When managers in most organizations measure the performance of the purchasing function and the achievements of individual buyers, they don’t consider order placement alone. Almost anybody can place orders, even without much training.

Placing orders or being an order placer is comparable to a salesperson being only an order taker. That is a disparaging term applied to a salesperson and is meant to indicate a different job description compared with a professional salesperson who does much more than simply taking the order.

In a similar way, professional buyers are much more than simply order placers. They analyze requirements, evaluate suppliers, negotiate terms and conditions, reduce product costs in many different ways, and solve problems.

If you want more job security in these difficult economic times, don’t assume that ordering all your organization’s supplies is all you need to do to be highly regarded by your employer. Highly valued employees contribute to their organization’s profits. And even if you are with a not-for-profit organization, keeping costs down and improving operations will make your a prized employee. Here are a few things you can do now in addition to placing orders.