It is doubtful that those organisations realised how prophetic those words were, in the light of the global economic downturn that has taken place since then and which has had severe consequences for almost every market around the globe.

The report identifies seven key strategies that Supply Managers must pursue in the coming decade, one of which in particular caught the eye of Bernie van Niekerk, CEO of Commerce Edge, and which he discussed at the recent Commerce Edge Procurement Training Road Show in Durbanville, Western Cape.

‘Attracting and retaining supply management talent’ hinges on the surmise that in forward looking organisations the supply management role is taking increased responsibility and a higher role value and, as a consequence, talent management could be the deciding factor between future success and failure.

The report also indicates that "companies will have access to the same supply market information, the same suppliers and the same supplier best practice and tools. What will be different is how the company uses the information, works with those suppliers, and applies those practices and tools, which will be dependant on the skills and creativity of it's people and the relationships those people build with others".

This and similar topics are up for discussion at the upcoming SmartProcurement Recruitment Industry Update-Breakfast, scheduled for the July 22, 2009 at the Atlantic Imbizo, Waterfront, Cape Town.

With Co-sponsor Purchasing Index in attendance, you will receive the latest in benchmarking and have the opportunity to network first hand with several experts in this industry, who will gladly deal with your concerns and queries relating to cost structures, commission structures and other factors affecting this primary industry.

To register or request a full brochure, please contact Erieka Santos on 086 133 4326 or e-mail her at admin@smartprocurement.co.za.