A fractional chief procurement officer is someone who steps into the head of procurement role, but takes on the responsibility on a part-time or contract basis. This approach is a smart option for small or midsize manufacturers who want experienced leadership but don’t want to commit to a full-time executive hire. Around this time of year, when production demand starts to shift after winter slowdowns, many companies look harder at how to plan ahead for future operations. Supp

AI in procurement consulting is steadily changing the way small and mid-size manufacturers approach purchasing. It’s not just about trimming back overhead anymore. It’s helping people make smarter decisions across their entire production process. As we roll into the early weeks of January, manufacturers across the country are thinking carefully about how to plan for uncertain conditions. Winter weather, supplier delays, and shifting orders can all hit at once this time of yea

Small changes can have a big impact. That’s true in life and it’s just as true in procurement. When your processes are off, even by a little, the cost can add up fast. But cleaning things up doesn’t always mean flipping your system upside down. Sometimes, it’s the quiet tweaks behind the scenes that help the most—like better tracking, clearer approval routes, or more helpful communication with your vendors. Savings don’t always happen from slashing prices or cutting corners.

Updating a procurement system can feel like a major lift, especially for manufacturers with tight timelines and limited resources. But skipping this step or putting it off too long often leads to delays, workarounds, and hidden costs. A modern procurement system does more than just replace paperwork or fix old technology. It better connects your team, streamlines buying, and helps make smarter decisions across departments. Still, the process comes with its ups and downs. Thin

Strategic sourcing is a planning process that helps manufacturers choose the best suppliers for their business goals. It looks beyond just finding the lowest price and uses more long-term thinking to bring in quality, improve delivery times, and manage risks. Instead of reacting to urgent needs, this approach builds a system that supports bigger goals like scaling operations or increasing stability. Manufacturers that rely too heavily on short-term buying or chasing last-minu

Artificial intelligence isn’t just for tech giants or cutting-edge startups anymore. Manufacturers, especially those managing procurement, are starting to see real changes from practical AI tools. These tools are changing how teams source, purchase, forecast, and improve supply chains without wasting time or sorting through piles of old spreadsheets. Rather than being some futuristic idea, AI is now part of daily work for many procurement teams. It’s helping people make quick

Procurement bottlenecks don’t always show up all at once. Sometimes they hide in small delays, repeated errors, or missed opportunities that stack up over time. Eventually, they can slow down production, increase costs, and cause unnecessary stress between teams and suppliers. For manufacturers trying to keep things running smoothly, small hiccups in procurement can quickly turn into major setbacks. When procurement breaks down, the effects ripple throughout the business. It

Success in procurement isn’t always easy to measure. When projects involve multiple suppliers, timelines, and shifting priorities, it’s easy to lose sight of what progress actually looks like. That’s why building a clear way to track results is so important. Without some structure in place, teams end up guessing whether they’re improving or not, which creates gaps in performance and missed savings over time. On the other hand, when procurement goals are tracked and measured c

A procurement audit sounds like something big companies deal with, but it’s just as helpful for smaller manufacturers. It’s a review of...

Getting procurement right can make or break a manufacturing operation. Without a solid system in place, even small issues like missed...

Cash flow can sneak up as a major challenge for manufacturers. Materials, labor, shipping, and customers paying late — it all adds up...

Discover the benefits of procurement process optimization for manufacturing. Learn to cut costs, reduce risks, and boost supplier relations effectively.

Discover 7 expert strategies to optimize your supply chain, reduce costs, and build resilience. From digital tools to supplier partnerships, transform your operations with Flambeau Consulting."

Tariffs hitting your manufacturing business? Rising costs can sting, but you’ve got options. At Flambeau Consulting, we help small to medium-sized shops thrive. Diversify suppliers with local deals, trim waste, adjust prices smartly, embrace automation, and build a cash cushion. These steps keep your legacy strong. Ready to outsmart tariffs? Visit https://www.flambeauconsult.com/contact for a free chat. Your company's future is in your hands, let’s make it unstoppable!

Discover 9 smart procurement strategies for 2025 to save costs, boost efficiency, and strengthen your supply chain. Get expert tips from Flambeau Consulting.

Learn 8 strategic steps to implement commodity financial hedges, reduce price volatility risks, and stabilize costs for your business.

Learn how to manage commodity price volatility with practical strategies to control costs. Discover tips for supplier agreements, indexing, and hedging to stabilize your business expenses.

Learn 5 expert strategies to negotiate supplier price hikes and reduce costs. Discover how to gather data, evaluate options, and execute winning procurement plans.

Discover how a Fractional Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) can optimize your supply chain, cut costs, and enhance supplier relationships. Contact Flambeau Consulting today!

Learn how to reduce costs by collaborating with suppliers. Discover actionable strategies to unlock savings in your supply chain. Contact us for expert guidance!