Company: Marine Transportation

Issue: 70% of purchasing staff time devoted to processing paper

Root Cause (Level #1): Local/emergency orders account for 50%+ of the transactions processed

Root Cause (Level #2): Users perceived Purchasing was too slow and suppliers too unreliable

Solutions (Within 45 days):

1. Corrective action plans communicated for poorly performing suppliers

2. Fast track established for routine orders

3. Blanket orders with discounted pricing established with local suppliers for true emergencies