The Positive Purchasing Team is Back from DPW - What an Experience!
Fresh from the bustling halls of Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam, the Positive Purchasing team has returned with insights, stories, and a renewed sense of purpose in procurement after attending this year’s DPW Amsterdam event. The overarching theme? ’10X’ which emphasizes the need for organizations to think and act ten times bigger than their current capacity. And let us tell you, it wasn’t just a theme, it was the spirit of the event!
Our stand was a lively hub of conversation, with procurement professionals stopping by to talk about current challenges they are facing, trends in the procurement industry and of course, to grab one of our Capella rubber ducks (more on that later). But, if there was one key theme that echoed at our stand, it was the need for capability training.
The Power of Knowledge in a Digital World
As procurement continues its digital revolution, some might think that training could take a backseat, but guess what? Training is still king. Whilst technology can streamline processes, enhance data analysis, and even predict future trends, it’s human expertise that truly drives procurement excellence.
We had some insightful discussions about the critical role of training in today’s procurement landscape. As more organizations leap towards digital transformation, strong governance and foundational knowledge are vital for success. It’s like flying a plane with autopilot – you still need a pilot to ensure everything goes smoothly. Digital tools can enhance procurement, but without the right skills and processes in place, it’s just gadgets.
Our Ducks Went On An Amsterdam Adventure
The event was not complete without our new trusty team mascots – Capella ducks! They had a wild adventure of their own, making a splash in the heart of a rubber duck capital (who knew Amsterdam had such history?). Let’s just say, some of our Capella quackers are now permanent Dutch residents, as they didn’t make it back on the plane!
A DPW Themed Procurement Show Podcast Episode You Won’t Want to Miss!
Our CEO, Jonathan O’Brien, took to the onsite podcast studio at DPW, where he recorded an episode with Michelle Baker, CPO of Virgin Money. Together, they delved into elevating procurement’s strategic value through better alignment with business goals, improved communication, and leveraging technology, AI, and sustainability.
Stay tuned for the upcoming release of this episode on DPW’s YouTube channel and The Procurement Show podcast. You won’t want to miss it!
The Road to Digital Procurement Success
The buzz at DPW was clear: procurement’s digital drive is far from linear. It’s a journey that requires the right tools, processes, and continuous training to get it right. It’s not just about implementing the latest tech – it’s about upskilling your teams, ensuring governance and staying agile in a rapidly evolving space.
From Amsterdam with laughter, new insights, and a few missing ducks – that’s our DPW Amsterdam 2024 postcard!
Now the real work begins as we bring back the ’10X’ moonshot mindset to elevate procurement strategies and make bolder decisions together.