurity a question of technology alone, or also a question of supply management? A recent study estimates that 63 percent of cybersecurity breaches come through or are partially facilitated by a supplier or third party. Based on a recently completed CAPS Research project, we will present five archetypes of cybersecurity breaches that could potentially come through a buying company’s supply base, and strategies for mitigating these emerging threats.
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Sourcing Strategically in a High-Growth Environment
Come learn from leaders who are shaping sourcing operations at some of the fastest-growing companies. How are they creating a scalable procurement culture, enabling category strategies to support high growth, negotiating deals that capture the value of hyper spend/demand, and driving innovation from suppliers? Expect a spirited panel discussion around best practices, with an opportunity to ask many questions.
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Navigating the Age of “Want It Now” — and How Strategic 3PL Can Help
The “want it now” mentality of consumers has proliferated across almost all industries, forcing organizations to reevaluate their supply chains. With many organizations facing internal constraints that hinder their ability to quickly adapt to the changing landscape, companies are turning more and more to strategic 3PL partners to bring the expertise, innovation experience, and capital needed to develop cutting-edge solutions. This session will break down these challenges and will explore solutions. Among topics to be covered are data analytics, advanced automation, network fulfillment, and optimized parcel strategies.
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Careers with Impact in Supply Chain
This session will focus on female leaders that have differentiated their companies through unique contributions to the supply chain function. Attendees will learn the dos and don’ts in creating impact in this area including latest trends to tap into.
Day 4
09 May 2018
8:30 am - 9:30 am
ISM Certifications: Gain the Skills You Need to Succeed
Today, a strategic-level certification is vital for professionals who want to implement change throughout their organizations. Gain the credentials and skills you need through ISM certifications, which are recognized globally as the gold standard of excellence in procurement and supply management. In this session, ISM Certification experts will deliver information on the CPSM® and CPSD™ certification programs, review courseware and provide study plans. This session is ideal for anyone considering an ISM certification.
8:30 am - 9:30 am
Keeping Up With the Digital Procurement Transformation
New developments in technology are already having a profound impact on procurement. Digitization and other advanced technologies are changing how results and value are delivered to a business. This session covers how organizations can take advantage of today’s technology to drive transformation and how their digitization projects are changing the workplace. You will hear from procurement leaders from the University of California and advance materials leaders, II-VI Incorporated — two very different enterprises who are using the latest technologies to create step-changes in value delivery. Also, GEP, a leading developer of procurement software, will discuss the upcoming technology developments that will make an impact in the future.
8:30 am - 9:30 am
Systems, Silos and Change: Implications for Supply Chain Managers
Organizations speak of aspiring to be more systems-oriented in their thinking, breaking down silos that isolate functions from one another and becoming more agile — turning on a dime when the environment changes. While some organizations have become what they aspire to be, most still struggle with systems thinking, silos and agility. This presentation focuses on how those within the supply chain function can positively impact these issues and is based on books co-authored by the presenters on change management and decision-making (We Move Our Own Cheese and Better Business Decisions Using Cost Modeling).
9:45 am-10:45 am
Increased speed, quality and agility: Unlocking the upside of AI
Stephany Lapierre, CEO and Founder of tealbook, will be sharing her insight and expertise into how existing procurement processes can be elevated through data and technology. Stephany will be focusing on the practical application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in improving numerous aspects of the sourcing process. She will explore the potential of this exciting technology to unlock speed, agility and strategic decision-making, leading to increased collaboration and job satisfaction, and ultimately, the ability to drive better outcomes.
9:45 am-10:45 am
Mindfulness 101
Ever wanted to learn the fundamentals of Mindfulness and perhaps how to meditate? Well you are in the right spot- this class teaches you a little about the history, the brain, what mindfulness is, and even how to meditate all in less than an hour! You will depart feeling refreshed and Zen.
9:45 am - 10:45 am
Overcoming Procurement’s Internal Image Problem
In many companies, Procurement has an image problem as a “clerical” function relegated to processing POs once the contract has been negotiated and signed elsewhere. Yet, as these companies seek to unlock additional sources of value, Procurement must overcome this mistaken image to position itself as a strategic enabler of success for its constituents within the company. During this session, we will explore how Procurement can claim its proper place by understanding shared goals, securing leadership buy-in, and communicating successes.
9:45 am - 10:45 am
Scaled Analytics: Sourcing Pharma’s Analytics Needs at Scale
This session will present the journey that Pfizer Global Procurement and our internal business partner, StratCo Business Analytics, have taken to create a winning strategy to satisfy the demand for analytics services in the world’s largest pharmaceutical company. Five years ago, Pfizer transformed how analytics services are provided to inform marketing and sales strategic decisions. Why did we change, and how did we decide our new strategy? What were the challenges? How has scaling services volume, managing supplier quality and delivery performance, and managing the internal workflow had an impact? How are rapidly changing technology solutions affecting the analytics landscape? After five years, how is Pfizer’s strategy changing, and why?
9:45 am - 10:45 am
Robotic Processing — The Next Phase for Fulfillment
Our fulfillment world is changing, thanks to the expansion of automated data processing and artificial intelligence. What are businesses doing, what areas are affected — and what is the real value? Hear what is around the corner and what you can do to be ahead of the onslaught. Participate in a discussion about what “big consulting” is saying versus what is really happening in the trenches.