BHP launches new Supplier Innovation Programme to support METS Sector
Published by Jessica Casey,
Editor
Global Mining Review,
BHP has partnered with Austmine to launch the its Supplier Innovation Programme across Australia.
Following a successful programme in its Minerals Americas business, the BHP Austmine Supplier Innovation Programme will provide opportunities for Australian Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) companies to partner with BHP to help solve the business challenges.
The programme runs a series of challenges that work like a ‘hackathon,’ where the company puts forward its business challenges to a group of suppliers who pitch ideas to solve them. The ‘winning’ solution can then proceed to a paid pilot programme to test it before committing to its implementation.
It is a different approach to the traditional tender methods for engaging suppliers, and allows BHP to crowd-source a broader range of unique and innovative solutions to business challenges. It also makes it easier for the METS sector to access opportunities for ongoing work with the company, while retaining their intellectual property.
Sundeep Singh, Group Procurement Officer, said the company’s ability to build and leverage local capability was crucial to its competitive advantage.
“As our industry shifts towards more remote and technologically-enabled operations, our ability to find unique and innovative solutions to business challenges will be critical,” he said.
“This programme is different to our usual approach to sourcing, where we know what we need to buy. Instead, we will go to the market with a question instead of an answer and ask potential vendors how to solve it.
“We want to play our part in supporting Australia’s METS sector, so together we can deliver world-leading solutions for the resources industry straight from our operations.
“Now more than ever, as we play our part to support Australia’s economic recovery through COVID-19, our partnerships with Australian METS suppliers can make a real difference to our industry and beyond.”
Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/finance-business/26062020/bhp-launches-new-supplier-innovation-programme-to-support-mets-sector/
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