Category Management: The Meralco Way to ICT Savings

Every procurement needs a sound strategy to expedite the management of their spends, increase revenue, form collaborative ties with suppliers and proponents, and reduce risks. However, this cannot be fulfilled without a well-thought-out approach in category management to recognise the business needs within the organisation.

Meralco, a leading Philippines utility company, leveraged this to unlock a wealth of benefits beyond just cost savings. They’ve mastered the art of extracting maximum value from every ICT dollar, a feat that is increasingly crucial in an era marked by inflation and economic volatility. Optimising ICT spending has led to the curbing of additional purchases and capturing data analytics to ensure accurate and profound information are right at the fingertips of procurement professionals.

In this exclusive interview with Matthew Quimba, AVP & Head of Procurement for ICT, Meralco, he has unveiled the benefits of incorporating this game-changer that is fuelled by in-depth research into their processes. From identifying cost-saving opportunities and alternatives to raw materials to standardisation on RFPs, there is more visibility into their operations.

Want to slash ICT costs by double-digit percentages through strategic sourcing and supplier optimization? He dives into,

• The need to capitalise on embedded systems and structures that are premature yet flexible when adopting cloud technologies
• A shift from traditional buyer-supplier dynamics to a collaborative ecosystem with proponents and internal stakeholders!
• Upskilling employees – conducting weekly cadences to brainstorm on the foundation needed for a technological overhaul!
• Foster unprecedented collaboration between procurement, IT, and business units, driving alignment and efficiency.
• Launching sustainability initiatives like adding specifications to RFPs and sourcing for alternatives help to draft out clear business requirements for optimal outcome!