Collaborator in chief.

The article focuses on the move of several companies to enlist the help of purchasing professional in managing the purchasing operations of the business. It says that the North American sales group of Norwalk, Connecticut-based Xerox PARC invites Tom Roberts, vice president for indirect purchasing, for a meeting with executives each quartet to talk opportunities for better cost management. Ryan Doerksen of Cessnaa Aircraft Co. leads cross-functional teams for businesses within Textron. INSET: Supplier development a weak spot.