Retail & Consumer Archives - Page 3 of 6

Lost Without a Map?

Companies across all industries are facing an existential choice: transform or die. The proliferation of technologies; AI, automation, big data, and the cloud are rapidly reshaping how businesses operate and deliver value. Embracing these innovations is no longer a matter of competitive edge but a prerequisite for survival in an era of accelerated digital transformation. However, achieving true digital...

News: 4C Associates and Zip join forces to revolutionise procurement

Zip’s 25 Procurement Predictions for 2025 include insights from leaders of our Digital team, Mark Ellis and Joe Gibson. The comprehensive, forward-thinking guide, shaped by insights from 25 leading voices, dives into critical industry trends, challenges and opportunities

In the News: The Evolution and Future of E-Procurement Software

Head of Digital Innovation Joe Gibson spoke to Procurement Magazine this month about the opportunities technology advances including AI bring to the commercial function.

In the News: Can AI protect our supply chains from the climate crisis?

Robin Agarwal, 4C's Head of Operations featured in this month’s SupplyChain Strategy magazine, sharing insights into how AI can help solve the challenges climate changes are making to supply chain forecasting and how it can help identify and manage risk.

Money in One Hand, Money Out the Other – Cash Choreography

With fluctuating inflation, energy costs and shifting consumer demand, 2024 will be an unusually turbulent economic climate; compressing working capital cycles by optimising the time between paying suppliers and collecting from customers will be vital for companies to maximise liquidity and build resilience no matter which direction markets trend. Forward-thinking companies now take a platform approach to connect O2C and...

Do You Have a Secure Supply Chain? How Well Do You Really Know Your Suppliers?

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, the significance of a secure and resilient supply chain cannot be overstated. Our 4C Transformative Procurement Survey highlighted that only 38% of respondent had a very good understanding of their first-tier supply base and more worryingly only 21% had only a basic understanding- which raised the question… Do you have a...

Mastering the Robot …. Automate > Innovate > Elevate

The modern business landscape where efficiency and productivity are paramount demands that organisations evolve quickly to survive. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a key tool in this quest, allowing for the rapid automation of repetitive tasks that were once performed by humans. But what is RPA and how might it transform procurement?

The Blockchain Revolution: Cutting Through the Chain of Uncertainty

In a world where transparency is of utmost importance, trust is the most valuable currency, and middlemen are becoming obsolete. It may seem utopian, but it’s happening now, and all sector and industry leaders are quickly adopting it. Blockchain is here.

Environmental Commitments and Cost Efficiency: One or the Other, or the Best of Both?

Environmental Commitments and Cost Efficiency: One or the Other, or the Best of Both? Find out how to align your cost reduction and environmental commitments with practical tips and real-life examples. Read on and discover how to make your business more sustainable and profitable.

Aligned with Success: Why a Fully Developed Procurement Vision and Strategy Could be Your Key to Growth

Our research in the Transformative Procurement Survey demonstrated that only 6% of organisations had a developed procurement vision and strategy which was fully aligned to all short and long-term business objectives. This may seem alarmingly low, but when you separate functional objectives from those specific to the business, think about your business – do you actually have procurement functional...

Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience: Transforming your Procurement Operating Model

We live in an increasingly interconnected, complex and uncertain global marketplace, where the significance of a resilient supply chain cannot be overstated. In this blog, we will highlight the importance of optimising your procurement and supply chain activities to develop enduring risk protocols and resilience through the fundamental transformation of your procurement operating model.

Can Pan-Enterprise Procurement Category Strategies Drive Innovation and Market Leadership?

Pan-enterprise procurement category strategies hold immense potential for organisations aiming to drive innovation, optimise efficiency and achieve cost savings. However, addressing challenges related to data management, organisational complexity and change management is crucial for successful implementation. In this blog, we will explore the innovations pan-enterprise procurement category strategies can bring, as well as effective solutions to overcome implementation hurdles.

Byte-Sized Brilliance: Nurturing the Digital Mindset

To become a digital leader, you must be data-driven, curious, adaptable, digitally fluent, and collaborative. You must also understand the societal impact of technology and be able to translate it into business strategies. This blog discusses six key strategies to help you grow into a digital mindset. Becoming a digital leader is an ongoing journey, but by following these...

Corporate Sustainability: How Much Do Employees Really Care?

Sustainability continues to be a key concern for individuals and businesses alike, with an ongoing spotlight on how we can be kinder to our planet, both at home and in the workplace. To investigate this, we surveyed 41 individuals on their attitudes towards sustainability, both in their personal lives and in the workplace. All respondents were aged 18-55, with...

Transforming Supply Chains: Your Participation in The 4C Survey Will Help You Think Differently About Your Supply Chains

Supply chain and logistics innovation is essential for businesses to stay competitive and succeed. It can help improve financial performance, customer satisfaction, and employee motivation. Organizations need to be able to keep up with the pace of change and implement widespread initiatives to distinguish themselves from their peers. The 4C Transformative Supply Chain Annual Survey can help businesses assess...