Balfour Kilpatrick rationalises its supply chain
Balfour Kilpatrick has rationalised its supply chain over the last few months, a programme that has been orchestrated by David Swinburne, the company’s supply-chain and procurement manager. The most fundamental change has been the strengthening of procurement and supply management across the business and the appointment of regional procurement managers. A direct result of the new centre-led organisational structure has been the development of the process for generating orders from centre to the regional businesses, with orders now raised and issued in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. Another major area of focus and development has been the restructuring of the supply chain and using it to develop appropriate business relationships with the network of suppliers and subcontractors The supply chain is based on commodity groups, with each group having approved and preferred providers. Preferred status requires both Balfour Kilpatrick and the provider to sign a preferred-supply-chain protocol, which sets out the standards of behaviour to be expected in the relationship. This structured approach to managing the supply chain means that the company will work more frequently with a smaller number of subcontractors and suppliers. The philosophy is to further the development of appropriate relationships to maximise mutual trust and confidence and encourage a working environment that allows the open exchange of technical knowledge and expertise. Developing a more effective supply chain — David Swinburne of Balfour Kilpatrick.
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