Using a category management approach may seem tedious, tactical and overly detailed. Yet, it can yield results that are better than expected. This was the case with Tempur Sealy International (TSI). Working with an outside consultant, they selected a standard category process and then implemented each step in a variety of direct material categories. Not only did TSI achieve their savings goals, they also implemented supplier management and contractual best practices like strategic and transactional performance measurement, gains sharing, and cost transparency. We will share our journey, experiences and lessons learned so that attendees who manage categories or lead category managers can better learn from and implement best practices.

• The way that TSI successfully implemented category management
• The results of using a category management process, both from savings and other value
• The caveats and insights from the TSI experience that you can apply to your own category management process

 

Contributors: Tempur Sealy International, The Forefront Group
Categories: 2018 Spring - Washington DC, Summit Presentations
SRC Type: Category Management, Sourcing Management