Herinrichting inkoopfunctie SVgroup

SVgroup in Rijssen was established in 2019 from a merger betweenSchuitenmaker Machines and Veenhuis Machines. Since then, they have suppliedmachines and services to the agricultural sector and equipment that keeps the roads accessible during winter. Purchasing was also a topic that was exploredduring the merger. Therefore, SVgroup came in contact with Kloepfel Benelux. “Upgradingprocurement is an important element for the success of the new organization. Myexpectations of the support of Kloepfel Benelux were high: not only in terms ofcost reduction but also in terms of a new perspective on improving the overallpurchasing function,” says Gerrit de Graaf, the general manager of SVgroup.

Fast and effective‍

During the project, Kloepfel put a lot of energy into spendanalysis and market research in the procurement of parts. A lot of attentionwas paid to the preparations and the negotiations. That resulted in ameticulously prepared two-day digital Supplier Convention. “Despite theobstacles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the negotiations proceeded quickly andeffectively,” explains De Graaf. At the moment, the second phase of the projectis underway, focusing on medium-sized suppliers and tail spend optimization. Evenso, substantial results have already been achieved here.

Positive reactions

When asked about the biggest challenges in the procurementredesign, the general manager pointed out the human factor. “Kloepfel has put alot of effort into getting the right people for the Supplier Convention, bothfrom SVgroup and from the suppliers. The responses from the suppliers werepositive which then also reflected on the results.”

Opened perspectives

Due to the pandemic, SVgroup had to adjust its original savingstargets. However, De Graaf still called the final results as “significant andsatisfactory”. “The real game changer is that Kloepfel's consultants opened ouremployees' eyes by sharing their approach and procurement methods. They haveacted as role models for the living and breathing of procurement. And themutual ‘click’ has accelerated the cooperation even further.”

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