ISM-Houston, Inc.

A practical guide to cost intelligence for volatile markets

Procurement leaders are under more pressure than ever — from executives demanding cost justification, from suppliers pushing through price increases, and from a volatile market where tariffs, labor shifts, and input cost swings can change overnight. The expectation is clear: procurement should protect margins, manage risk, and advise the business with confidence.

Most teams are still working with two imperfect tools. Spend analytics show where money went. Commodity indexes show what's happening in the market. But neither explains why the cost of the specific products you buy is changing — and neither gives you the data to push back on a supplier, protect a margin commitment, or brief your CFO with confidence.

That gap is where procurement shifts from reactive to strategic.

Cost intelligence closes it. By modeling the actual cost drivers behind the products you buy — materials, labor, energy, manufacturing inputs, tariffs — procurement teams can understand in real time what a product should cost, why a price changed, and whether a supplier increase is justified or inflated. That's not a report. That's a defensible position

In this webinar, Daniela Osio, CEO and Co-Founder of Dalinea, will show how leading procurement organizations are using cost intelligence to:

• Protect margins — identify where you're overpaying before a contract renewal, not after.
• Manage risk — understand your exposure to raw material volatility, tariff shifts, and single-source dependencies before they become P&L problems.
• Lead supplier negotiations — challenge price increase requests with cost-level data instead of market benchma.
• Advise finance with confidence — bring a forward-looking cost view to the business, not just historical spend summaries.
• Move procurement from a cost center to a strategic function — with the data to anticipate cost changes, not just explain them

Attendees will walk away with a framework for understanding where cost intelligence fits in their current stack, what it unlocks that spend analytics and benchmarks cannot, and how to use industry-level cost insights to become the most informed voice in the room when supply chain decisions are being made.

Learning Objectives:

This webinar provides knowledge regarding the many benefits that come with being a part of the ISM community. Join us and learn about the essential tools, vibrant community, and exceptional learning that enhances your professional development. You'll also gain insight into the array of programs, services, and resources that are available to you through your membership.

Piping Technology & Products, Inc. (PT&P) has kindly agreed to host an on-site plant tour.

This isn’t just a walkthrough. It’s a unique behind-the-scenes look at the precision, flexibility, and problem-solving that power some of the most demanding industrial environments in the world. PT&P proudly serves industrial manufacturing clients around the World.

PT&P’s key capabilities span gas piping, adaptable manufacturing workflows, highly complex and custom engineering solutions, in-house foam production, and the ability to support rapid, unique customer requirements. They maintain a workforce of approximately 700+ employees, including design engineers, industrial engineers, and specialized technical staff.

The tour will provide participants with an in-depth look at several PT&P manufacturing and engineering areas, including the Cut Shop, U.S. Bellows, SNF, and the Foam Shop. There will also be a discussion on their Supply Chain Management execution dynamics.

All attendees must adhere to PT&P safety protocols, including wearing closed-toe shoes, keeping provided safety glasses on at all times within shopfloor areas, and following the facility’s photography restrictions. Please note that certain areas of the plant may have limited visibility due to safety and compliance requirements.

PTP has generously provided an Exclusive Internship opportunity. All students who attend will have the opportunity to apply for the Summer Internship Program. Registration will be based on a first-come, first-served basis, and early registration is recommended. The registration fees will contribute to the ISM-Houston Scholarship fund.

Location
PT&P Plant
3701 Holmes Rd
Houston, TX 77051