Improving sourcing and purchasing activities in the Pharmaceutical industry

A specialist supplier of products to the healthcare sector worldwide had experienced consistent and significant growth since start-up. The company’s reputation for superb service to customers meant that speed of delivery was crucial. Would its sourcing and purchasing activities be able to keep up with sales? Sterling was retained to find out.

The first step was an internal review of the overall structure of the organisation, all relevant activities, support systems, facilities, responsibilities and roles, skills, relationships, and premises and accommodation. In order to establish a balanced basis for our advice we also sought input from customers and suppliers around the world.

We concluded that, to be confident of managing the dynamic nature of their business, the members of the Board needed to adopt a business process rather than function view of their company.

A range of highly specific and detailed recommendations were made covering, amongst other things, the business objectives, the adoption of process management , and changes in management responsibilities. Sterling’s recommendations were accepted.