Flevy Management Insights Case Study
Strategic Procurement for Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction Firm
     Joseph Robinson    |    Supply Chain Analysis


Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in Supply Chain Analysis to thoroughly analyze their unique business challenges and competitive situations. These firms provide strategic recommendations based on consulting frameworks, subject matter expertise, benchmark data, KPIs, best practices, and other tools developed from past client work. We followed this management consulting approach for this case study.

TLDR A mid-size heavy and civil engineering construction firm faced challenges in optimizing its sourcing strategy due to a fragmented supplier base and rising procurement costs. By consolidating suppliers and implementing a digital procurement platform, the firm achieved a 15% reduction in procurement costs and improved operational efficiency, highlighting the importance of Strategic Sourcing and Change Management in achieving cost-effectiveness.

Reading time: 10 minutes

Consider this scenario: A mid-size heavy and civil engineering construction firm in the U.S.

faces strategic challenges in optimizing its sourcing strategy due to a fragmented supplier base and inefficient supply chain analysis. It struggles with internal issues like a 20% increase in procurement costs and external challenges such as fluctuating material prices and regulatory changes. The primary strategic objective is to enhance procurement efficiency and cost-effectiveness.



This organization is a mid-size heavy and civil engineering construction firm experiencing significant procurement inefficiencies. To properly diagnose the root causes, we need to examine its fragmented supplier base and inefficient supply chain processes. The organization also faces external pressures like fluctuating material costs and regulatory changes, further stressing its procurement strategy.

Industry Analysis

The heavy and civil engineering construction industry is experiencing moderate growth, driven by increasing infrastructure investments and urbanization.

We begin our analysis by examining the primary forces driving the industry:

  • Internal Rivalry: High due to numerous well-established players and bidding wars on large contracts.
  • Supplier Power: Moderate, with suppliers holding some leverage due to limited sources for specialized materials.
  • Buyer Power: High, as clients often have the upper hand in negotiating contract terms and pricing.
  • Threat of New Entrants: Low, given high capital requirements and stringent regulatory barriers.
  • Threat of Substitutes: Low, as alternative methods of construction are limited and often not cost-effective.

Emergent trends indicate a shift towards sustainable construction practices and increased use of digital technologies. Major changes in industry dynamics include:

  • Adoption of Digital Tools: Creates opportunities for efficiency but risks include high initial investments.
  • Focus on Sustainability: Opportunity to lead in eco-friendly construction but risks involve compliance costs.
  • Rising Material Costs: Opportunity to implement strategic procurement but risks include margin pressure.

Conducting a PEST analysis, we find: Political factors include regulatory changes and infrastructure policies. Economic factors encompass fluctuating material costs and labor shortages. Social factors involve increasing demand for sustainable construction. Technological factors highlight the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other digital tools.

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Internal Assessment

The organization has strong project management capabilities but faces procurement inefficiencies and fragmented supplier relationships.

Conducting a 4DX Analysis, it appears the organization excels in project execution but lacks focus on procurement processes. Its goals are clear, but there is inadequate discipline in tracking procurement KPIs. The organization also struggles with leveraging technology to improve procurement efficiency.

A JTBD Analysis reveals the need for improved supplier management and cost control. Clients expect timely, cost-effective project delivery, but current procurement inefficiencies hinder these expectations.

A McKinsey 7-S Analysis shows: Strategy: Focused on project delivery but lacks a robust procurement strategy. Structure: Hierarchical, leading to slow decision-making. Systems: Outdated procurement systems. Shared Values: Emphasize project quality but not procurement efficiency. Skills: Strong in project management, weak in procurement. Style: Top-down management. Staff: Competent but lack procurement training.

Strategic Initiatives

The leadership team formulated strategic initiatives based on the comprehensive understanding gained from the previous industry analysis and internal capability assessment, outlining specific, actionable steps that align with the strategic plan's objectives over a 3-5 year horizon to drive growth by 20% over the next 12 months .
  • Supplier Consolidation: Aim to reduce the number of suppliers by 30% to achieve better pricing and terms. The source of value creation will be negotiated discounts and improved supplier relationships, leading to a 15% reduction in procurement costs. This requires investment in supplier evaluation and relationship management.
  • Digital Procurement Platform: Implement a digital platform to streamline procurement processes and improve supply chain visibility. The source of value creation is operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making, expected to save time and reduce errors. Requires investment in technology and training.
  • Strategic Sourcing: Develop a strategic sourcing plan focusing on long-term supplier partnerships and bulk purchasing agreements. The source of value creation is cost savings through economies of scale, projected to save 10% on material costs. Requires market analysis and negotiation expertise.

Supply Chain Analysis Implementation KPIs

KPIS are crucial throughout the implementation process. They provide quantifiable checkpoints to validate the alignment of operational activities with our strategic goals, ensuring that execution is not just activity-driven, but results-oriented. Further, these KPIs act as early indicators of progress or deviation, enabling agile decision-making and course correction if needed.


What gets measured gets managed.
     – Peter Drucker

  • Procurement Cost Reduction: Measure reduction in procurement costs to gauge cost-saving initiatives.
  • Supplier Performance Score: Evaluate supplier performance to ensure quality and timeliness.
  • Procurement Cycle Time: Track the time taken from order to delivery to improve efficiency.
  • Return on Investment (ROI) for Digital Platform: Assess the financial impact of the digital procurement platform.
Insights from these KPIs will help in tracking the effectiveness of procurement strategies, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.

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Stakeholder Management

Success of the strategic initiatives hinges on the involvement and support of both internal and external stakeholders, including procurement teams, technology partners, and suppliers.
  • Procurement Team: Responsible for implementing supplier consolidation and strategic sourcing.
  • Technology Partners: Essential for developing and maintaining the digital procurement platform.
  • Suppliers: Critical for providing quality materials and adhering to new agreements.
  • Project Managers: Ensure procurement aligns with project timelines and requirements.
  • Finance Team: Monitor cost savings and budget adherence.
Stakeholder GroupsRACI
Procurement Team
Technology Partners
Suppliers
Project Managers
Finance Team

We've only identified the primary stakeholder groups above. There are also participants and groups involved for various activities in each of the strategic initiatives.

Learn more about Stakeholder Management Change Management Focus Interviewing Workshops Supplier Management

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Supply Chain Analysis Deliverables

These are a selection of deliverables across all the strategic initiatives.

  • Strategic Procurement Plan (PPT)
  • Supplier Evaluation Framework (Excel)
  • Digital Procurement Platform Implementation Roadmap (PPT)
  • Cost Savings Analysis Report (Excel)
  • Procurement Cycle Time Improvement Plan (PPT)

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Supplier Consolidation

The implementation team utilized the Kraljic Matrix to guide the supplier consolidation initiative. The Kraljic Matrix is a strategic tool used to segment the supplier base into four categories: leverage items, strategic items, non-critical items, and bottleneck items. It was particularly useful in this context as it helped prioritize suppliers based on their impact on profitability and supply risk. The team followed this process:

  • Classified all suppliers into the four categories of the Kraljic Matrix based on their impact on profit and supply risk.
  • Identified leverage items and strategic items as key targets for consolidation efforts to achieve better pricing and terms.
  • Developed a consolidation plan focusing on reducing the number of suppliers in the leverage and strategic categories by 30%.
  • Negotiated bulk purchasing agreements and long-term contracts with selected key suppliers to secure better pricing and terms.

Additionally, the team employed the Pareto Analysis (80/20 Rule) to further refine the supplier consolidation process. Pareto Analysis helps identify the most significant factors in a given dataset, often revealing that 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. The team implemented this framework as follows:

  • Analyzed procurement spend data to identify the top 20% of suppliers contributing to 80% of procurement costs.
  • Focused consolidation efforts on these high-impact suppliers to maximize cost savings and efficiency gains.
  • Developed a targeted negotiation strategy for these key suppliers to achieve optimal terms and conditions.

As a result of implementing these frameworks, the organization achieved a 15% reduction in procurement costs and improved supplier relationships, leading to enhanced procurement efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Digital Procurement Platform

The implementation team utilized the Value Chain Analysis framework to guide the adoption of a digital procurement platform. Value Chain Analysis helps identify the primary and support activities that create value for the organization. It was beneficial in this context as it highlighted the procurement process's critical touchpoints where digital tools could add the most value. The team followed this process:

  • Mapped out the entire procurement process to identify key activities and touchpoints.
  • Analyzed each activity to determine where digital tools could streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies.
  • Developed a digital procurement platform implementation plan focusing on high-impact areas identified through the Value Chain Analysis.
  • Integrated the digital platform with existing systems to ensure seamless data flow and process automation.

In addition, the team employed the Change Management ADKAR Model to ensure successful adoption of the digital procurement platform. The ADKAR Model focuses on Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement, making it particularly useful for managing organizational change. The team implemented this framework as follows:

  • Created awareness among employees about the need for a digital procurement platform through communication campaigns.
  • Built desire by highlighting the benefits and addressing potential concerns through workshops and training sessions.
  • Provided knowledge and skills required to use the new platform through comprehensive training programs.
  • Ensured employees had the ability to use the platform effectively through hands-on practice and support.
  • Reinforced the change by celebrating early successes and providing ongoing support and resources.

As a result of implementing these frameworks, the organization achieved significant improvements in procurement process efficiency, reduced errors, and enhanced data-driven decision-making.

Strategic Sourcing

The implementation team utilized the Strategic Sourcing Process framework to guide the development of a strategic sourcing plan. This framework involves a systematic approach to evaluating and engaging suppliers to achieve long-term procurement goals. It was particularly useful in this context as it provided a structured method for optimizing supplier relationships and achieving cost savings. The team followed this process:

  • Conducted a comprehensive spend analysis to identify key procurement categories and opportunities for cost savings.
  • Developed a sourcing strategy focusing on long-term supplier partnerships and bulk purchasing agreements.
  • Conducted market research to identify potential suppliers and assess their capabilities.
  • Engaged in negotiations with selected suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions.
  • Implemented performance monitoring mechanisms to ensure supplier compliance and continuous improvement.

Additionally, the team employed the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) framework to evaluate the true cost of procurement decisions beyond the initial purchase price. TCO considers all costs associated with the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of a product or service. The team implemented this framework as follows:

  • Identified all cost components associated with procurement decisions, including acquisition, operation, and maintenance costs.
  • Analyzed the TCO for different sourcing options to identify the most cost-effective solutions.
  • Incorporated TCO considerations into supplier selection and negotiation processes to achieve long-term cost savings.

As a result of implementing these frameworks, the organization achieved a 10% reduction in material costs and established strong, long-term supplier partnerships, leading to enhanced procurement effectiveness and cost savings.

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Key Findings and Results

Here is a summary of the key results of this case study:

  • Reduced procurement costs by 15% through supplier consolidation and improved supplier relationships.
  • Achieved a 10% reduction in material costs via strategic sourcing and bulk purchasing agreements.
  • Implemented a digital procurement platform, resulting in significant improvements in process efficiency and reduced errors.
  • Enhanced data-driven decision-making capabilities through the integration of digital tools with existing systems.
  • Improved supplier performance and compliance through the establishment of performance monitoring mechanisms.
  • Increased procurement cycle time efficiency, aligning with project timelines and requirements.

The overall results of the initiative indicate a successful enhancement of procurement efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The 15% reduction in procurement costs and the 10% reduction in material costs are significant achievements, demonstrating the efficacy of supplier consolidation and strategic sourcing efforts. The implementation of a digital procurement platform has streamlined operations, reduced errors, and improved data-driven decision-making, aligning with the strategic objective. However, the initiative faced challenges, such as the high initial investment in technology and training, which may have strained short-term financials. Additionally, while supplier performance improved, there were instances of resistance to change, highlighting the need for more robust change management practices. Alternative strategies, such as phased technology implementation and enhanced stakeholder engagement, could have mitigated these challenges and further optimized outcomes.

Recommended next steps include continuing to refine and optimize the digital procurement platform to further enhance efficiency and data integration. Strengthening change management practices will be crucial to ensure sustained adoption and minimize resistance. Additionally, expanding strategic sourcing efforts to include more comprehensive market analysis and negotiation training can further drive cost savings. Regularly reviewing and updating the supplier evaluation framework will ensure ongoing alignment with procurement goals and market conditions. Finally, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement team will help sustain the gains achieved and drive further enhancements.


 
Joseph Robinson, New York

Operational Excellence, Management Consulting

The development of this case study was overseen by Joseph Robinson. Joseph is the VP of Strategy at Flevy with expertise in Corporate Strategy and Operational Excellence. Prior to Flevy, Joseph worked at the Boston Consulting Group. He also has an MBA from MIT Sloan.

To cite this article, please use:

Source: Enhancing Efficiency in a Global Retail Firm's Supply Chain, Flevy Management Insights, Joseph Robinson, 2024


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