The Group

The FGS Purchasing function has the objective of supporting companies in the purchase of non-core goods and services.

This support is aimed at optimizing costs, generating value and increasing the service level, in other words improving the efficiency and efficacy of procurement, by also introducing innovative approaches and tools for change management activities.

In this context, the Purchasing function carries out its activities along four main lines: Strategic Sourcing, Purchasing, the E-procurement platform and Process Support.

In particular, Strategic Sourcing activities are conducted according to the Category Management approach, via dedicated Teams, capable of interpreting companies' specific procurement needs, translating them through special techniques, identifying potential suppliers, using scouting if necessary, negotiating with the latter and then signing framework agreements (Memorandum of Understanding - MoU) that maximize contractual power at the Group level. With regard to the framework agreements, another important activity is the monitoring of supply service levels and customer satisfaction.

Purchasing activities regard the outsourcing of non-core activities linked to the procurement process, carried out directly or through partners, for products or some phases of the process itself.

The E-Procurement platform activities contribute to the overall improvement of company performance by intervening in the purchasing processes, in their more efficient management, by using innovative technologies.

At present, FGS provides a purchasing platform integrated with the companies’ information management systems and specialized assistance and support service. Through these, companies are provided with tools and methods for electronically managing bid and purchase requests, conducting online auctions and issuing orders through electronic catalogs with definite advantages in the passive procurement cycle.

Lastly, through its Process Support, FGS provides customers with a specialized consulting team with which to initiate, according to needs, various activities regarding purchasing, such as the following: supplier scouting and assessment, strategic and operational sourcing, supplier relationship model, procurement strategy and procurement process re-engineering.