ABB first robotics company to win the prestigious award for SCM
ABB Robotics won in the European Institute of Purchasing Management’s (EIPM) ‘Value Creation’ category, based on its transformation of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) function. This transformation helped ABB’s Robotics business to broaden the strategic contribution of the SCM function with innovative new processes to support growth.
ABB Robotics takes a holistic approach to procurement, for example fostering collaboration with suppliers and customers to increase innovation and competitiveness. It also places an emphasis on people, with robust skill and career development programs for its SCM team.
The award was presented at the 7th annual EIPM Purchasing Conference in Archamps, France on December 8, 2016. Other winners included Toyota Motors Europe (Excellence in Supplier Integration), CERN (Innovation and Process Excellence”) and ESSILOR (The Organization of the Year).
“It is a real honor for ABB Robotics’ supply chain activities to be recognized in such distinguished company and by such a world-renowned organization,” said Per Vegard Nerseth, Managing Director of ABB Robotics. “The EIPM recognized 25 years ago that purchasing was more than just a transactional activity. We share this same belief, and view purchasing as a strategic part of how we deliver on-time and on-quality for our customers.”
The EIPM is the leading institution for supply chain education, research and training. It was created in 1990 by some of the world’s top performing procurement experts in industries ranging from chemicals (Hoechst), electronics (Nokia, Philips) and automotive (Renault). Today the EIPM is active around the world and trains over 4,000 SCM professionals in multiple languages.
The EIPM award was named after Dr. Peter Kraljic, a pioneer in the professionalization of the purchasing function. He is best known for introducing the Kraljic portfolio purchasing model, which revolutionized the way corporations analyze their purchasing activities.
EIPM awardees are selected through a formal, structured process which includes on-site audits by professional assessors. Winners are elected by a jury chaired by Dr. Kraljic himself and comprised of industry leaders, academics and expert consultants.