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Paperless purchasing achieved in US
Pharmaceutical giant Boehringer Ingelheim has eliminated purchasing paperwork as a result of its new e-procurement policy, writes Liam O’Brien.

Holger Huels, chief financial officer of the US-based company, told an electronic commerce for pharmaceuticals conference in London last month that the policy should cut £581 million off its annual procurement spend.
University consortia get assurances
Britain’s overall procurement strategy group for higher education has reassured purchasing professionals that any moves towards a central purchasing function will not be forced upon the sector.
Big savings lead to new goal at IBM
Computer giant IBM, which saved more than £160 million on a £27 billion purchasing spend through e-commerce in 1999, plans to conduct 95 per cent of its buying electronically by the end of the year.
Suppliers to thrash out IT problems
IT suppliers are due to meet senior government officials next month to discuss problems with public-sector IT projects.
Parcelforce delivers green strategy
Parcelforce Worldwide has appointed a manager to oversee all environmentally aware practices, from waste recycling to efficient electricity usage, writes Vanessa Pawsey.
Purchasing body at discussion stage
County council procurement professionals could be set for a central office for purchasing advice, similar to Whitehall’s proposed Office of Government Commerce (OGC).
Purchasers’ pay outstrips inflation
Salaries for purchasing professionals continue to rise above inflation, despite industry fears of an economic downturn, a survey has found.
Supply chain ‘less critical than IT’
Supplier management has slipped in importance as a key method of improving business performance, according to a recent survey of senior UK business executives.
Troops cool off thanks to logistics
The Logistics Brigade of the British army has made a one-off purchase of 3,000 shower bags for the UK troops in Kosovo, where summer temperatures will top 40ºC.

The five- to seven-litre plastic bags, fitted with nozzles, are hung up outside during the day to absorb the sun’s heat, allowing a warm shower in the evening.
Cultural revolution set to save £20m
Communications firm Telewest plans to save £20 million this year after an aggressive programme to improve its culture of purchasing and logistics.
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