Procurement process improvement planning: an Application

Introduction/Problematization: In general, the purchase of low cost and low complexity items in companies represents the largest portion of transactions, consumes a considerable amount of time and attention of the professionals involved, but has the lowest potential for savings. In this context, it is necessary to rationalize the process and ensure its effectiveness.Objective/Proposal: To describe the planning of the improvement of the purchasing process of low cost and low complexity items in an oil and gas (O&G) company.Methodological Procedures (if applicable): The study is qualitative and descriptive in nature, and bibliographic, documentary, and direct observation data collection methods were employed. As for data analysis, content analysis and triangulation techniques were employed in the analysis.Main Results: The improvement plan developed was based on the creation of a performance indicator of the process efficiency, the better use of the integrated management systems available in the company and the corresponding revision of the process flowchart.Final Considerations/Conclusion: It was understood that even a large company can improve supply efficiency with e-procurement , and that its implementation can be incremental, starting with the less complex and risky purchasing categories.Contributions: The described application serves as an example for companies and managers who are considering the improvement of procurement processes, based on a real situation of reduced complexity and developing skills towards more comprehensive initiatives. It also contributes with an example of e-procurement application from the more extensive use of available resources in the analyzed company.