Empower Your Supply Chain with Next-Generation Technology Solutions

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Let our experts help you harness technology to optimise your supply chain and operations.

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Mathew Tolley

Mathew has over 15 years of experience in the public and private sector, advising senior executives on technical solutions in operations and supply chain, from design and development through to system implementation. This experience has been gained in sectors including hospitality, distribution, retail, telecommunications, fast-moving consumer goods, pharmaceutical products, food processing, after-market parts, and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

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Tim Fagan

Tim has over 10 years experience in collaboratively working clients to find the right technology solution to meet their unique needs. With a background in tactical solution development, best of breed system implementation, system requirements definition, multi-language programming, (plus an undergraduate and postgraduate in Mechatronics) Tim has the expertise to support clients navigate their supply chain technology journey.

What are the typical questions we help our clients answer?

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Advisory

What are the next steps for technology in our business?

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Tech Strategy & Roadmap Development
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Technology Diagnostics and Assessments
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Solution Design
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Solution Selection &
Go To Market Support
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Delivery

How can we set our business up for success with new technology changes?

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System Integration, Data Analysis & cleansing
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Project Governance & Management
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Business Process design, Op. Model Alignment
& Change management
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Support Model Design & Execution
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Development & Configuration

What are the solutions we need? What should they deliver?

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Solution Optimisation & Refinement
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Functional Requirements & Technical Design
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Solution Testing & Tuning
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Tactical solution Development
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Data & Analytics

How is effective is our supply chain operation? How well do we leverage our data?

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Performance Management
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Supply Chain Modelling
& Analytics
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Architecture & Data Quality Assessments
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Data Governance Frameworks

Solutions we have implemented with our clients.

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Supplier DIFOT & Credit Tracking

SC Analytix’s PTC Servigistics solution optimises your service parts supply chain

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Inventory Planning Software

Review forecasted demand, uplift ordering and inventory management discipline. Effectively manage service and cost.

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Supplier Fulfilment Comms.

Monitor and record supplier fulfilment performance. Automatically distribute targeted communications to internal teams.

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Reporting Dashboards

Unlock continuous improvement opportunities and improve responsiveness through visibility of operational performance

People

Demand Forecast & Workforce Planning

Plan for peak periods of demand, optimise workforce capacity and roster investment to meet service and cost targets.

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Best-of-Breed Inventory Planning System Implementation

Leverage the potential of market leading inventory planning and optimisation capability.

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Production Kitchen Planning & Recipe Management

SC Analytix’s PTC Servigistics solution optimises your service parts supply chain

Gear

Operational Asset Tracking

Maintain operational visibility of assets across the network, ensuring continuing capability exists and mitigating investment risk

Our Partnerships

SC Analytix’s PTC Servigistics solution optimises your service parts supply chain

Delivering solutions for complex logistics problems

A single platform for supply chain orchestration

Helping companies fulfil their customer's promises, GAINS is the supply chain performance optimisation company

AutoStore develops order fulfilment solutions to help businesses achieve efficiency gains within the storage and retrieval of goods.

Cloud Based Transport Management System for Agriculture

Zycus is the leader in Source-to-Pay (S2P) solutions, pioneering the world's first Generative AI powered platform that helps procurement achieve 10X speed and efficiency

Precision Economics focuses on the delivery of tailored economic and quantitative work, especially in situations where existing tools are unable to answer the questions under examination

Informed 365 offer Cloud Based Solutions to Efficiently Manage Your and Your Supply Chain’s Environmental and Social Performance

Mushiny provides proven robot intelligent warehousing solutions for warehousing users, regardless of industry origin

Create unified strategic supply and demand, production, merchandising, and operations planning decisions with the RELEX AI-based platform

Coupa conquers complexity by delivering intelligent insights across supply chain, procurement, and finance

Featured Articles

Planning, Forecasting, S&OP and IBP
March 13, 2025

How Organisations Can Leverage VMI Effectively: A 2025 Guide for ANZ FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is transforming FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand. Learn how to leverage VMI effectively in 2025 with Trace Consultants’ proven strategies.

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic tool that’s reshaping how businesses operate in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). For Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), Retail, and Manufacturing organisations, VMI offers a way to streamline operations, cut costs, and stay ahead in a competitive market. At Trace Consultants, we’ve seen VMI deliver real results when implemented thoughtfully, helping ANZ companies tackle the challenges of 2025 with confidence.

So, how can your organisation make VMI work effectively? This article dives into what VMI is, why it matters now, and how FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing businesses can harness it to drive performance. We’ll also show how Trace Consultants can support you every step of the way—turning inventory management into a competitive edge.

What Is VMI and Why Does It Matter in 2025?

At its core, Vendor Managed Inventory is a partnership model where suppliers take charge of managing a buyer’s stock levels. Rather than your team handling orders, the vendor uses shared data—like sales trends and inventory counts—to replenish stock as needed. It’s a shift from reactive ordering to proactive collaboration.

In 2025, VMI is gaining momentum across ANZ as FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing firms face rising costs, supply chain volatility, and relentless customer expectations. For FMCG giants like Sanitarium or Fonterra, it keeps high-turnover products flowing without waste. QSR chains like Hungry Jack’s rely on it for fresh, just-in-time deliveries. Retailers like Kmart use it to balance stock across stores, while manufacturers like CSR fine-tune raw material supplies.

The timing is right because today’s pressures—economic uncertainty, digital disruption, and demand for efficiency—make traditional inventory models too rigid. VMI offers a smarter alternative, and ANZ organisations are taking notice.

The Benefits of VMI for FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing

Why bother with VMI? Here’s what it brings to the table for these industries in ANZ:

  1. Lower Costs:
    Matching stock to actual demand cuts excess inventory expenses—think warehousing, spoilage, and discounts on unsold goods.
  2. Better Cash Flow:
    With less money locked in stock, resources are freed up for other priorities, like expansion or innovation.
  3. Stronger Supply Chains:
    Vendors handle replenishment, reducing the risk of stockouts or delays, even when disruptions hit.
  4. Smoother Operations:
    Automating stock management frees up teams to focus on bigger-picture goals instead of daily grunt work.
  5. Happier Customers:
    Consistent product availability—whether it’s a burger bun or a bestselling shampoo—keeps shelves full and customers coming back.

These wins don’t happen by accident. Leveraging VMI effectively takes planning, collaboration, and the right tools—especially in 2025’s fast-moving environment.

How to Leverage VMI Effectively in 2025

Here’s a practical guide for FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing organisations in ANZ to get the most out of VMI this year.

1. Forge Solid Vendor Partnerships

VMI hinges on trust. Suppliers need to grasp your business—its peaks, troughs, and unique needs—whether you’re rolling out a seasonal FMCG promo or keeping a QSR kitchen stocked. This means choosing vendors who can deliver consistently and building agreements that align everyone’s interests.

Clear communication and shared goals are key. It’s about creating a partnership where both sides win—vendors keep your stock humming, and you avoid the chaos of manual ordering.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
Trace Consultants knows how to build vendor relationships that stick. We’ll evaluate your supplier network, craft VMI contracts that work for both parties, and set performance benchmarks. The result? A supply chain that’s reliable and ready for anything.

2. Harness Data and Technology

VMI runs on real-time data—sales figures, stock levels, forecasts—all shared seamlessly with vendors. In 2025, ANZ businesses are leaning on cloud platforms, IoT devices, and analytics to make this happen. For FMCG and Retail, it’s about syncing with shopper demand; for QSRs, it’s timing ingredient deliveries; for Manufacturing, it’s aligning materials with production.

The right tech setup is critical—think integrated systems that connect your operations to your vendors without friction.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
We’re tech-savvy at Trace Consultants. We’ll review your current systems, recommend VMI-friendly tools—like cloud-based ERP or vendor sync platforms—and handle the rollout. Our team ensures your data flows smoothly, giving you control without the complexity.

3. Tie VMI to Demand Planning

Effective VMI starts with knowing what you’ll need. Robust demand planning—blending past trends with future insights like campaigns or market shifts—keeps vendors in step with your business. For FMCG, it prevents stockouts on fast-moving items; for QSRs, it ensures fresh stock; for Retail and Manufacturing, it matches inventory to sales or output.

This alignment cuts waste and keeps operations lean, making VMI a true efficiency driver.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
Trace Consultants brings demand planning expertise to the table. We’ll set up Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes that link VMI to your forecasts, ensuring stock levels are just right. It’s a system that saves money and keeps things running smoothly.

4. Pilot First, Then Scale

Diving headfirst into VMI across your whole operation can be risky. In 2025, ANZ firms are starting small—testing VMI with one product, location, or supplier—before scaling up. A QSR might pilot it with dairy deliveries, a retailer with a top category, or a manufacturer with a core input.

This approach lets you fine-tune the process and build confidence in the results before going all-in.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
We take a measured approach at Trace Consultants. We’ll design a VMI pilot, track its performance, and scale it across your ANZ footprint when it proves its worth. You get a low-risk path to big gains, tailored to your business.

5. Keep Improving Over Time

VMI isn’t a one-and-done deal. In 2025, ANZ organisations need to monitor how it’s working—think stock turnover, service levels, and cost impacts—and adjust as conditions change. This keeps the system sharp and vendors on their toes.

Regular check-ins and data-driven tweaks ensure VMI stays valuable year-round.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
Trace Consultants sets you up for long-term success. We’ll create monitoring tools—like custom dashboards—and run periodic reviews to optimise your VMI setup. It’s about keeping the benefits flowing, no matter what 2025 throws your way.

Industry-Specific VMI Wins

VMI can flex to fit each sector in ANZ. Here’s how it plays out:

  • FMCG: Keeps fast-moving goods like snacks or drinks in stock without over-ordering, cutting waste.
  • QSR: Ensures fresh ingredients arrive daily, syncing with sales to avoid spoilage.
  • Retail: Balances stock for busy seasons while clearing out slow movers post-peak.
  • Manufacturing: Ties raw material deliveries to production schedules, reducing downtime and storage costs.

Across these industries, VMI can sharpen your edge—if you get the execution right.

Challenges to Watch Out For

VMI isn’t foolproof. Here’s what ANZ organisations need to navigate:

  • Vendor Dependability: A shaky supplier can disrupt the whole system with delays or quality issues.
  • Data Hurdles: Spotty or disconnected data throws off replenishment timing.
  • Initial Investment: Tech upgrades and setup take time and money before the payoff hits.
  • Control Trade-Offs: Letting vendors steer inventory can feel like a leap without tight oversight.

These aren’t dealbreakers—they’re just reasons to partner with someone who’s done this before.

Opportunities VMI Unlocks in 2025

In ANZ’s 2025 landscape, VMI offers a shot at efficiency and resilience. It’s a chance to trim costs without cutting corners, free up cash for growth, and build a supply chain that bends but doesn’t break. For FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing firms, it’s about staying lean and customer-focused in a tough market.

The organisations that nail VMI this year will be the ones setting the pace—turning inventory into a strength, not a burden.

How Trace Consultants Can Help ANZ Organisations Leverage VMI

At Trace Consultants, we’re all about making things happen—not just talking about them. With years of experience in ANZ’s FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing sectors, we know how to turn VMI into a win. Here’s what we bring:

  1. Vendor Alignment:
    We’ll pick the right suppliers, negotiate smart VMI deals, and set clear expectations—building a network you can rely on.
  2. Tech Solutions:
    From system audits to seamless integrations, we’ll get your tech ready for VMI—making data your ally.
  3. Demand Planning Precision:
    Our S&OP frameworks tie VMI to your needs, keeping stock lean and service high.
  4. Phased Rollouts:
    We’ll start with a pilot, prove the value, and scale it across your operations—minimising risk, maximising impact.
  5. Ongoing Optimisation:
    With dashboards and reviews, we’ll keep your VMI humming, adapting it to changing demands.

We don’t just hand over a plan—we work with you to make it real. Trace Consultants is your partner in turning VMI into a practical, powerful tool for 2025.

Looking Ahead: Make VMI Your Advantage

In 2025, Vendor Managed Inventory is a chance for FMCG, QSR, Retail, and Manufacturing organisations in ANZ to rethink how they operate. It’s about cutting costs, boosting efficiency, and keeping customers happy—all at once. The businesses that leverage VMI effectively won’t just survive this year—they’ll thrive.

Ready to get started? Contact Trace Consultants today. Let’s make your inventory work harder—so your organisation can too.

Strategy & Design
March 13, 2025

QSR Supply Chain and Procurement Projects in 2025: Enabling Growth and Driving Cost Out in Australia and New Zealand

In 2025, ANZ QSRs can fuel growth and cut costs through smarter supply chain and procurement strategies. Discover how Trace Consultants helps CEOs, CFOs, and CIOs drive efficiency and profitability.

The Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) is poised for a transformative year in 2025. With margins under pressure and competition heating up, CEOs, CFOs, and CIOs face a dual challenge: how to enable growth while aggressively driving cost out of their supply chains and procurement operations. At Trace Consultants, we believe this is not just a balancing act—it’s an opportunity to unlock new levels of profitability and market leadership.

In this article, we’ll explore the trends shaping QSR supply chain and procurement projects in 2025, highlight strategies to fuel expansion and reduce costs, and show how Trace Consultants can partner with ANZ QSR leaders to deliver tangible results. Whether you’re a CEO eyeing market share, a CFO hunting for savings, or a CIO leveraging tech for efficiency, this guide will equip you to thrive in the year ahead.

Why 2025 Is a Make-or-Break Year for QSR Growth and Cost Efficiency

The QSR sector—home to fast-food chains, takeaway joints, and coffee shops—thrives on delivering value at speed. In ANZ, brands like Hungry Jack’s, Subway, and Coffee Club have mastered this game, but 2025 brings fresh stakes. Inflation is pushing up costs for ingredients, labour, and logistics, while customers demand lower prices and faster service. At the same time, growth opportunities abound as urban populations swell and digital ordering surges.

For CEOs, this is a chance to capture new markets and boost revenue. For CFOs, it’s about slashing wasteful spend to protect the bottom line. And for CIOs, it’s an invitation to harness technology to make every process leaner and smarter. The key? A supply chain and procurement strategy that drives cost out while enabling scalable growth. Let’s dive into how ANZ QSRs can make it happen in 2025.

Key Trends Driving Growth and Cost Savings in QSR Supply Chains

Here are the five major trends shaping QSR supply chain and procurement projects in 2025—and how they can help you grow smarter and spend less.

1. Lean Procurement for Cost Reduction

Rising costs are the enemy of profitability, and procurement is ground zero for fighting back. In 2025, ANZ QSRs are rethinking how they source everything from beef patties to paper cups, focusing on leaner processes that eliminate waste and secure better deals.

For CFOs, this means renegotiating supplier contracts and consolidating purchasing power to drive down unit costs. CEOs can align these savings with growth plans—like funding new store openings—while CIOs enable it all with e-procurement platforms that automate and optimise buying.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
At Trace Consultants, we’re experts at stripping cost out of procurement without compromising quality. We’ll analyse your spend data, identify overpriced inputs, and negotiate hard with suppliers to lock in savings. For CFOs, we deliver detailed ROI forecasts; for CIOs, we integrate tools like Coupa or SAP Ariba to streamline the process. Our goal? Help your QSR bank the savings you need to fuel growth.

2. AI-Powered Efficiency for Scalable Operations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a game-changer for QSRs in 2025, offering a one-two punch of cost reduction and growth enablement. Predictive analytics can forecast demand with pinpoint accuracy—say, how many pizzas you’ll sell on a Friday night—reducing overstock and waste. Automation can handle repetitive tasks like order processing, freeing up resources for expansion.

CFOs will see the impact in lower inventory costs and reduced labour spend. CEOs can use these efficiencies to scale operations into new regions, while CIOs lead the charge by integrating AI into supply chain systems.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
Trace Consultants brings hands-on experience in deploying AI for ANZ QSRs. We’ll assess your tech needs, recommend solutions like AI-driven demand planning tools, and oversee a seamless rollout. Working with your CIO, we’ll ensure your systems deliver real-time insights that cut costs and support growth—whether you’re opening five new stores or fifty.

3. Local Supply Chains for Growth and Resilience

Global supply chains are costly and fragile, and in 2025, ANZ QSRs are going local to save money and grow faster. Sourcing from nearby suppliers cuts transport costs, speeds up delivery, and reduces exposure to international disruptions. It also unlocks growth by tapping into the “buy local” trend that resonates with ANZ customers.

CEOs can leverage this for brand expansion—think new outlets in regional towns with local supply support. CFOs will appreciate the lower logistics bills, and CIOs can build data platforms to manage these tighter, more responsive networks.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
We specialise in redesigning supply chains for cost efficiency and scalability. Trace Consultants will map your supplier ecosystem, shift you to cost-effective local options, and model scenarios to balance savings with growth potential. Your CEO gets a roadmap to new markets, your CFO gets a leaner cost base, and your CIO gets a system that’s ready to scale.

4. Digital Transformation for Revenue and Savings

The digital boom—online orders, delivery apps, and loyalty programs—is driving QSR growth in 2025, but it’s also a goldmine for cost reduction. By digitising supply chain and procurement processes, QSRs can eliminate manual inefficiencies, reduce errors, and optimise resource use.

For CEOs, digital tools open doors to new revenue streams, like ghost kitchens or subscription models. CFOs can slash operational costs with automated workflows, and CIOs are the linchpin, ensuring these systems integrate smoothly across the business.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
Trace Consultants has a track record of digitising ANZ QSR operations. We’ll pinpoint where manual processes are costing you, implement solutions like cloud-based ERP systems, and tie it all together for your CIO. The result? A digital backbone that drives revenue growth and cuts operational fat—giving your QSR the best of both worlds.

5. Workforce Optimisation to Support Expansion

Labour costs are a huge chunk of QSR budgets, and shortages in ANZ are pushing wages higher in 2025. Smart leaders are using automation—like robotic fry stations—and predictive workforce planning to do more with less. This frees up capital for growth while keeping costs in check.

CEOs can redirect labour savings into hiring for new locations. CFOs will love the leaner payroll, and CIOs can deploy tech like workforce management software to make it happen.

How Trace Consultants Can Help:
We’ve helped ANZ businesses optimise their workforce for growth and efficiency. Trace Consultants will assess your staffing model, introduce automation where it counts, and build predictive tools to match labour to demand. Your CIO gets a tech rollout that works, your CFO gets cost savings, and your CEO gets a team ready to scale.

Challenges to Growth and Cost Reduction in 2025

While the potential is massive, 2025 won’t be a cakewalk. Here are the hurdles ANZ QSRs need to overcome:

  • Cost Pressures: Inflation and supply shortages could erode savings if not managed proactively.
  • Tech Investment Risks: Big bets on AI or digital tools need to pay off quickly to justify the spend.
  • Customer Retention: Growth depends on keeping price-sensitive diners happy amid rising costs.
  • Execution Complexity: Scaling while cutting costs requires flawless coordination across teams.

These challenges are real, but they’re not roadblocks—they’re opportunities for QSRs with the right strategy and partner.

Opportunities for QSR CEOs, CFOs, and CIOs in 2025

In 2025, ANZ QSR leaders can turn trends into triumphs. Here’s how each role can drive growth and cost efficiency:

  • CEOs: Expand boldly. Use lean supply chains and digital tools to enter new markets without bloating costs.
  • CFOs: Hunt for savings. Slash procurement and operational expenses to fund growth without borrowing.
  • CIOs: Build the future. Deploy tech that cuts waste and scales effortlessly as your QSR grows.

Together, you can create a QSR that’s leaner, stronger, and ready to dominate the ANZ market.

How Trace Consultants Can Help QSRs Grow and Save in 2025

At Trace Consultants, we’re not here to sell you a vision—we’re here to make it happen. With deep expertise in ANZ’s QSR and FMCG sectors, we deliver supply chain and procurement solutions that enable growth and drive cost out. Here’s how we can help:

  1. Cost-Out Procurement Strategies:
    We’ll dissect your spend, negotiate better deals, and streamline purchasing to save you millions. Your CFO gets a tighter budget; your CEO gets cash for expansion.
  2. AI and Digital Enablement:
    From demand forecasting to automated workflows, we’ll implement tech that cuts costs and scales with your growth. Your CIO gets a partner who speaks their language.
  3. Local Supply Chain Optimisation:
    We’ll shift you to cost-efficient local suppliers, reducing logistics spend and supporting new store rollouts. Your CEO and CFO will see the impact fast.
  4. S&OP for Growth and Efficiency:
    Our Sales & Operations Planning frameworks align supply with demand, minimising waste and maximising revenue potential. It’s a win-win for all C-suite roles.
  5. Workforce and Process Lean-Up:
    We’ll automate where it makes sense and optimise labour planning, freeing up funds for your next big move. Your CIO and CFO will thank us.

Our approach is practical, data-driven, and collaborative. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with your team to deliver results—not just recommendations. With Trace Consultants, you’re not just surviving 2025—you’re setting the pace for the industry.

The Road Ahead: Growth Without the Bloat

In 2025, ANZ QSRs don’t have to choose between growth and cost efficiency—they can have both. By leaning into smart procurement, local supply chains, and cutting-edge tech, you can expand your footprint while keeping costs razor-sharp. For CEOs, it’s about leading with ambition. For CFOs, it’s about protecting profitability. For CIOs, it’s about building systems that deliver.

Ready to make 2025 your year? Contact Trace Consultants today. Let’s drive cost out and growth up—together.

Technology
March 6, 2025

How Trace Consultants Can Transform Your Supply Chain and Procurement Technology in ANZ

Discover how Trace Consultants supports CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, and CTOs in ANZ with supply chain and procurement technology transformation, from current state assessments to implementation and change management.

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, supply chain and procurement functions are no longer just operational necessities—they’re strategic drivers of growth, resilience, and competitive advantage. For CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, and CTOs across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), the pressure is on to modernise these critical areas with cutting-edge technology. But where do you start? How do you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you need to be? That’s where Trace Consultants steps in.

At Trace Consultants, we specialise in guiding ANZ organisations through supply chain and procurement technology transformation. From assessing your current state and identifying gaps to developing a robust business case, defining functional and non-functional requirements, scoping the market, crafting a go-to-market strategy, and managing implementation and change, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through how our expertise can help your organisation unlock value, reduce costs, and future-proof your operations.

The Strategic Imperative for Supply Chain and Procurement Transformation

Before diving into how Trace Consultants can help, let’s set the scene. The ANZ region faces unique challenges—geographical isolation, complex supply chains, and a volatile global market. Add to that the rapid pace of digital disruption, and it’s clear why CEOs are rethinking their supply chain strategies, CFOs are scrutinising procurement spend, CIOs are pushing for tech integration, and CTOs are championing innovation.

Procurement and supply chain technology transformation isn’t just about adopting the latest tools—it’s about aligning your operations with your strategic goals. Whether you’re in mining, retail, healthcare, or manufacturing, optimising these functions can deliver significant cost savings, improve supplier relationships, and enhance resilience against disruptions. But achieving this requires a structured approach, and that’s where Trace Consultants excels.

Step 1: Current State & GAP Assessments – Knowing Where You Stand

The first step in any transformation journey is understanding your starting point. At Trace Consultants, we conduct comprehensive current state and gap assessments to give you a clear picture of your supply chain and procurement operations.

For CEOs, this means gaining visibility into how your supply chain aligns with your broader business strategy. For CFOs, it’s about pinpointing inefficiencies that inflate costs. CIOs benefit from an IT-focused lens that evaluates how your current tech stack supports—or hinders—procurement processes, while CTOs get insights into innovation gaps that could be bridged with emerging technologies like AI or IoT.

Our approach is pragmatic and data-driven. We benchmark your performance against industry standards, assess your processes, and identify risks. For example, we’ve worked with a mining organisation in ANZ to evaluate its supply chain risks, delivering a roadmap to stronger supplier relationships and improved supply continuity—outcomes that directly impact the bottom line.

Step 2: Business Case Development – Justifying the Investment

Once we’ve mapped your current state and gaps, the next challenge is building a compelling business case. This is where CFOs and CEOs sit up and take notice. A technology transformation isn’t cheap, and stakeholders need to see a clear return on investment (ROI).

Trace Consultants collaborates with your leadership team to develop a business case tailored to your organisation’s goals. We quantify the benefits—think cost reductions, efficiency gains, and risk mitigation—and align them with your financial and strategic priorities. For instance, we’ve partnered with a healthcare provider to show how a procurement overhaul could deliver substantial savings while enhancing service delivery, winning buy-in from the C-suite.

Our business cases don’t just focus on numbers; they tell a story. We highlight how technology can transform your supply chain into a competitive advantage, making it easier for CIOs and CTOs to advocate for the necessary IT investments. Whether it’s reducing procurement cycle times or enhancing supply chain visibility, we make the case airtight.

Step 3: Functional Requirements & Non-Functional Requirements Definition – Setting the Foundation

With the business case approved, it’s time to define what your new system needs to do. This is where functional and non-functional requirements come into play, and it’s a critical step for CIOs and CTOs tasked with ensuring technology meets business needs.

Functional requirements outline what the system must do—think streamlined sourcing, real-time inventory tracking, or automated supplier management. Non-functional requirements cover how it should perform, such as scalability, security, and user experience. At Trace Consultants, we bring decades of supply chain and procurement expertise to the table, ensuring these requirements are both practical and forward-thinking.

For example, we’ve collaborated with an ANZ retailer to define requirements for a procurement platform that integrated with their existing SAP system. The result was a solution that improved supplier collaboration and reduced procurement costs. By aligning these requirements with your strategic goals, we set the stage for a technology solution that delivers real value.

Step 4: Market Scoping – Finding the Right Solutions

The tech market is flooded with options—AI-driven analytics, blockchain for traceability, cloud-based procurement platforms. How do you choose what’s right for your organisation? Trace Consultants takes the guesswork out of market scoping.

We analyse the vendor landscape, assess solutions against your defined requirements, and shortlist options that fit your budget and goals. For CIOs and CTOs, this means a tech stack that integrates seamlessly with your existing architecture. For CEOs and CFOs, it’s about ensuring the investment aligns with long-term growth and cost objectives.

The technologies we evaluate span a wide range, each addressing specific supply chain and procurement needs. Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) systems optimise production and inventory planning. Procurement-to-Pay (P2P) platforms streamline the end-to-end purchasing process, from requisition to payment. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) enhance inventory control and logistics efficiency, while Transportation Management Systems (TMS) improve freight and shipping operations. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions, like SAP or Oracle, integrate these functions into a cohesive whole, providing real-time data and scalability. Our expertise ensures we match the right tools—whether APS, P2P, WMS, TMS, or ERP—to your unique ANZ context.

Our deep industry knowledge across ANZ sectors like FMCG, manufacturing, and property services ensures we recommend solutions that work in your context. We don’t just hand you a list—we provide insights into implementation feasibility, vendor reliability, and potential ROI, empowering you to make informed decisions.

Step 5: Go to Market – Launching Your Transformation

With the solution selected, it’s time to go to market. This phase is about strategy—how do you position your new procurement or supply chain technology to maximise adoption and impact? Trace Consultants crafts a go-to-market plan that covers everything from stakeholder communication to supplier onboarding.

For CEOs, this means a rollout that aligns with your vision and minimises disruption. CFOs get a plan that optimises spend and tracks ROI from day one. CIOs and CTOs benefit from a technical strategy that ensures smooth integration and scalability. We’ve worked with an ANZ property business where our go-to-market approach reduced service costs while improving asset management.

Our plans are collaborative and tailored, ensuring your internal teams and external partners are on the same page. It’s about setting your transformation up for success from the outset.

Step 6: Implementation – Turning Vision into Reality

Implementation is where the rubber hits the road. Trace Consultants manages the entire process, from deployment to testing, ensuring your new technology delivers as promised. This is a hands-on phase where our project management expertise shines.

For CIOs and CTOs, we handle the technical heavy lifting—integrating with systems like Microsoft 365, Oracle, or Dynamics while minimising downtime. CEOs see a transformation that stays on schedule and within scope, while CFOs appreciate our focus on cost control and value delivery.

For instance, we’ve supported an ANZ manufacturing firm to implement a supply chain platform that shortened lead times, all while keeping the project under budget. Our pragmatic, operational lens ensures solutions are not just theoretical but actionable and impactful.

Step 7: Project Management – Keeping It on Track

A transformation of this scale demands rigorous project management. Trace Consultants brings a structured approach to keep your initiative on time, on budget, and on target. We assign dedicated project managers who act as your single point of contact, coordinating across teams and vendors.

For CEOs, this means peace of mind that your strategic vision is being executed flawlessly. CFOs get transparent reporting on costs and progress, while CIOs and CTOs receive technical oversight that ensures quality and compliance. Our track record speaks for itself—projects delivered with minimal disruption and maximum results.

Step 8: Change Management – Embedding the Transformation

Technology is only as good as the people using it. That’s why change management is a cornerstone of our approach at Trace Consultants. We help your teams adapt to new processes and tools, ensuring adoption and long-term success.

For CEOs and CFOs, this translates to a workforce that drives ROI through efficient operations. CIOs and CTOs benefit from training programs that upskill IT teams to manage and optimise the new systems. We’ve partnered with an ANZ healthcare client where our change management efforts turned a procurement function into a strategic asset.

Our change management strategies are tailored to your culture and goals, blending training, communication, and support to minimise resistance and maximise impact.

Why Choose Trace Consultants?

So, why partner with Trace Consultants for your supply chain and procurement technology transformation? It’s simple: we bring a unique blend of expertise, pragmatism, and ANZ-specific insight. Our team has decades of experience across industries, from mining to retail, and we understand the challenges you face in this region.

We’re not just consultants—we’re collaborators. We work alongside your C-suite to deliver results that matter: cost savings, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. Whether you’re a CEO looking to future-proof your supply chain, a CFO aiming to optimise spend, a CIO integrating tech stacks, or a CTO driving innovation, we’ve got the tools and know-how to make it happen.

The Road Ahead: Start Your Transformation Today

The time for supply chain and procurement transformation is now. In an era of disruption and opportunity, ANZ organisations can’t afford to lag behind. Trace Consultants is here to guide you through every step—from assessing your current state to embedding lasting change.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your supply chain and procurement functions? Contact Trace Consultants today to start your journey. Let’s build a future where your operations aren’t just efficient—they’re exceptional.

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