What are some suggested metrics for Procurement Managers? (within the context of a manufacturing enviroment, running a mid scale ERP program)

Member Question:

I'm establishing my own suggested goals for a company performance-based bonus based on my work as the Procurement Manager for a manufacturing division; we're running Epicor Vantage ERP software to manage the business.

Houston, Texas

My Answer:

The following is an excerpt from an article I wrote on January 31, 2008 that should serve has a cautionary beacon to any purchasing professional contemplating the establishment of performance metrics.

Bridging the Communications Gap Between Finance and Purchasing

A May 4th, 2006 article titled How to Speak Like a CFO stressed that "Too often, finance executives in Corporate America simply don't believe that purchasing departments are really bringing in the savings they claim. That may be because finance and purchasing don't speak the same language."