Procurement is evolving with a growing emphasis on social responsibility, diversity, and supporting minority- or women-owned businesses. Many organizations are focusing on sourcing from local suppliers within their communities, driven by regulatory guidelines or corporate values. This trend deepens business-community connections and supports local economies, which became especially clear during the pandemic as supply chain resilience proved critical.
One major barrier to local purchasing has historically been logistical complexity and inefficiencies. Technology platforms like Amazon Business now enable companies to easily identify, onboard, and prioritize local suppliers using filters for pricing, products, and delivery options. These tools also offer reporting and analytics features that give procurement teams transparency and measurable impact toward goals.
This democratization of smart procurement empowers small and medium businesses to participate in local buying without needing dedicated internal teams. Real-world examples include charity initiatives leveraging local suppliers to create positive community impacts. Overall, technology-enabled local buying offers a strategic advantage but requires concerted organizational effort to fully realize social, economic, and operational benefits.
👉 Pročitaj original: CIO Magazine
