What Engineers Wish Procurement Teams Knew

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes, 25 seconds

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Published January 10, 2024

Engineers and procurement teams play crucial roles in the intricate dance of design and manufacturing. Both units are essential, but communication gaps can sometimes create unnecessary tension. How do they bridge that divide and facilitate understanding? What do engineers wish their procurement teams truly grasped? How can you find a sweet spot for collaboration?

1. There Might Be a Paperwork Problem

Every moment an engineer spends on paperwork is a moment they are not developing something. To them, an excess of forms and approvals doesn't just feel bureaucratic—it feels like an obstruction to the creative flow. They yearn for a streamlined process within a system that respects the need for both accountability and agility.

What buyers can do: Invest in procurement software that automates repetitive tasks and reduces manual interventions. By digitizing and consolidating paperwork, both teams can focus on their core tasks, enhancing efficiency and reducing delays.

2. Vendor Relationships Give a Sense of Security

Engineers often deeply understand the parts they need and where to source them. The familiar territory of trusted vendors gives them a sense of reliability. However, when they're pushed into unfamiliar terrains with new vendors, it can cause uncertainty they wish they could avoid.

What buyers can do: While keeping a list of approved vendors is essential for quality control, engineers should be provided a fast-track system to suggest and get approvals for new vendors (ideally without adding paperwork, of course), especially when it concerns innovative or advanced components.

3. There's a Balancing Act between Trust and Technology

Being committed to approved vendors can sometimes feel like being asked to paint with only half the colors. Engineers understand the value of trust, but sometimes, they wish for the freedom to chase the pulse of technological evolution, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zones.

What buyers can do: Organize regular meetings where engineers can showcase new technologies and explain their benefits. This will educate the procurement team on the evolving tech landscape and help them understand why specific components might be essential for a project, even if not from approved vendors.

4. Sourcing Is More Than Just Shopping

Sourcing decisions aren't made on a whim. Engineers wish procurement teams understood the depth of research, peer consultations, and expert engagements often preceding decisions. The volatile nature of supply chains, especially recently, adds another layer to this complexity.

What buyers can do: Use collaborative platforms where engineers can highlight the reasons behind their sourcing decisions. Allowing engineers to document their research and consultation efforts can give procurement teams a more precise understanding and basis for their requests.

5. Strict Procurement Rules Sometimes Create Roadblocks

Every guideline and restriction can feel like a chain holding engineers back. Whether it's the hurdle of splitting orders or staying confined within an approved list, they wish there was more flexibility and more room to maneuver without bypassing the rules.

What buyers can do: Periodically review and update procurement rules. A feedback mechanism where engineers can suggest changes based on their practical experiences can help fine-tune these guidelines to be more adaptive and less restrictive.

6. Communication and Transparency Are Key

Engineers value transparency. Whether it's when parts are ordered, deliveries are expected, or shipments are delayed, timely updates make a difference. Fewer layers of bureaucratic approval and more direct communication channels would be a game-changer.

What buyers can do: Develop a centralized communication platform, such as a dashboard, where all stakeholders can see real-time updates about order placements, deliveries, and any issues. This can reduce the dependency on emails and ensure that everyone stays informed.

7. Value Their Expertise in Part Selection

Engineers bring a wealth of experience, skills, and expertise to the table, and wish this was recognized more often. They hope for a more collaborative approach to decision-making, where their expertise isn't just acknowledged but actively sought.

What buyers can do: Organize workshops where engineers can share their expertise and procurement teams can explain their constraints. These conversations may initially reveal process roadblocks, but closing this communication gap is essential to overcoming those hindrances. Additionally, cross-functional team meetings, where decisions about part selection are made collectively, can foster mutual respect and improve outcomes.

8. There's a Difference between In-house Designs and Contractual Obligations

Engineers often wear different hats. When designing in-house, they're free birds. Contractual obligations, however, bring a different set of challenges. They wish for more straightforward client communication lines and a little more autonomy with in-house projects.

What buyers can do: Having a clear workflow for in-house projects versus client-based projects can help clearly set expectations. Engineers can be given more autonomy for in-house designs, while client-based projects can follow a more structured approach, ensuring client requirements are met without hampering creativity.

Conclusion

No matter what challenges engineers and procurement professionals face, success hinges on mutual respect and understanding. By recognizing these insights, procurement teams have a unique opportunity to collaborate more efficiently with engineers. The outcome? Seamless operations, groundbreaking innovations, and a harmonious working environment.