Curing complexity: Pfizer Switzerland advances spend management initiatives with Ariba

-- Manufacturing Business Technology, 2/28/2008 3:19:00 PM

Pharmaceuticals leader Pfizer Switzerland has been using Ariba solutions to streamline procurement and lower costs since 2004. To extend the savings and efficiencies it has achieved to date, Pfizer is broadening its portfolio beyond procurement to target the sourcing process.

"A key part of our success in supply management has been use of Ariba's spend management solutions, which allow us to drive critical initiatives to manage costs and deliver bottom-line results," says Denise Gerber, Head of Sourcing & Supply Chain Supply Chain Management at Pfizer Switzerland.

An early adopter of spend management solutions, Pfizer Switzerland initially sought to lower its costs of doing business. AribaBuyer is used to streamline procurement of simple and complex categories, from orders through invoices and payment. In adding Ariba Sourcing, Pfizer Switzerland was able to shorten tender processes. Even complex categories of spend such as sales & marketing and professional services can be handled through this module.

"Successful sourcing requires more than just technology," says Gerber. "With Ariba's deep category expertise and market knowledge, which is a perfect match to our sourcing project teams, we have access to all of the tools we need to advance our initiatives and accelerate the results that they deliver."