This report discusses the challenges faced by sourcing managers in the telecom industry due to the increasing number of stock keeping units (SKUs) and lack of standardization in materials such as enclosures, cabling, and tools. The report suggests that focusing on material standardization can help unlock savings and value by driving significant cost savings, enhancing buying leverage, improving the quality of goods acquired, and reducing inventory. The report also highlights the operational and cultural improvements that can be achieved through greater synchronicity between sourcing and engineering departments.
