Introduction: How Procurement Can Unlock Cost Savings and Drive Strategic Value

In today’s economic climate, organisations are under increasing pressure to reduce costs while maintaining service quality. Rising supply chain costs, inflationary pressures, and growing regulatory requirements make effective procurement strategies more critical than ever.

To explore how businesses can optimise their procurement functions, we spoke with Kingston Yong, Manager at Trace Consultants, about the key cost-saving levers in indirect procurement, supplier negotiations, contract performance, and strategic procurement transformation.

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Interview with Kingston Yong

Q: How can organisations reduce costs through indirect procurement projects?

Kingston Yong:
Indirect procurement is often overlooked, but it represents a significant cost-saving opportunity for businesses. Many organisations focus on direct spend—such as raw materials and manufacturing components—while indirect categories like facilities management, IT, professional services, travel, and marketing can account for 20-40% of total spend.

By conducting a detailed spend analysis, organisations can identify inefficiencies, consolidate suppliers, and negotiate better rates. One of our clients in the healthcare sector saved 22% on facility management costs by optimising their contract structure and moving to a performance-based pricing model.

Q: How can procurement benchmarking and supplier negotiation strategies unlock savings?

Kingston Yong:
Benchmarking is essential to understanding where an organisation’s procurement costs sit in comparison to industry standards. We often see businesses overpaying for services and materials due to legacy contracts, lack of market visibility, or underutilisation of economies of scale.

By leveraging market intelligence and procurement analytics, organisations can:

• Identify cost reduction opportunities by comparing current spend against industry benchmarks.
• Improve supplier negotiations by using competitive insights.
• Implement structured tendering processes to drive cost efficiencies.

At Trace Consultants, we have helped clients reduce supplier costs by introducing structured category management and negotiation strategies.

Q: How can organisations reduce supply chain costs without compromising service quality?

Kingston Yong:
Cost reduction must be balanced with operational efficiency. The biggest mistake companies make is focusing only on unit price reduction, which can lead to quality issues, service delays, and supply risks.

Instead, we recommend an end-to-end cost optimisation approach that includes:

• Supplier performance management – Ensuring suppliers deliver on agreed service levels to avoid hidden costs.
• Demand management – Reducing unnecessary purchases and improving forecasting accuracy.
• Process automation – Streamlining procurement processes through digital tools to cut administrative costs.

For example, we helped a retail business achieve a 15% cost reduction in packaging procurement while maintaining quality by consolidating suppliers and leveraging long-term contracts.

Q: How can Australian businesses improve contract performance and supplier management?

Kingston Yong:
A well-managed contract ensures cost predictability, performance compliance, and risk mitigation. However, many businesses lack real-time visibility into supplier performance, leading to cost overruns and operational inefficiencies.

Key steps to improving contract performance include:

• Implementing clear KPIs and SLAs to measure supplier effectiveness.
• Using contract lifecycle management (CLM) tools to track performance and compliance.
• Regular supplier reviews and renegotiations to ensure continuous value delivery.

Q: How can businesses navigate the rising costs of supply chain operations?

Kingston Yong:
Supply chain costs are increasing due to inflation, transportation expenses, and rising raw material costs. To combat these pressures, businesses should focus on:

• Strategic sourcing – Evaluating alternative suppliers to diversify risk and improve pricing.
• Supply chain collaboration – Working with suppliers to identify cost efficiencies.
• Process standardisation – Reducing variation in procurement processes to lower administrative costs.

At Trace Consultants, we recently helped a manufacturing client cut logistics costs by 20% by redesigning their supplier distribution network.

Q: How can organisations move from tactical procurement to strategic procurement?

Kingston Yong:
Many organisations still operate in a reactive, tactical procurement model, where procurement teams focus on transactional purchasing rather than strategic value creation. Moving towards strategic procurement involves:

• Developing category strategies to align procurement with business goals.
• Enhancing supplier partnerships to drive innovation and long-term cost efficiencies.
• Leveraging digital procurement tools to automate and optimise processes.

How Trace Consultants Can Help

At Trace Consultants, we specialise in helping businesses:

✅ Conduct Procurement Spend Analysis – Identifying cost-saving opportunities across indirect categories.
✅ Optimise Supplier and Contract Management – Implementing performance-driven contract strategies.
✅ Develop Procurement Benchmarking & Cost Optimisation Strategies – Aligning pricing structures with market intelligence.
✅ Enable Digital Procurement Transformation – Implementing automation and analytics for smarter decision-making.
✅ Drive Strategic Sourcing Initiatives – Reducing costs while maintaining service excellence.

With a data-driven approach and deep procurement expertise, Trace Consultants empowers organisations to unlock cost savings, improve supplier relationships, and future-proof their procurement functions.

Final Thoughts

Procurement is no longer just about cost-cutting—it’s a strategic function that impacts an organisation’s long-term profitability and supply chain resilience.

For businesses looking to reduce procurement costs, improve supplier performance, and drive operational excellence, now is the time to act.

Want to discuss how Trace Consultants can help? Get in touch today.

Procurement as a Strategic Lever for Business Success

Procurement is a key driver of operational efficiency and cost optimisation across industries. For government agencies, retail chains, hospitals, aged care providers, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, and manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand, effective procurement can mean the difference between market leadership and inefficiency.

Our Go-to-Market Strategy & RFx Support program is designed to help organisations navigate procurement complexities, enhance supplier engagement, and streamline the RFx process—delivering tangible cost savings, compliance assurance, and long-term strategic value.

This article explores how organisations can improve procurement outcomes through structured go-to-market strategies and RFx management.

The Importance of Procurement Excellence

Procurement extends beyond purchasing—it builds supplier partnerships, ensures cost efficiency, and enables long-term value creation. As supply chains grow more complex, a structured approach to procurement is critical, particularly in:

• Government Agencies – Ensuring transparency, compliance, and accountability.
• Retail – Managing costs and supplier relationships in response to dynamic demand.
• Hospitals & Aged Care – Procuring essential supplies while adhering to strict quality and regulatory standards.
• FMCG & Manufacturing – Achieving scalability and innovation through strategic sourcing.

A well-structured go-to-market (GTM) strategy and RFx process help organisations achieve these goals effectively.

‍What is a Go-to-Market Strategy?

‍A go-to-market (GTM) strategy in procurement outlines how an organisation approaches the market, engages suppliers, and secures optimal outcomes. It includes:

• Market Analysis – Understanding industry trends, supplier landscapes, and competitive positioning.
• Demand Planning – Defining procurement needs based on business objectives and market conditions.
• Stakeholder Alignment – Ensuring procurement strategies align with broader business goals.
• Supplier Engagement – Identifying and engaging the right suppliers through structured processes.
• Evaluation Frameworks – Developing criteria to assess supplier capabilities and proposals.

A robust GTM strategy not only reduces costs but also fosters sustainable supplier relationships and drives innovation.

‍Understanding the RFx Process

‍The RFx process—which includes Request for Information (RFI), Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), and Request for Tender (RFT)—is essential for sourcing the right suppliers and solutions.

• RFI – Gathers preliminary supplier information and capabilities.
• RFP – Solicits detailed proposals for goods or services.
• RFQ – Focuses on price quotations for specific deliverables.
• RFT – Used for large-scale, complex procurement needs, especially in government projects.

Effective RFx management ensures clarity, fairness, and efficiency in supplier selection but requires expertise in documentation, evaluation, and negotiation.

‍Challenges in Procurement & RFx Processes

‍Organisations in Australia and New Zealand face several procurement challenges, including:

• Market Complexity – Navigating evolving supplier landscapes and global disruptions.
• Resource Constraints – Limited internal expertise to manage complex RFx processes.
• Regulatory Compliance – Adhering to strict industry and government regulations.
• Cost Pressures – Balancing cost reduction with quality and innovation.
• Supplier Risk Management – Ensuring reliability and minimising over-dependency.

These challenges highlight the need for expert support in developing GTM strategies and executing RFx processes effectively.

‍Our Approach to Go-to-Market Strategy & RFx Support‍

At Trace Consultants, our Go-to-Market Strategy & RFx Support program is designed to streamline procurement, mitigate risks, and drive measurable outcomes.

‍1. Market Analysis

• Assessing supplier capabilities, industry trends, and competitive dynamics.
• Identifying risks and opportunities for optimal market positioning.

2. Demand Planning & Requirements Gathering

• Aligning procurement objectives with business goals.
• Defining critical requirements through workshops with key stakeholders.

3. Sourcing Strategy Development

• Leveraging competitive dynamics to secure the best deals.
• Balancing cost, quality, and innovation in supplier selection.
• Diversifying supplier portfolios to mitigate risks.

4. RFx Documentation Support

• Drafting clear and precise RFx documents.
• Ensuring compliance with industry standards and procurement regulations.
• Aligning documentation with evaluation criteria for seamless assessment.

5. Evaluation Framework Design

• Developing objective supplier assessment criteria.
• Establishing weighting mechanisms to prioritise key factors.
• Ensuring transparency and fairness in evaluations.

6. Supplier Evaluation & Negotiation Support

• Providing technical and commercial insights for proposal assessments.
• Facilitating negotiations to secure favourable terms.
• Ensuring alignment with long-term procurement goals.

7. Contract Finalisation

• Negotiating and structuring contracts with enforceable terms.
• Embedding risk mitigation clauses to safeguard organisational interests.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory and industry requirements.

The Benefits of Our Program

‍Organisations that leverage our Go-to-Market Strategy & RFx Support experience significant improvements in:

✔ Efficiency – Streamlined RFx processes reduce time and resource burden.
✔ Cost Optimisation – Competitive pricing and expert negotiations drive savings.
✔ Supplier Excellence – Rigorous evaluation ensures reliable, high-quality suppliers.
✔ Compliance Assurance – Adherence to procurement regulations and best practices.
✔ Strategic Value Creation – Procurement aligns with long-term organisational goals.

‍Industry-Specific Applications

Government Agencies We help agencies navigate complex regulations, ensuring procurement transparency and maximising taxpayer value.

‍Retail We enable cost-effective sourcing while enhancing supply chain resilience, helping retailers adapt to shifting market demands.

‍Hospitals & Aged Care We ensure compliance and cost optimisation in the procurement of essential medical supplies and services.

‍FMCG & Manufacturing We support scalable procurement strategies that drive operational efficiency and supplier innovation.

‍Achieve Procurement Success with Trace Consultants

‍At Trace Consultants, we specialise in helping organisations across Australia and New Zealand optimise their procurement strategies. Our Go-to-Market Strategy & RFx Support program is tailored to industry-specific challenges, ensuring organisations achieve cost efficiencies, compliance, and long-term value creation.Whether you're a government agency enhancing procurement transparency, a retailer optimising costs, or a healthcare provider balancing quality and compliance, we’re here to help.

‍Let’s Start Your Procurement Transformation

‍Procurement isn’t just a function—it’s a strategic enabler. By leveraging structured go-to-market strategies and expert RFx support, your organisation can unlock significant value and competitive advantage.📩 Ready to transform your procurement processes? Contact us today to discover how Trace Consultants can drive your success.

🔗 Visit Trace Consultants to explore how we can help you achieve procurement excellence.

For Australian property-based businesses, waste management represents a critical operational challenge and an untapped opportunity. With rising costs, increasing regulatory scrutiny, and growing environmental awareness, businesses such as shopping malls, integrated resorts, and healthcare facilities must rethink their approach to waste management. By implementing innovative infrastructure, assets, and technologies, organisations can reduce costs, unlock revenue opportunities, and achieve sustainability outcomes.

In this article, we’ll explore how property-based businesses can improve their waste management strategies by addressing workflows, leveraging upstream sortation, and adopting cutting-edge technologies. We’ll also highlight the proven expertise of Trace Consultants in driving sustainable and cost-effective waste management transformations.

Waste Management Workflow: From Source to Collection Points

A robust waste management strategy begins with understanding the workflow from source to collection points. Property-based businesses typically generate waste across multiple streams, including general waste, cardboard, co-mingled recyclables, organics, and specialised streams such as soft plastics, electronic waste, and hazardous materials. Managing this complexity requires a well-defined workflow:

1. Upstream Sortation: Segregating waste at the source into dedicated streams such as organics, general waste, co-mingled recyclables (glass, plastics, and metals), soft plastics, and others like e-waste and batteries.
2. Bin Sizes & Configuration: Designing appropriate bin configurations and sizes for each waste stream to optimise space, compliance, and handling.
3. Bin Movements: Ensuring efficient movement of bins from waste generation points to collection hubs within the property.
4. Collection & Disposal: Partnering with waste providers for scheduled pick-ups and appropriate disposal or recycling.
5. Provider Management: Engaging and managing waste providers to ensure cost efficiency, performance, and compliance.
6. ESG and Diversion: Prioritising diversion from landfills and aligning with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives to improve recycling and sustainability metrics.

Trace Consultants works with property-based businesses to map and optimise these workflows, ensuring compliance, cost efficiency, and minimal environmental impact.

The Power of Upstream Sortation by Waste Stream

Upstream sortation—the practice of segregating waste at the source—is a cornerstone of an effective waste management strategy. Proper segregation not only improves recycling rates but also reduces contamination in waste streams, making them more valuable in the market. Key waste streams include:

• General Waste: Reducing this stream by diverting recyclable and compostable materials.
• Cardboard: Clean and compacted cardboard is highly recyclable and often generates rebates.
• Co-Mingled / Glass: Glass, plastics, and metals sorted into this stream improve recycling outcomes.
• Organics: Food waste can be composted or processed via anaerobic digestion.
• Soft Plastics: Collected for specialised recycling programs to reduce landfill dependency.
• Hard Waste: Includes bulky items requiring specialised disposal services.
• Dangerous Goods: Managed carefully to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Metals: Recycling metals such as steel and aluminium generates additional revenue opportunities.
• Thermal Compacted EPS / Polystyrene: Reducing bulk and transporting efficiently for recycling.
• Timber: Reusing or recycling timber for alternative uses.
• Meat Fat Bone: Collected for rendering or biofuel production.
• Confidential Paper: Securely shredded and recycled to ensure data protection.
• Electronic Waste (E-Waste): Recovering valuable components and safely disposing of hazardous elements.
• Cooking Oils: Converted into biodiesel or other by-products.
• Batteries: Safely collected and recycled to prevent hazardous contamination.

Trace Consultants designs upstream sortation systems tailored to these waste streams, incorporating clear signage, tenant education, and data-driven compliance monitoring to maximise participation and effectiveness.

Cost Offsets, Revenue, and Rebate Opportunities

Effective waste management is not just about cost reduction; it also creates opportunities to generate revenue and offset expenses. By capitalising on programs like Container Deposit Schemes (CDS) and waste-to-energy initiatives, businesses can realise significant financial benefits.

• Container Deposit Schemes (CDS): Rebates for returning eligible beverage containers provide an additional revenue stream while incentivising recycling.
• Waste-to-Energy: Technologies that convert waste into energy reduce landfill dependency and create valuable by-products, such as heat and electricity.
• Recyclables Market: High-quality recyclable streams (e.g., cardboard, metals) often attract rebates from recycling facilities.
• Specialised Streams: Programs for e-waste, soft plastics, and polystyrene can unlock additional rebates or cost offsets.

Trace Consultants conducts gap assessments and business case evaluations to identify and quantify these opportunities. For example, we helped a large regional Hospital realise a 17% reduction in annual waste management costs by improving infrasrtucture design, sortation, renegotiating contracts, and leveraging rebate programs.

Innovative Waste Management Technologies

The adoption of advanced technologies is revolutionising waste management for property-based businesses. Solutions such as Winnow, a leader in food waste reduction technology, demonstrate the transformative potential of innovation.

• Winnow Solutions: Winnow uses AI to track food waste in commercial kitchens, providing actionable insights to reduce waste and improve operational efficiency. By integrating Winnow into their operations, businesses can save thousands annually and contribute to sustainability goals.
• Smart Bins: IoT-enabled bins monitor fill levels in real-time, optimising collection schedules and reducing unnecessary trips.
• Automated Sortation Systems: These systems streamline the segregation process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Thermal Compactors: Reducing the bulk of polystyrene and other materials for more efficient recycling.

Trace Consultants partners with businesses to assess the feasibility and ROI of implementing these technologies. Our team provides end-to-end support, from piloting solutions to full-scale rollouts, ensuring seamless integration into existing workflows.

Sustainability and Cost Outcomes

A comprehensive waste management strategy delivers both financial and environmental benefits. Beyond cost savings, businesses can achieve significant sustainability outcomes, including:

• Reduced Landfill Dependency: Diverting waste streams such as organics, recyclables, and specialised materials away from landfills decreases environmental impact.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Optimised waste logistics and recycling processes reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Enhanced ESG Performance: Improved waste management aligns with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities, enhancing stakeholder trust.

How Trace Consultants Supports Waste Management Transformations

Trace Consultants provides end-to-end support for property-based businesses seeking to transform their waste management strategies. Our services include:

• Strategy Development: Collaborating with stakeholders to create tailored waste management plans that align with business objectives and sustainability goals.
• Contract Reviews: Evaluating existing waste management contracts, identifying inefficiencies, and renegotiating terms to optimise value.
• Gap Assessments: Conducting thorough reviews of current processes, identifying areas for improvement, and developing actionable recommendations.
• Business Case Development: Quantifying the financial and environmental benefits of proposed changes to support informed decision-making.
• Change Management: Guiding businesses through the transition to new workflows, infrastructure, and technologies with minimal disruption.
• Go-to-Market Strategies: Managing tender processes to secure competitive and capable waste service providers.

Case Study: Waste Management Transformation

A large integrated resort in Australia engaged Trace Consultants to overhaul their waste management strategy. Faced with rising costs and increasing regulatory pressure, the client sought a comprehensive solution to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Actions Taken:

1. Workflow Optimisation: Redesigned waste management processes from source to collection points.
2. Upstream Sortation: Implemented new sortation programs for organics, co-mingled recyclables, and specialised streams like e-waste and soft plastics.
3. Contract Renegotiation: Reviewed and renegotiated contracts with waste service providers to secure better terms.
4. Rebate Opportunities: Leveraged Container Deposit Schemes and recyclables market rebates to offset costs.

Outcomes Achieved:

• Cost Savings: Annual waste management costs are forecasted to reduce by 17–24%.
• Sustainability Gains: Improved sortation and diversion rates reduced landfill dependency by 25%.
• Revenue Generation: Rebate programs generated additional income, contributing to the overall savings.

A Path to Sustainable and Cost-Effective Waste Management

For Australian property-based businesses, transforming waste management strategies is no longer optional—it’s essential. By implementing innovative infrastructure, upstream sortation programs, and cutting-edge technologies, organisations can unlock significant cost savings, generate new revenue streams, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

With expertise in strategy development, process optimisation, and change management, Trace Consultants is uniquely positioned to help businesses achieve these outcomes. Contact Trace today to learn how we can support your waste management transformation journey.

For CFOs and CEOs of property-based businesses, managing the complexity and cost of property services procurement and facilities management procurement can be a daunting challenge. From waste management and building maintenance to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services, these operational necessities often account for a significant portion of operating expenses. Without an effective strategy in place, businesses risk inefficiencies, inflated costs, and subpar service delivery.

Enter Trace Consultants, a proven partner for property-based businesses across Australia and New Zealand. Leveraging templated approaches, cutting-edge data analytical tools, and deep industry expertise, Trace Consultants delivers significant cost reductions (typically 8–27%) while driving service improvements. Here, we explore how Trace Consultants helps property-based businesses optimise their property services procurement and facilities management procurement processes to achieve measurable outcomes.

Understanding the Challenges of Property Services Procurement

Property-based businesses—from integrated resorts and shopping malls to hospitals, schools, and industrial facilities—face unique operational challenges. The scope of property services required is extensive, often including:

• Waste Management: Efficient disposal and recycling programs.
• Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP): Maintenance and upgrades to essential systems.
• Building Management Services (BMS): Ensuring operational efficiency through automation and monitoring.
• General Contracting: Routine repairs, upgrades, and capital projects.
• Cleaning and Hygiene Services: Maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

Each service area demands careful management to balance cost, quality, and compliance. However, fragmented contracts, limited visibility into spending, and supplier misalignment often create inefficiencies and excessive costs.

Trace Consultants: Proven Experience and Industry Expertise

Trace Consultants brings a wealth of experience in supporting property-based businesses to streamline and optimise property services procurement. With tailored strategies and a results-driven approach, Trace delivers benefits in three critical areas:

1. Data-Driven Insights and Spend Analysis

At the heart of Trace Consultants’ approach is a commitment to data analytics. Using advanced tools and methodologies, Trace provides deep insights into property services procurement spend, including:

• Cost Visibility: Identifying areas of excessive spending across categories like waste management and MEP services.
• Supplier Performance: Analysing service quality and value for money from existing suppliers.
• Opportunity Assessment: Pinpointing areas to consolidate contracts, standardise services, and achieve economies of scale.

For instance, Trace’s work with a major Australian shopping mall operator revealed overlapping supplier contracts and under-utilised economies of scale. Through spend analysis, Trace identified potential savings of over 18%, which were realised through contract renegotiation and service consolidation.

2. Templated Approaches for Go-to-Market Activities

Going to market for property services procurement can be complex and time-intensive. Trace Consultants simplifies the process with proven, templated approaches that deliver results efficiently. Key components include:

• Specification Development: Creating clear, detailed scopes of work for services like building management and general contracting.
• Tender Management: Managing end-to-end tender processes, from supplier shortlisting to contract negotiation.
• Evaluation Frameworks: Applying weighted criteria to ensure supplier selection aligns with business priorities and standards such as Mechanical DA19, Electrical NFPA, and Plumbing HSG-274 p2.

By leveraging these templates, Trace enables CFOs and CEOs to secure competitive pricing while ensuring service quality. One notable example involved a New Zealand healthcare organisation, where Trace helped reduce waste management costs by 12% while improving service delivery through a streamlined tender process.

3. Change Management and Transition Support

Optimising property services often involves significant changes, including transitioning to new suppliers or restructured service agreements. Trace Consultants excels in managing these transitions seamlessly, with minimal disruption to business operations. Their approach includes:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with internal teams to align on goals and priorities.
• Transition Planning: Developing detailed timelines and action plans for smooth implementation.
• Performance Monitoring: Establishing KPIs and tracking progress to ensure service improvements are realised.

For a government facility in Australia, Trace oversaw the transition of cleaning services to a new supplier. Despite the complexity of the site, which included high-security areas, Trace ensured a smooth handover and delivered annual cost savings of 22%.

Reviewing Asset Management Practices

Effective asset management is critical to maintaining operational efficiency while controlling costs. Trace Consultants provides a comprehensive review of asset management practices to ensure alignment with business goals and industry standards. Key areas of focus include:

• Replacement vs. Run-to-Fail Analysis: Evaluating whether assets should be replaced proactively or allowed to run to failure, supported by cost-benefit analyses.
• Preventative Maintenance Schedules: Developing optimised schedules to minimise downtime and extend asset life.
• Reactive Maintenance Practices: Identifying inefficiencies in reactive maintenance approaches and implementing process improvements.
• IT Systems Integration: Supporting the implementation and optimisation of asset management systems such as Maximo, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and decision-making.
• Standards Alignment: Ensuring compliance with Australian and international standards for asset maintenance, including Mechanical DA19, Electrical NFPA, and Plumbing HSG-274 p2.

For example, Trace worked with an integrated resort client to overhaul their asset management practices. By implementing a preventative maintenance program and integrating it into their Maximo system, the client achieved a 15% reduction in maintenance costs while improving asset reliability and performance.

Unlocking Cost Reduction Opportunities

Trace Consultants consistently delivers significant cost savings for property-based businesses. Typical savings range from 8–27%, depending on the scope of services and opportunities for improvement. Key strategies include:

• Contract Consolidation: Reducing the number of suppliers to leverage volume discounts and simplify management.
• Rate Optimisation: Benchmarking costs against industry standards to secure fair pricing.
• Scope Rationalisation: Eliminating redundant or non-essential services to focus on core needs.

For instance, an integrated resort client partnered with Trace to review their MEP services. By consolidating contracts and renegotiating rates, the client achieved a 24% reduction in annual costs while maintaining high service standards.

Driving Service Benefits

In addition to cost savings, Trace Consultants delivers measurable service improvements, including:

• Enhanced Reliability: Clear KPIs and performance monitoring ensure consistent service delivery.
• Improved Quality: Supplier selection processes prioritise high-performing vendors.
• Operational Efficiency: Standardised processes and technologies streamline service management.

For example, Trace supported a manufacturing client in Australia to improve building management services across multiple sites. By implementing a centralised BMS system and optimising supplier contracts, the client experienced fewer service disruptions and achieved a 15% improvement in operational efficiency.

Why CFOs and CEOs Should Act Now

In today’s economic climate, taking control of property services procurement and facilities management procurement is more important than ever. Rising costs, increasing regulatory requirements, and growing expectations for service quality make it critical for businesses to adopt a proactive approach.

Trace Consultants offers the expertise, tools, and proven strategies needed to drive meaningful results. By partnering with Trace, CFOs and CEOs can:

• Achieve Significant Cost Savings: Realise reductions of 8–27% across key service areas.
• Improve Service Delivery: Enhance reliability, quality, and efficiency in property services.
• Strengthen Strategic Focus: Free up internal resources to focus on core business priorities.

The Trace Difference

What sets Trace Consultants apart is their commitment to tailored solutions and measurable outcomes. Key differentiators include:

• Industry Expertise: Deep knowledge of property-based businesses and their unique challenges.
• Proven Track Record: A history of delivering cost and service improvements for clients across Australia and New Zealand.
• Cutting-Edge Tools: Advanced data analytics and templated approaches ensure efficient, impactful results.
• Collaborative Approach: Strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

Ready to Optimise Your Property Services Procurement?

For CFOs and CEOs in property-based businesses, optimising property services procurement and facilities management procurement is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity. With Trace Consultants as your partner, you can unlock cost savings, improve service quality, and drive long-term operational success.

Whether you operate a hospital, integrated resort, shopping mall, or industrial facility, Trace Consultants has the expertise and tools to deliver results tailored to your needs. Contact Trace today to explore how they can support your business in achieving its goals.

How CEOs and CFOs in ANZ Can Unlock Strategic Value with Trace Consultants’ Procurement Expertise

In today’s fast-paced business world, procurement is no longer a back-office function. It’s a strategic lever for growth, efficiency, and resilience. For CEOs and CFOs across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), a well-executed procurement strategy can mitigate risk, optimise spending, and create competitive advantage.

At Trace Consultants, we recognise that every organisation is unique. Our procurement services are tailored to help you achieve your business goals while balancing operational practicality and strategic ambition. Backed by deep expertise across industries, our team adopts a collaborative, pragmatic approach to procurement, informed by years of supply chain experience.

Why CEOs and CFOs Should Prioritise Procurement

Procurement isn’t just about reducing costs—it’s about unlocking strategic value. With the right approach, it can help organisations:

• Optimise Costs: Minimise inefficiencies and negotiate better terms to maximise value.
• Build Resilience: Mitigate risks to ensure supply continuity and operational stability.
• Foster Innovation: Collaborate with suppliers to develop innovative products and solutions.
• Enhance Sustainability: Integrate ESG principles to meet growing regulatory and stakeholder demands.

For CEOs and CFOs, procurement excellence translates into improved financial performance, operational efficiency, and enhanced stakeholder confidence.

Trace Consultants’ Comprehensive Procurement Services

Our procurement services are designed to address your organisation's specific needs. These services span four key areas:

1. Spend Optimisation

At its core, spend optimisation is about getting the most value for your money. Trace Consultants helps organisations identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and optimise supplier relationships.

• Opportunity Assessment: A deep dive into your procurement data to identify areas where cost savings can be realised.
• Category Plans: Developing customised strategies for key procurement categories, such as IT, logistics, or facilities.
• Strategic Sourcing: Identifying and engaging the right suppliers to deliver cost and value benefits.
• Contract Management: Ensuring contracts are optimally structured and managed to secure long-term benefits.

Case Example: A major retailer engaged Trace Consultants to overhaul their procurement approach for packaging and logistics. By implementing strategic sourcing and streamlined category plans, the retailer achieved better supplier relationships and improved service levels.

2. Maturity Uplift

Procurement maturity varies significantly across organisations, and Trace Consultants helps you take the next step toward excellence.

• Procurement Function Review: Evaluating your current processes and structures to identify areas for improvement.
• Target Operating Model: Designing procurement frameworks that align with your strategic priorities and deliver operational efficiency.
• Capability Assessments: Helping you understand your team's strengths and areas for development.
• Training & Development: Equipping your procurement team with the skills they need to succeed.

Case Example: A healthcare provider turned to Trace Consultants for a procurement maturity uplift. Through a combination of training, operating model design, and process improvements, the organisation transformed their procurement function into a strategic enabler of operational efficiency.

3. Tech Enablement

Technology is a critical enabler for modern procurement. Trace Consultants helps organisations identify, implement, and optimise procurement technologies that deliver measurable benefits.

• Digital Procurement Assessment: Evaluating current technologies and recommending tools to improve efficiency.
• Tech Sourcing: Identifying technology solutions that meet your organisation’s specific needs.
• Tech Optimisation: Ensuring existing systems are fully utilised to deliver maximum ROI.
• In-House Development: Building customised tools, such as Microsoft Power Apps solutions, to meet unique challenges.

Case Example: An Australian food & beverage company partnered with Trace Consultants to develop a bespoke delivery tracking tool. Built on Microsoft Power Apps, the tool reduced delivery errors and improved operational visibility, creating tangible business value.

4. Supplier Development

Suppliers are at the heart of procurement success. Trace Consultants focuses on building stronger supplier relationships and ensuring supply chain resilience.

• Supply Chain Risk Assessment: Identifying vulnerabilities within supplier networks and addressing them proactively.
• Supply Chain Surety: Developing contingency plans to safeguard continuity of supply.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Strengthening partnerships to foster trust, innovation, and value creation.
• Sustainable Procurement: Embedding sustainability into supplier relationships and procurement processes.

Case Example: A mining organisation worked with Trace Consultants to assess supply chain risks and build more robust supplier relationships. This resulted in improved supply continuity and greater collaboration with key partners.

Why Choose Trace Consultants?

At Trace Consultants, our expertise extends far beyond traditional procurement. Our team brings decades of experience across procurement and supply chain functions, giving us a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that CEOs and CFOs face.

Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Pragmatic Operational Lens: Our extensive supply chain expertise ensures that our recommendations are grounded in operational realities. We focus on solutions that are both practical and impactful.
2. Benchmarking Excellence: We leverage benchmarking tools and methodologies to help organisations measure their procurement performance against industry standards, identifying clear paths for improvement.
3. Collaborative Approach: At Trace, we see ourselves as your partners. We work side-by-side with your teams, ensuring alignment at every step and a smooth transition from strategy to implementation.
4. Tailored Solutions: No two organisations are the same, which is why we deliver customised strategies to meet your unique goals and challenges.

Example: For a manufacturing organisation, Trace Consultants conducted a comprehensive benchmarking analysis, identifying areas for improvement in supplier relationships and category management. Through a collaborative approach, we implemented changes that improved both cost efficiency and service quality.

Industry-Specific Expertise

We bring deep expertise across key industries in ANZ, delivering tailored solutions that drive results:

Healthcare

Optimising procurement for medical equipment, consumables, and facilities management to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Retail/FMCG

Helping retailers streamline procurement for ingredients, packaging, logistics, and more to improve profitability and customer satisfaction.

Tech/IT

Supporting organisations with software procurement, infrastructure upgrades, and telecommunications solutions.

Hospitality

Focusing on food & beverage, contingent labour, and facilities management to ensure seamless operations.

Education

Optimising procurement for ICT, student services, and facilities management to enhance the educational experience.

Private Equity

Providing due diligence and post-acquisition procurement strategies to unlock value for portfolio companies.

Financial Services

Enhancing procurement in marketing, utilities, and professional services to deliver cost savings and improve service quality.

Government

Supporting procurement in ICT, fleet management, and support services to enable efficient public service delivery.

Transport

Specialising in procurement for maintenance, repairs, fuel, and logistics to ensure reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Procurement is more than a cost-saving function—it’s a strategic enabler of growth and resilience. For CEOs and CFOs in ANZ, partnering with Trace Consultants means gaining a trusted advisor with deep procurement and supply chain expertise. We bring a pragmatic, collaborative approach to deliver measurable results, helping you optimise costs, strengthen supplier relationships, and enhance operational performance.

Are you ready to transform your procurement function? Contact Trace Consultants today and let’s work together to unlock your organisation’s full potential.

For large, property-based organisations, effective procurement management is critical to maintaining operational efficiency, controlling costs, and delivering consistent service outcomes. Hospitals, integrated resorts, shopping malls, airports, and office precincts rely on diverse property services such as waste management, mechanical systems, cleaning, and security to function seamlessly. However, procurement for these services often presents significant challenges, including lack of visibility, contract inefficiencies, and missed cost-saving opportunities.

For CEOs and CFOs tasked with balancing budgets while driving long-term value, optimising procurement processes is an opportunity to make transformative improvements. Trace Consultants, a leading advisory firm specialising in procurement excellence, offers tailored strategies and tools to help organisations unlock value, streamline contract management, and achieve sustainability goals.

The Strategic Importance of Procurement in Property Services

Procurement is a cornerstone of success for property-based organisations. Effective procurement ensures that:

• Costs Are Controlled: Competitive contracts and efficient supplier management prevent budget overruns.
• Operations Run Seamlessly: Reliable vendors and service alignment minimise disruptions.
• Sustainability Goals Are Achieved: Environmentally responsible procurement decisions support organisational targets.
• Visibility and Accountability Are Maintained: Data-driven procurement provides transparency into spend and supplier performance.

Yet, procurement often falls short of its potential due to complex service requirements, fragmented contracts, and a lack of robust frameworks to guide decision-making. This is where Trace Consultants can make a difference.

How Trace Consultants Supports CEOs and CFOs in Optimising Procurement

Trace Consultants partners with CEOs and CFOs to deliver procurement strategies that maximise value and align with organisational goals. Here’s how:

1. Achieving Visibility into Contract Spend

One of the biggest challenges in property services procurement is understanding where and how money is being spent. Trace Consultants conducts comprehensive analyses to:

• Map spend patterns across all service categories, including waste management, cleaning, security, and mechanical systems.
• Identify overlapping contracts and areas of inefficiency.
• Benchmark supplier rates against market standards, ensuring competitive pricing.

For CEOs and CFOs, this visibility provides the clarity needed to make informed decisions and prioritise procurement improvements.

2. Streamlining Procurement with a Proven Framework

Trace’s Procurement Excellence Framework provides a structured, repeatable methodology for optimising procurement processes. Key elements of this framework include:

• Customised Pricing Templates: Designed for Australian and international standards, enabling transparent supplier comparisons.
• Category-Specific Tools: Tailored to services like waste management, MEP, cleaning, catering, and security to streamline tendering and evaluation.
• Efficient Tendering Processes: Accelerating the go-to-market process while ensuring compliance and alignment with organisational goals.

By leveraging this framework, CEOs and CFOs can ensure their organisations are not only securing the best value but also building a procurement process that supports long-term operational success.

3. Integrating Asset Management into Procurement Decisions

Optimising procurement isn’t limited to external service contracts—it also involves managing internal assets effectively. Trace Consultants provides asset management expertise that aligns closely with procurement strategies:

• Lifecycle Cost Analysis: Determining whether to repair or replace assets based on total cost and operational impact.
• Preventative Maintenance Optimisation: Reducing reactive maintenance costs by aligning procurement with maintenance schedules.
• Data-Driven Asset Insights: Using systems like IBM Maximo to deliver actionable insights on asset performance.

This integrated approach ensures that procurement decisions support not only immediate cost savings but also the long-term performance of critical assets.

4. Embedding Sustainability into Procurement

CEOs and CFOs face increasing pressure to incorporate sustainability into their procurement practices. Trace Consultants helps organisations:

• Develop procurement strategies that prioritise eco-friendly suppliers.
• Optimise waste management contracts to minimise landfill contributions and promote recycling.
• Introduce energy-efficient solutions in building services, reducing operational costs and carbon footprints.

Sustainability isn’t just a compliance issue—it’s a strategic priority that can enhance reputation, align with stakeholder expectations, and deliver financial benefits.

5. Delivering Comprehensive Support from Start to Finish

Procurement is not a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing process requiring consistent monitoring and optimisation. Trace Consultants offers end-to-end support, including:

• Data Capture: Collecting and analysing procurement data to establish clear baselines.
• Internal Process Redesign: Implementing new workflows to improve operational efficiency.
• KPI Development: Creating metrics to measure procurement performance and supplier reliability.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Continuously reviewing contracts and supplier performance to identify opportunities for improvement.

This holistic approach ensures that procurement becomes a strategic enabler for CEOs and CFOs, driving both immediate and long-term benefits.

6. Achieving ESG Outcomes Alongside Cost and Service Excellence

In today’s corporate landscape, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are no longer optional—they are a strategic imperative. Procurement plays a pivotal role in achieving ESG outcomes while maintaining cost efficiency and service excellence. Trace Consultants helps organisations integrate ESG considerations into their procurement strategies by:

• Selecting Ethical Suppliers: Ensuring vendors meet standards for fair labour practices, diversity, and community impact.
• Reducing Environmental Impact: Prioritising suppliers with low-carbon footprints and promoting sustainable practices such as waste reduction and energy efficiency.
• Enhancing Governance Standards: Establishing robust processes for supplier evaluation, compliance, and transparency to mitigate risks.

By embedding ESG principles into procurement decisions, CEOs and CFOs can align organisational values with operational goals, driving not only financial performance but also long-term stakeholder trust and reputation. This balanced approach allows organisations to meet regulatory requirements and position themselves as leaders in responsible business practices.

Real-World Impact: Procurement Success Stories

Trace Consultants has delivered tangible results for organisations across multiple sectors:

Hospitals

• Simplified procurement for linen, cleaning, and waste management services by consolidating contracts and aligning scopes with organisational needs.
• Integrated preventative maintenance into procurement decisions to improve equipment uptime.

Integrated Resorts

• Optimised F&B and security procurement processes to deliver greater value and streamline service delivery.
• Introduced sustainability-focused waste management strategies that aligned with stakeholder expectations.

Airports and Commercial Precincts

• Reduced inefficiencies by mapping service contracts and identifying overlaps.
• Enhanced supplier evaluation processes to improve service outcomes and cost alignment.

Stadiums and Arts Precincts

• Embedded sustainability requirements into procurement frameworks for cleaning and catering services.
• Improved vendor accountability through better-defined KPIs and regular performance monitoring.

Why CEOs and CFOs Should Choose Trace Consultants

Trace Consultants has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by property-based organisations. Our expertise in procurement optimisation is complemented by proprietary tools and a proven track record of success. Here’s why we stand out:

• Industry Expertise: Decades of experience in property services procurement for sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and commercial precincts.
• Tailored Tools and Frameworks: Customised solutions that align with Australian and international standards.
• Sustainability Leadership: A strong focus on embedding sustainability into procurement strategies.
• Data-Driven Insights: Advanced analytics that empower CEOs and CFOs to make informed decisions.
• End-to-End Support: Comprehensive services from data capture to ongoing monitoring and optimisation.

Unlock the Potential of Your Procurement Strategy

Procurement isn’t just a cost centre—it’s a strategic function that can drive transformative results. By partnering with Trace Consultants, CEOs and CFOs can gain the visibility, tools, and expertise needed to optimise procurement for property services, reduce costs, and achieve sustainability goals.

Ready to take the next step?

Visit Trace Consultants to learn more or contact us to discuss how we can help your organisation master procurement and drive long-term value.