Procurement Predictions for 2007 and Beyond

I've decided to chime in on the procurement predictions for 2007 started by Sourcing Innovation and eSourcing Forum blogs. Here are five procurement predictions for 2007 and beyond:

1. Public procurement will be forced to accept modern and lean procurement principles due to a shrinking tax base.  As a result of a  large retiring tax base - public procurement efficiency will become paramount to stretch tax dollars.
2. Technology connectivity will transform the way your company interacts with suppliers.  Procurement will become a conduit to enable efficient collaboration with manufacturing, research and engineering.
3. Global procurement will mean global talent.  The mix of buyers in your department will include nationals from Asia, Latin America and Europe.
4. Procurement's ability to manage spend and monitor supplier performance will move from art to science. Highly sophisticated alogrithmic decision making techniques and software will become the norm.
5. Green procurement will be mandated by management and consumers.  Strategies to optimize and extend the life of natural resources will become critical to offset the impact of commodity shortages.