Kao Looks To Improve Procurement Efficiency

JAPAN: According to a report from The Nikkei, Kao Corp. will purchase materials and packaging more efficiently by creating a world map that shows the locations and key data about its suppliers and factories. Kao will reportedly create a database of items that are jointly purchased by its global procurement center at headquarters. The information will cover the sales, output capacity and production sites of each supplier for approximately 70 ingredients, including palm oil and soda ash, as well as packaging materials. The firm will spend about a year to create the database, which is expected to cover several hundred suppliers.