The first recorded procurement clerks were the ancient Egyptians who recorded procurement processes on papyrus, and from clerks, experts have now become professionals in this key function of every company. Given the development of supply chains, new technologies, and the creation of a new order, this will remain the case, it was emphasized at the very beginning of today’s procurement conference at the Sheraton Hotel in Zagreb, organized by Lider and the Croatian Association of Procurement Professionals (HUND).
Like every previous one, this year’s procurement conference is thematically focused. Under the title ‘Intelligent Procurement for a Sustainable Future’, this year it addresses the sustainable aspect of procurement, as well as the application of artificial intelligence in procurement. This is, of course, a reflection of the times we live in. Today, processes are becoming increasingly accelerated, technology-oriented, AI-oriented, and sustainable, as the entire procurement process must be green, thus presenting numerous challenges for procurement professionals.
– Procurement today is defined by artificial intelligence. Some things scare us a little, but on the other hand, we see great opportunities such as transformation, digitalization, and optimization of processes, sustainability, and ESG. Today’s lectures will cover all these topics, and we will have the opportunity to talk with global and local experts. I hope you will learn something and meet new colleagues from procurement departments – said Mirela Senica, president of HUND, before the gathered experts and procurement specialists, as well as members and presidents of management boards in a packed hall of the Sheraton Hotel in Zagreb.
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HUND is celebrating 20 years of operation this year, and the conference itself marks its 19th edition. The number of members of the Association is constantly growing, Senica noted, and since 2007, HUND has also been part of the global network of IFPSM, the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management.
– This has given us access to a global network of suppliers, and today you will be able to hear lectures from representatives of IFPSM. As part of the global network, the HUND delegation participates in global fairs. Next year we are going to China, and you are all welcome to join us at that global summit – announced Senica.
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Export in any form is very valuable
National associations like HUND must tackle numerous challenges, noted Chris Oanda, president of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM), which brings together more than 40 national associations with 250,000 members worldwide. Limited resources, technological advancement, cultural and language barriers, regulatory compliance, market changes, and maintaining competitiveness on the global scene are just some of the challenges Oanda mentioned.
– Of course, there are other challenges at the professional level, such as communication with directors and board members in organizations. It is up to you to prove that you are relevant in your community and country. But even if you work within the borders of your own country, you must develop and adopt practices from various other countries and understand how procurement processes work in other countries. Strive to be recognized not only within Croatia and the EU but also worldwide as a reliable trading partner. You must be advisors to the industry so that it is recognized outside Croatia in terms of good practices, as export to other countries in any form is very valuable – advised Oanda to the conference participants.
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He emphasized the importance of membership in national and global associations like HUND and IFPSM, as well as cooperation with other associations, the academic community, and monitoring global procurement trends.
– The world of procurement is rapidly changing, new technologies are emerging, and efficiency and competitiveness are key factors in that change. It is important to have relevant information to assess where you exactly stand on the growth ladder and what technology can do for you. You may be a company of limited size, but by being a member of IFPSM, you have the opportunity to access professionals worldwide, which is a huge advantage for procurement professionals. This is better than going to Google and looking for someone, for example, in Mexico. So, this is an opportunity to be part of a global network – concluded Oanda his introductory speech.
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