Practical ways to improve outcomes across the commercial lifecycle

Over-stretched procurement teams are facing ever-increasing pressure to improve efficiency, systems and processes. Alongside this, they are being challenged to identify where cash-releasing savings can be made, all while navigating multiple national initiatives, changes to policy and Procurement Regulations, and challenges on the frontline.

So, where to start? Data.

It sounds simple, but accurate data is the foundation for identifying where efficiencies can be made. In this blog, we focus on two different sources of data and how to improve them; catalogues and workplans.

Catalogues

Accurate catalogues enable requisitioners to order exactly what they need to deliver patient care without delay, but maintenance of product data is no easy task. Much of it is reliant on supplier relationship management, and it gets trickier at Integrated Care System (ICS) level, as trusts often have their own catalogues and pricing, which makes keeping on top of product information and contracts challenging.

This is why we have created a catalogue management solution that includes a collaborative Global Procurement Organisation (GPO) layer to promote joint purchasing agreements and host all catalogue data.

This data is then used to pull a subset of information into an ICS layer, then, we integrate a further subset of this into each trust that reflects the products needed by that trust, as well as any local pricing. This means that product changes only need to be made once at the GPO layer and will be reflected across all trust catalogues – even the products in your saved favourites list will update.

Workplans

Data-driven workplans have the potential to identify collaborative opportunities and deliver the greatest savings.

We work with ICSs to analyse their contracts and pipeline data, segmenting it into categories and mapping whether it is aligned to a framework agreement, classed as a capital project or requires a bespoke contract.

Through this process, we can identify quick wins plus any standardisation and aggregation opportunities, as well as where efficiencies with suppliers can be made, looking to implement category-based sourcing that drives total ICS volume pricing.

The takeaway?

While everything we have covered makes sense, implementing the changes isn’t a simple task. Which is why we’re here – if you would like to talk to us about how we could support your unique needs, or you simply want to find out more about our procurement services, please get in touch.