Hardware Podcasts

Transforming Procurement into a Highly Strategic Role

The Manufacturing Executive · 6 Dec 2022 · 31m · Episode 131

What this episode covers

Rob Pakalski, CEO & Co-Founder of Datum, draws on his experience at SpaceX and Virgin Hyperloop to argue that procurement must be a strategic, technical function rather than an administrative one. He explains how empowering procurement early in the design process ('designed for supply chain') and replacing tribal knowledge with data-driven tools allows companies to source parts faster and cheaper. Pakalski also discusses the shifting power dynamic between buyers and suppliers, emphasizing the need for good customer practices like flexible payment terms and proactive communication.

Most relevant to

companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Datum, SpaceX, Virgin Hyperloop, Gorilla 76
Products
Industrial Marketing Live

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