The buying season for schools seems to come around faster every year. On the back of supply chain issues related to the pandemic, many schools around the country are getting ahead on their procurement.
While being prepared is important, it’s also worthwhile for schools to regularly review their school procurement policy to ensure they’re obtaining goods and resources in a way that will truly benefit students. Here are a few things to consider this school buying season.
Carefully review your existing contracts
Procurement practices will vary slightly for every school. Factors such as the size, location and type of school you’re procuring for will determine what you can procure and how often.
Regardless of how large or complex your school is, by regularly reviewing your current procurement practices schools can stay ahead of any issues that might arise during the busy buying season. This preparedness will also help to keep prices as low as possible. As contracts come to an end, review the rolling contracts with your team or ideally a procurement specialist. They can help you to reprocure in a more targeted manner to keep costs as low as possible.
Know what you really need
Many schools can fall into the trap of simply renewing contracts without really looking at what’s in them, or if it’s even still fit-for-purpose.
To make sure you’re procuring to fit a need, talk to all the relevant heads of departments well in advance of buying season.
Don't be afraid to drill down to minute details, or encourage others in other departments to do the same. Include precise descriptions of what is needed, how it meets the needs of the school, quantity and quality, and the deadline when it’s needed. With all this information you can better estimate the whole-life cost of the contract (e.g. delivery fees, reordering terms, disposal arrangements) not just the initial costs of goods.
Align your procurement process with your values
Do you know exactly where the goods you’re procuring are coming from? Are they made overseas, locally or by small businesses? Do these supply practices fit with your school’s ethos and values?
These are increasingly important questions to ask in connection to the supply chain process.
If your school has pledged to elevate their recycling program, procurement can play a substantial role in realising this promise. Similarly, if your school is set on supporting local businesses, procuring goods and services that fit that bill can help to develop stronger community connections and opportunities.
Forming and maintaining these procurement practices can be a challenge, especially during the busy buying season. To help make the whole process easier from research to recycling, contact a Procurement Australia representative below.