Explain purchasing process
At Ephicacy, we strictly follow stringent process when it comes
to purchasing or procurement of right product delivery based on our
requirement specifications, be it purchasing of server, systems or any
other product. We ensure that we have the right product coming in
which should not create problems in the long run. We follow vendor
assessment checklist, background verifications with their customers.
After procurement comes product validation. We follow global
validation on GXP parameters like product standard, security level or
encryption specifications, system hardening. Since we handle and
process huge clinical data, hence we are more focused on procurement
of high capacity servers and systems, which could handle that.
Any change in the process in last five years?
Yes, there have been few changes in the processes. For instance,
we were earlier using Lenovo servers and we had always issues with the
system and the service was a big problem in Lenovo, which was
impacting the smooth functioning of businesses at Ephicacy. Hence, we
moved from using Lenovo to Dell systems, where we ensured that we
get the best of the products and service in terms of security features,
data encryption, GXP Validations etc.
What are crucial criteria for choosing suppliers?
We consider product and service quality history, timeline of
delivery, background checks, post sales service etc while choosing
suppliers.
What is risk management?
Ephicacy is an ISO 9000: 2008 certified organisation, hence we
have risk management process in place particularly for data and
information security wherein it is defined and laid down based on
understanding of external and internal stakeholders and who are your
customers and what risk we envisage here. The risks are listed and
scoring is done. Based on the score received, the risk management
process is managed properly.
How much buffer stocks are maintained?
We normally have sufficient inventory in place for every product
in four to five in number so that our business is not impacted and we
ensure smooth functioning of business.
If a department wants to order equipment that’s
beyond budget, what is the procedure?
We normally do budgeting according to our requirement. If at
all, any such issue comes, the head of operation is consulted and
necessary approval is taken after assessing the requirement.
How do you resolve disagreements with suppliers?
We generally don’t have any disagreement with suppliers
probably because of our assessment processes. If at all any such thing
comes up, we discuss with the supplier with regard to any lack at their
end and try to resolve the issues and ask them to adhere to terms etc.
How do you grow your network of industry
professionals, like suppliers?
We always talk to various vendors. Vendors do approach us to
give them chance to work. We maintain database of vendors. That’s
how we make our network grow. Ephicacy is also well known in the
domain we operate.Charan Kumar
Procurement Head, Ephicacy Life SciencesHow procurement
and supply management go
hand-in-hand?
Procurement and supply
management parallelly denote
all activities required to ensure
the continuous and reliable
availability of sufficient
quantities of quality-assured,
effective products and services
to end-users, procured at the
lowest possible prices, in
accordance with national and
international laws.
What are the current
challenges that
procurement managers
face?
Over the years, the main
task of procurement officers was
to bring down cost of purchased
materials and services as much
as they can besides ensuring
timely delivery of goods and
services. But now, the scenario is
different, most of the
procurement officers have
plethora of issues, including
legal concerns, sustainability
concerns and regulatory and
ethical considerations to deal
with. These roadblocks impact
not only the brand image of the
company but also hamper its
production line. Over the next
decade, procurement officers
will need to take on more
expansive roles within their
organisation. They will need to
become guardians of the
corporate brand, advocates for
sustainable business practices
and innovators who help develop
new products and services.Sharad Raina
General Manager - Supply
Chain, Fortis Healthcarehttp://www.biospectrumindia.com | May 2017 | BioSpectrum COVERStory^31