TECHNOLOGY AS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN STRATEGIC PURCHASING MANAGEMENT

Abstract

How to optimize costs with the supply area of companies and, at the same time, meet a growing and increasingly complex demand? Based on this question, this paper presents an analysis of the purchasing area as a strategic sector, responsible for contributing to the success of companies and organizations. With increasing and complex demands, it is demonstrated through the analysis of the literature how the purchasing area of a company can face these demands, while optimizing or even reducing its operational cost. The case study, held in a global religious organization, present in 160 countries, and with operations in all states of Brazil, shows how innovations in its processes and technological innovations can bring operational gains such as the reduction of the cost per purchase order, the increase in the productivity of buyers, and the increase in the cost avoidance that reverts to other investments of the organization. It is demonstrated that companies that transform their purchasing areas into strategic sectors and invest consciously in technology linked to solid and effective processes, will obtain the competitive advantages they will need to survive in an increasingly complex and dynamic market.