CASE: How a Procurement Development Project Was Started in an SME
- Lauri Vihonen
- Apr 27, 2025
- 3 min read
The management of an SME wanted to take a significant step forward in developing their procurement function. Although individual actions had already been taken, a comprehensive development project needed a clear direction, structure, and roadmap. Our collaboration was built around a series of three workshops, through which the project was planned, scoped, and launched in a controlled manner.
This case is based on a real customer situation, where the CEO, Sales Director, and an appointed Project Manager participated in planning the procurement development project. The project team consisted of management team members as well as selected supervisors and specialists. My role was to act as an expert, analyst, change specialist, advisor, and sparring partner.
Phase 1: Direction and Structure
In the first workshop, we brought the key people together around the same table. The goal was to clarify why procurement development was important at this point and what the company wanted to achieve. Based on this, we created a concrete project plan and selected the working and template models to be used. This provided a clear structure for executing the project and enabled systematic progress.
Phase 2: Current State and Development Themes
By the second workshop, lightweight but insightful current state assessments had been completed, for example through interviews and document reviews. Based on these findings, we jointly worked through the observations during the workshop and identified key development themes—those that would genuinely support the company’s business goals. Participants also saw how their own insights and experiences shaped the direction of the project.
Phase 3: Concrete Actions and Launch
In the third workshop, we moved into action: we clearly defined what would be done in the development work, who would be responsible for what, and within what timeframe. Together, we built the framework for the procurement development project, recording the objectives, development areas, responsibilities, and required resources. We also agreed on the monitoring model and how to ensure real progress and results.
Outcome: The SME’s Procurement Development Project Successfully Launched
After three workshops, the company had a practical, collaboratively built development project with a clear direction, realistic goals, and motivated implementers. The project did not remain a plan—it immediately moved into execution.
Who Is This Service For?
This procurement development project planning service is ideal for SMEs that:
want to improve procurement but are unsure where to start
need a clear structure and external sparring to launch a development project
want to ensure that procurement development supports business goals
are growing or facing changes where procurement plays a key role
What Are the Benefits?
Clear Plan: A concrete, jointly approved development project that moves beyond words.
Employee Engagement: Engages staff in the development work, making procurement a shared priority.
Goal-Oriented: A clear direction and timeline that guide progress and help track impacts.
Experience-Based Support: An external expert brings structure, new perspectives, and best practices.
Do You Want to Try?
📅 Book a 15-minute networking session – no commitment, just new perspectives.
📧 Get in touch:
Phone: +358 50 4381912
Website: www.leadersbeacon.fi
Best regards,
Lauri Vihonen
Author of the Blog
I’ve written over 150 blogs about procurement development, its role and potential – based on real experiences, mistakes, and successes.
If you’re considering developing your procurement or facing challenges in your organization, I recommend browsing my blogs. You’ll find practical insights, reflections, and concrete tips across industries and situations.
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