Proper use of your available time maximizes your efforts. Conversely, the inefficient use of the minutes you have dilutes your contributions to the organization. There are many things you can do to manage your time. Here are some specific ways that purchasing professionals spend time to obtain outstanding results.

Exceptional buyers and managers prioritize their negotiating efforts. They spend most of their time negotiating on the products or services that account for the highest expenditures.

In addition to lower prices and better terms, reducing the supplier base eliminates extra phone calls, extra discussions with sales personnel, and eliminates all types of problems from multiple suppliers.

Purchasing professionals computerize as many tasks as possible. Routine clerical tasks and repetitive jobs are usually well suited for automation. The upfront investment in programming often comes within a few months.

Use of blanket orders, long-term contracts, and systems contracts simplify repetitive ordering and eliminate similar discussions about each transaction.

Good form design reduces preparation time, whether it be for paper documents or for on screen processing. Check boxes and drop down menus eliminate the need for extra typing. Good designers eliminate the need to write as much and eliminate as many key strokes as possible.

Professional buyers and managers control the amount of time spent in discussions with suppliers. They encourage salespeople to keep their presentations to the minimum. They discourage so called "courtesy calls."