Eliminating procurement inefficiencies with a low-cost digital tool
An interview with Phil Thompson, Procurement Data Manager for NG Bailey
In our latest podcast, we interviewed Phil Thompson, Procurement Data Manager for major building services contractor, NG Bailey. We talked about:
- NG Bailey’s journey from lean construction to developing a bespoke procurement solution that transformed their business,
- How NG Bailey can now manage what’s known as the ‘Golden Thread’ of information right through the procurement process, and
- Lessons learned that can benefit the wider industry.
Listen in…
The podcast is 43 minutes long and you can watch or listen to it here (links open in new windows):
Short on time?
If you don’t have time to listen to the whole thing, you can scroll to the relevant sections:
1:00 Phil’s background, his involvement with lean construction initiatives and how this eventually shaped the digital procurement platform solution.
10:00 Overview of the digital procurement solution – who was involved, what was required and the behavioural and cultural changes that were needed to develop the solution.
13:25 How the solution was project-managed, including scope, duration and costs. Why addressing the root causes and not the symptoms was key to the project success.
16:38 How the solution was rolled out within the wider business, and the initial barriers faced with the quality of product information from suppliers.
20:20 How NG Bailey engaged with over 200 manufacturers in the supply chain, and the challenges that were overcome to get the right information from them.
21:40 The ‘Golden Thread’ in the context of procurement – what’s meant by this and what this looks like in the procurement process.
24:00 Why inconsistency of procurement data is still a major challenge for the construction industry.
25:30 What we mean by ‘GS1 standards’, why they are important and how this integrates with the procurement platform; the potential for GS1 standards to transform procurement practices within the wider industry.
29:30 Th e key benefits of implementing the procurement platform – and some of the frustrations felt along the way! Why technology does not solve your problems by itself – and the fundamental importance of focus on process and culture as the key to project success.
33:42 Traceability of procurement data – the wider business benefits of having access to accurate, granular procurement information. How this has a huge positive impact on commercial performance and buying strategy.
36:54 The evolution of the procurement tool and giving access to the wider supply chain – and what benefits this is bringing.
38:50 Lessons learned from implementing this solution and some advice for others looking to adopt a similar solution or a specific digital tool for their business.
40:25 The broader conversations going on in industry that Phil is involved with regarding procurement, along with Phil’s aspirations for the future of construction.
About Phil and NG Bailey
- Follow Phil on LinkedIn.
- Visit the NG Bailey website.
Want to share your experiences of using digital tools?
If you have a digital tool that’s solving a practical problem the industry should hear about, get in touch with me at chris@digitalconstructionskills.com.
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This podcast has been created thanks to funding from the CITB. If you would like to find out more about how our free training, support and learning resources can help your team or business, go to the Funded Services page or get in touch with chris@digitalconstructionskills.com.
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