6/23/2013

Protect Your Company Through Contract Risk Management

By Lana Bray


Contracts play a significant role in managing and defining business relationships. Experts agree that contract risk management will let entrepreneurs reap significant benefits on their business. There are several ways to mitigate the risks which threatens a company's survivability and profitability. Business owners can either purchase an insurance or find a reliable professionals to manage their contracts.

Contracts most often than not specify quality requirements, price, number of products to be purchased and services to be given. It also specifies certain conditions correlated to the service or product as well as different market function, while decreasing the company's exposure to various threats possible. Contracts expose companies to certain risks that if not managed well may cause some serious consequences.

Unfortunately, despite such fact companies have been managing their contracts inefficiently, incomprehensibly and in the most unsystematic way. As years or transactions goes on and the complexity and volume of such contracts increase, this will even become a major threat for several companies.

There are a handful of contractual risks which could affect its value. This include bad planning, poor incentives, deliberate manipulation, elaborate pricing structures, poor demand management, ill informed buying and miscommunication. Other risks also include poor knowledge which could actually lead to loss of intellectual property, loss of bargaining power, increased cost, loss of momentum and repeated efforts.

Managing contracts is highly important should one wish their company to succeed for the many years to come. It is also important as it could bring a number of benefits to a company. For example, it can help standardize procedures and processes, which in return may help the company reduce eccentric buying and supply risks at the same time increase spend leverage.

This could also promote visibility for example, when one purchase goods from suppliers. It somehow lets the owners know whether or not they are buying from the right price and quantity. It may also help a business to standardize terms and conditions that have been consistent for years. Furthermore, it informs one if suppliers are located in higher risk area because of its geographical location.

With all your contacts, negotiated prices and fees in one location, it would be a lot simpler to compare actual purchases from contracted ones. An effective system allows the company to find unnecessary agreements and terminate it. Systematized contract will undoubtedly speed up the work flow of the company.

One of the most important advantages toward such service is the improved visibility between business partners. Assessing the contracts from page to page tells you whether or not on is purchasing at the right time, quantity and price. This service cover both non financial and financial contracts and generally identifies the area of high risks at the same time, considering its tendency of occurrence.

Contract risk management usually begins with assessment together with stakeholders to be able to understand the different risks associated to each contacts and decide what area to focus. There have been several companies offering such service, thus one is advised to choose rather carefully. Make sure to choose a reputable company; check their qualities and credentials. More so, do not forget to consider the company's reputation and success records as well.




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