The document discusses how business principles can be learned from farming. It argues that businesses need clear goals and cost control, and should use the latest technologies. Collaboration is important - help others and they will help you. Benchmark costs with partners. The document also discusses using reverse auctions to efficiently source suppliers while maintaining transparency and confidentiality. Reverse auctions involve prioritizing products/services, developing specifications, inviting suppliers, and conducting an anonymous online bidding process.

1. Follow the country code &
harvest a win-win result
Cygnet Consultancy Ltd © 2012

2. Our farming background shows us that:
Farming mirrors business
• Natural disasters are serious lessons
• Growth requires positive action - so listen & learn
• Support your neighbours and they will support you
• Barter but do not batter – build lasting relationships
• Success in your organisation comes from your success
• Don’t get left behind - use the latest technology
Cygnet Consultancy Ltd © 2012

3. How does this affect you?
Agriculture needs goals:
• A farm is unique yet its aims are the same as yours
• It needs to control costs as every penny saved is a penny made
• To succeed it must be commercially managed
• It uses the latest technology (a combine harvester not a sickle)
• Its animals will thrive on lower costs but not on lower standards
Cygnet Consultancy Ltd © 2012

4. The parntership approach:
Help your neighbour and she will help you:
• Benchmark your costs with local firms (this helps both of you)
• When you support others they will support you
• You rely on your suppliers and they rely upon you
• Barter the price down but do not kill off the suppliers
• Remember a good crop will not grow on unfertile ground
Cygnet Consultancy Ltd © 2012

5. Use technology - The reverse auction:
• Any supply can be auctioned when specified correctly
• A successful auction is a self funded exercise
• The reverse auction is more efficient than traditional methods
• Auctions are totally transparent to the buyer & seller
• Auctions providers use secure & confidential processes
• Reverse auctions are used extensive in private & public
organisations
Cygnet Consultancy Ltd © 2012

6. A useful tool - The reverse auction:
The reverse auction step by step…
Step 1
prioritise the products or services
for auction
Step 2
develop the specification
Step 3
source the relevant suppliers
Step 4
gain the suppliers’ commitment
anonymous
lowest bid
Step 5 visible…
set up the auction real-time
countdown…
Step 6
undertake the auction
Step 7
complete and report final negotiation
Cygnet Consultancy Ltd © 2012

7. A graphic of the process:
Pur
rs
c
plie
has
Includes: -
Sup
es
Planning
Data mining
90% Supplier selection
Supplier training
Tender specification
Tender construction
Technical assistance
Legal compliance
The llve trading floor
10%
(The reverse auction)
Cygnet Consultancy Ltd © 2012

8. An auction in action:
Explaining an auction live to guests from all parts of our
Government including a leading Army General
We constructed and executed this Pan - Government
tender / auction & saved 43% circa $165 million
.
Cygnet Consultancy Ltd © 2012

9. We have helped organisations to succeed in
many ways including saving them $ millions.
Contact us as we are here to support you
Charles Eddolls Ceo
Cygnet Consultancy Ltd
25 North Wall,
Cricklade,
Swindon,
Wiltshire
SN6 6DU - England
Tel +44 (0) 1793 752 485
Fax +44 (0) 1793 687 350
E-mail info@cygnetconsultancy.com
Web Site www.cygnetconsultancy.com
Cygnet Consultancy Ltd © 2012