Transformation Recruitment:
Est. Reading: 2 minutes
01/25

Improving Visibility and Control in SOW Projects: Lessons from Real-Life Successes

Supply Chain, Procurement & Operations Consultant
Supply Chain, Procurement & Operations Consultant
Thea specialises in connecting organisations with leaders who can drive procurement optimisation and supply chain resilience. Working with businesses across the UK and internationally, she leverages her deep network to place Procurement Managers, Category Management Specialists, and Supply Chain Transformation Directors who excel at aligning operations with strategic business objectives.

Managing Statement of Work (SOW) projects can be daunting for procurement teams, especially when balancing multiple stakeholders, tight budgets, and high expectations. But with the right strategies and lessons from real-world examples, procurement teams can turn these challenges into opportunities for measurable success. Here’s a closer look at how organisations have achieved visibility and control in their SOW projects—and what we can learn from them.

Case Study 1: VF Corporation’s Data-Driven Distribution

Client: VF Corporation

Scope: Optimising product distribution using big data to analyse historical retail sales.

Outcome: VF Corporation increased gross sales by 4% – without changing their product lineup. Mobile tools empower distributors with real-time insights, driving better decisions.

This project highlights the power of data-driven decision-making and the importance of equipping teams with tools that enhance visibility. Procurement teams should consider leveraging vendor management systems (VMS) with analytics capabilities to replicate this kind of success.

Case Study 2: SAP Migration for Water Corporation

Client: Water Corporation (Western Australia)

Scope: Migrating SAP systems from on-premises servers to AWS cloud infrastructure.

Outcome: The project saved 1,500 hours of manual labor annually and reduced carbon emissions by 150 metric tons per year. A detailed SOW ensured clear timelines, resource allocation, and accountability at every step.

This is a prime example of how a well-defined SOW can serve as the backbone of a complex project. By documenting scope, deliverables, and timelines in detail, procurement teams can minimise miscommunication and avoid costly delays.

Case Study 3: Warehouse Management System Implementation

Client: A multinational e-commerce company

Scope: Implementing a new warehouse management system (WMS) to improve inventory tracking and handling.

Outcome: The project achieved a 30% improvement in inventory accuracy and a 25% reduction in order processing time. Clear milestones and deliverables in the SOW kept the project on track and aligned with business goals.

This underscores the value of transparency and structured planning. Breaking projects into smaller milestones, as this team did, helps maintain momentum and ensures all parties remain aligned.

What These Examples Teach Us

These projects reveal several recurring themes for SOW success:

  1. Data and Technology: Whether it’s big data or cloud migrations, technology drives visibility and efficiency. Procurement teams should look for tools that centralise data and provide actionable insights.
  2. Clear Documentation: A detailed SOW, outlining timelines, resources, and performance metrics, creates a foundation for success and reduces risk.
  3. Milestones and Accountability: Breaking down projects into manageable tasks ensures teams stay on track and stakeholders stay informed.
  4. Sustainability: Projects like Water Corporation’s SAP migration demonstrate how procurement can align operational goals with environmental impact.

How I Can Help

If your organisation is undertaking complex SOW projects or transforming procurement processes, having the right talent in place is essential. I specialise in sourcing professionals with expertise in procurement transformation, supply chain strategy, and SOW management.

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