You may not be surprised by the list of categories that companies source through reverse or e-auctions, with direct materials and goods topping the list.

46% of companies currently using E-Auctions have increased their use over the last two years due to increased cost savings and process efficiency, market efficiency, reduction in risk, and effectiveness in running what-if scenarios.

Global companies have shifted the organizational structure of their supply management and procurement groups through the years. What's your org's ideal design?

Sourceable spend managed by supply management/procurement groups is experiencing an uptick, giving companies more strategic contracting, greater savings, and increased protection from supplier risk. An average of 87.5 percent of spend is managed, for all companies across sectors. How does your company compare? ...

Cost savings is a powerful KPI for demonstrating the value of your supply management group.

When strategic employees on category management teams are managing increasing amounts of spend, it brings a more formal process and due diligence. This enables the organization to be more strategic, bottom-line friendly, and better protected from supplier risk.

Is your supply management group effectively engaging internal business partners? The most popular method companies are using is conducting category reviews.

Chinese leaders are actively repositioning the country from a manufacturing hub to a global power. Is your supply chain strategically safeguarded for the future of business with China?

While most companies apply category management to direct and indirect goods/services, far fewer apply it to only direct or only indirect.

Potential entry-level and mid-level hires identify salary and rotational programs as the most attractive benefits.