Interview with Avetta's Eric Larson at PSC LIVE Chicago
Eric Larson, SVP Global Sales at Avetta, is unequivocal in his belief that a well-defined strategy and solid executive commitment form the backbone of effective digital transformation in procurement.
In an interview with Procurement Magazine at Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Chicago, Eric elaborated on how organisations can successfully navigate the difficult terrain of supply chain management while upholding high standards of safety, security and sustainability.
Avetta, renowned for its leadership in supply chain risk management, assists organisations in achieving comprehensive control across their supplier networks.
Eric: "We're making sure they have the visibility and ability to enforce the right standards," highlighting the inclusivity of this control across suppliers, contractors and subcontractors worldwide.
Strategy first
Focusing on procurement digitalisation, Eric stressed that technological solutions alone are insufficient.
"You really need to start with the strategy," he emphasised. "What's our true north? And who in the leadership is going to stand behind this?"
This aligns with insights shared during the Digital Procurement Strategies panel at PSC LIVE Chicago, in which Eric participated. Key themes to emerge from the panel echoed the necessity of organisations beginning their digital transformation with a clearly defined strategy and unanimous organisational priorities.
Eric remarked: "Once you have that foundation, then the next level of challenges and areas of focus, like change management, become easier to tackle."
This methodical approach highlights a mature perception of technology initiatives, illustrating how their success is more closely tied to organisational preparedness than mere technical prowess.
Why collaboration matters
PSC LIVE Chicago, staged in co-location with Sustainability LIVE Chicago, gathered executives specialising in procurement, supply chain and sustainability under one roof – an experience Eric found to be invaluable.
"I think about sustainability and how much a supply chain executive has responsibility for and the ability to affect change in the sustainability of the supply chains," he reflected.
The amalgamation of these disciplines has come naturally. As Eric observed, many procurement professionals increasingly identify as supply chain professionals, a development that blurs conventional lines between these functions.
This overlap of responsibilities and common challenges necessitates close collaboration and shared learning.
The value of peer networking
Eric was particularly emphatic about the importance of industry peer networking and celebrated the opportunity to "learn and understand what others are prioritising and how they're accomplishing it".
His nod to practitioner-driven insights signals a broader industry tendency towards collaborative solutions. Instead of depending solely on vendor presentations or abstract strategies, procurement and supply chain professionals are progressively looking to peers for practical advice on overcoming implementation obstacles.
Ultimately, the conference cemented Eric's conviction that effective supply chain risk management requires not only a robust technological platform but also a strong strategic base, executive endorsement and continuous peer collaboration.
