We are FCC - Nº3

María del Carmen Plans Lluch, Head of Purchase Processes at FCC’s Pro- curement Department, talks about her experience in the implementation of Standard 15896 for Added Value Purchasing Management and its be- nefits for FCC. Why was it decided to secure the Standard 15896 certification? When FCC’s Procurement Depart- ment was created, it was defined pursuant to a Purchasing model ba- sed on the principles defended by the purchasing standard: segrega- tion of functions, transparent deci- sion-making processes; traceability, thoroughness and confidentiality when handling information, objec- tivity and focus on the client. It was important to identify the Purchasing function as one of the Company’s strategic areas, not just for achieving ongoing cost savings but also for ensuring innovation and competitive- ness. The philosophy of the purcha- sing department was totally aligned with Standard 15896 and, accordin- gly, obtaining the certification implied an added value and a challenge for becoming the first Spanish company to be awarded this certification. What difficulties did you encounter over the course of this process? Efforts aimed at managing the chan- ge were greater than the project in itself. What are the main changes in accordance with Standard 15896 that had to be addressed? For FCC, the greatest change was drafting the documentation. We were already applying the basic principles contemplated in the standard and the effort involved putting down on paper the systematic methodology as proof of what we had been doing. Has the implementation of this stan- dard implied changes for the person- nel of the purchasing department? How has it affected them? What affected the employees the most was adapting to a regulatory compliance, procedures, registries, indicators, audits, etc. What are the main benefits of Standard 15896 for FCC? We can highlight three aspects: • Align the Purchasing Department with the different areas of the organization. • Standardise purchasing proces- ses within the organization. • Document the measures, ensu- ring simplification and control. Compliance with a strict standard that ensures equal opportunities, transparency and traceability contri- butes the objectivity that enhances the department’s reputation. Do you consider it just another standard or is it different from the other certifications awarded to FCC? In order to meet the new challenges with regards to purchasing, it is es- sential to veer the function towards the strategy and develop good prac- tices and tools to support the purcha- sing process. Standard 15896 not only provides a work methodology; it goes beyond that and defines the essential principles that underpin the department’s philosophy. Does this standard have a real im- pact on the bottom line of organi- zations? What about the top line? Of course it has an impact on both. As I mentioned before, the purcha- sing function is one of the Com- pany’s strategic areas. Its success has a direct impact on the profit and loss account, on the bottom as well as on the top line. Is the support of the Company’s management essential for under- taking the certification process? I would say that more than essential, it is indispensable. Management is the support that the Purchasing De- partment needs for its development. It is necessary for management to support the certification process. Would you recommend other companies strive for securing this certification? Why? Certainly. Unfortunately purchasing departments are not considered “friendly” departments within com- panies. We must show every day the added value that we contribute and the Purchasing Standard certifica- tion ensures the transparency and objectivity that defines us. INTERVIEW María del Carmen Plans Lluch Head of Purchase Processes at FCC’s Procurement Department P E O P L E S P EO P L E S 26