Westpac New Zealand
“ Before we could embark on full scale transformation , we had to get the basics right , and for me that meant looking at the core dimensions of our operating model and re-establish the purpose and value proposition of the function ”
– Rob Halsall , Chief Procurement Officer
The data analytics structure is complementary to Westpac ’ s new networked Purchase-to-Pay ( P2P ) platform . The Basware system was introduced in 2017 and has made a big difference . “ Until then , the bank didn ’ t have a P2P system . It gives us a level of transactional data and insight that we didn ’ t have previously and it has also allowed us to create supplier payment efficiencies , something that is of the first importance to them .” Another direct benefit of implementation was to rationalise the bank ’ s supplier base by 40 %, with a further consolidation planned by 2020 , Halsall adds .
As a career procurement professional , Halsall naturally looks at ways to raise the profile of the team . “ In my experience , it ’ s a question of overcoming any apathy that may exist towards procurement by demonstrating its value to stakeholders .” By rebranding the Procurement function to Commercial Services , he signalled his determination to move away from being viewed purely as a sourcing function to a trusted advisor to all the business units . “ We have definitely increased our strategic role . The engagement at executive level is higher than it has ever been before . Collaboration with our key business partners on planning and identifying key projects is now embedded , where even a year ago it was minimal .”
Procurement is now accepted by the executive leadership as a contributing partner in commercial decision-making . It is also seen as being more digitally enabled with improved operating disciplines . His team works very closely with the Technology team .
18 June 2018