Should you attend the course...?

...and what would you learn.

You may be a seasoned Procurement professional, or a developing Buyer faced with the new challenge of managing the transition of a product from one revision status to another. 

You may feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation particularly, if you have multiple stocks and supply chains delivering to multiple locations around the globe.

You need to be aware of the substantial costs and risks involved during the transition and the impact this may have on both the end customer, as well as a range of colleagues from different disciplines in the business.

There are multiple factors that may need to be considered when implementing an engineering change. Having someone who has managed such changes in front of you will help you to validate your thoughts and open your mind to potential risks and possibilities.

Being aware of alternative ideas, situations and real-life occurrences will help you to shortcut the guesswork and cut through to solutions that may make substantial reductions in lead time and cost, making it clear to your superiors that you are organised, well prepared, knowledgeable and trusted in being able to handle complicated supply chain problems in the future.

By working through a well thought out process you will be able to effectively breakdown the problem, organise yourself in a structured way, engage with both internal and external stakeholders effectively, reduce costs and lead times, lessen the disruption to your customers and elevate your standing and recognised worth with your colleagues.

  • Map the supply chain process and confirm the impacts.
  • Engage with the right people at the right time in a coordinated and controlled way.
  • Ensure there is effective communication and understanding between all parties.
  • Produce a detailed plan of actions that all may follow and apply.
  • Document all activities and record vital information for quality assurance, future decision making and system improvement.


Don’t waste valuable time starting from scratch, start using the experience of another to accelerate your progress and achieve success in your career.

Course curriculum (34 min)

    1. Introducing Dave Barr

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Learning Targets

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Download course material

    1. Involvement in the change before release

    2. Understanding the implications of the change

    3. Mapping and communicating with suppliers

    1. Identifying the impacts and costs on the supply chain

    2. Assuring Quality in the supply chain

    3. Documenting the change

    1. Dave's Quiz: Answer these 2 questions to verify your knowledge.

    1. Summary of the course - what we have learned.

About this course

  • €40,00
  • 11 lessons
  • Advanced level course
  • Tactical buyer role

Instructor Dave Barr

Real Life Buyer Dave Barr

My name is Dave Barr, The Real Life Buyer, and I have been a Purchasing Professional for over 20 years. I started my career as a Technical Apprentice as a 16 year old riding my 50cc trials bike 20 miles to work and back every day, in all weathers. I graduated at 20 and moved into the world of Quality Engineering for the manufacture and testing of industrial diesel engines. I loved the world of Quality Management and studied this subject whilst stepping up and managing a team of inspectors ensuring parts supplied from around the world were to specification. Within a year, the old BS5750 quality management system came to pass, which led me into systems and processes and I worked with a colleague to gain our business this accreditation. Soon after, a new opportunity yearned and my growing love for windsurfing drew me to a new position by the sea implementing BS5750 for a new company, leading me into becoming a Quality Manager. Within a few years, my influence and support for the Purchasing Manager grew and I regularly attended supplier meetings and developments. This then led me to becoming the Purchasing Manager a year or so later when the opportunity presented itself and so I studied hard with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply and gained my qualification and membership. I must have been doing something right, as within a few years I was approached by the Group Purchasing Director and was offered the new position of Commodity Manager buying Castings and Forgings worldwide. This exposed me to global manufacturing first hand and I embarked on significant international travels. A few years later, a significant global manufacturer in the world of war gaming offered me the Procurement Management position. This presented me not only further in-house manufacturing exposure, but new opportunities to globalise the supply chain for incoming products and also global manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and retail. After a wonderful 5 years, new opportunities arose again with a large business delivering significant investment and growth in UK infrastructure. Once again, I was plunged into the procurement of different products, services and now also facilities management. After the birth of my son, my family yearned for us to return to the coast. I returned to a former global manufacturer and employer, having now amassed further experience. Ten more happy years have passed and my thirst for procurement and facilities continues to drive me.

Try Negotiation tips by Dave

First course is free

  • Free

    RLB podcast. Interview with IT professional Phil Hill

    Podcast - Tips and recommendations when sourcing IT Hardware from Dave Barr and his guest Phil Hill, Category Manager IT-HW.
    To course