Partnering GPO with Connection: Why Organizations Should Consider a New Procurement Strategy

Janet Watts

In today’s competitive business landscape, healthcare organizations are constantly seeking ways to optimize procurement, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency. The most popular strategy today is purchasing through a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) in partnership with Connection. This powerful combination offers more than just savings—it delivers strategic value.

What Is a GPO?

A GPO aggregates the purchasing power of multiple businesses to negotiate better pricing, terms, and services with suppliers. By joining a GPO, members gain access to pre-negotiated contracts that would be difficult to secure independently. GPOs empower members to consolidate purchasing advantages across a diverse range of supplier categories.

The Value of Connection

Connection is a National Solutions Provider (NSP) who goes beyond simply selling laptops, keyboards, and software. We provide advisory, managed, and professional services—such as consulting, implementation, customization, training, and support—tailoring solutions to meet specific business needs. If your organization is tired of tech headaches—or just wants a smoother way to manage IT needs—Connection is here to help you calm the confusion of IT.

Wondering if partnering a GPO with Connection makes sense? Here are a few things to think about:

Cost Savings without Compromise

GPOs leverage collective buying power to secure competitive pricing. When partnered with Connection, members gain access to certified technical experts and experienced Account Managers who specialize in negotiating with OEMs for exclusive discounts, ensuring members investments align with strategic goals and deliver the maximum ROI.

Making Procurement Easier with Connection

Tech procurement can get messy. Between negotiating RFPs, juggling vendors, and figuring out product specs, it’s overwhelming. This is where a GPO–Connection partnership can make life easier. We cut through the complexity by streamlining the entire process. With standardized contracts and terms already handled by the GPO, members can skip the back-and-forth and get straight to buying—faster and with less hassle. It’s smart and efficient procurement that works.

Expert Guidance the Connection Way

GPOs are great at simplifying where and how to buy, but what about figuring out what to buy and why it matters? That’s where Connection steps in. Think of us as a strategic tech advisor. We help organizations make smart, informed decisions based on their unique goals—whether it’s upgrading IT infrastructure, choosing the right medical equipment, or finding the best-fit software. Our goal is to make sure every purchase supports the bigger picture, not just the member’s budget.

Procurement Doesn’t End with the Purchase Order

Connection provides end-to-end support from installation and configuration to training and troubleshooting. This ensures that solutions are not only acquired efficiently, but are also deployed effectively, minimizing disruption and assuring member investments perform optimally. GPOs reduce procurement risks. Connection adds another layer of assurance by providing expert implementation and post-sale support, minimizing downtime and errors. By putting Connection at the helm with a partnered GPO, members can focus on strategic initiatives rather than administrative tasks. This leads to faster decision-making, improved productivity, and better resource allocation.

Real-world Impact

Needs evolve as organizations grow. GPOs offer scalable contracts, while Connection provides flexible solutions that adapt to a member’s changing requirements—whether they’re expanding operations or upgrading technology. Imagine a mid-sized healthcare provider needing new IT infrastructure. By purchasing through a GPO, members have access to discounted pricing on hardware and software. Connection then customizes the setup, integrates it with existing systems, and trains staff. This delivers a seamless, cost-effective solution.

Ready to Implement a New Procurement Strategy?

The synergy between GPOs and Connection creates a procurement model that is cost-effective, efficient, and strategic. It’s not just about buying smarter; it’s about building partnerships and relationships that drive long-term success. Let’s chat about how partnering your GPO with Connection can relieve your tech headaches and make IT procurement a lot easier.

Janet Watts is the Manager of GPO Operations and Contract Compliance at Connection. She’s been with the company since 2011, with a combined 25 years of experience in VAR Enterprise sales. Janet and her team are process driven and are focused on keeping GPO memberships running smoothly and in line with contract requirements. She works closely with sales, business development, and GPO partners to make sure everyone is on the same page. In her free time, Janet loves traveling with her husband and cheering on the Chicago Cubs.

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