GEP's Remarkable Achievement in 2025 ISM Awards
GEP, a leader in procurement and supply chain solutions, has recently garnered significant recognition. At the 2025 Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Trailblazer Awards, GEP triumphed by winning two coveted honors – one for 'Procurement Transformation' and another for 'Supply Chain Consulting Excellence.' This distinguished achievement underscores GEP's outstanding contributions to the field, particularly for its innovative strategies and dedicated service for Fortune 500 companies and Global 2000 enterprises.
Awards Overview
The first award, for Procurement Transformation, acknowledges GEP's impressive work with EI Cooperative Services. This unique, member-owned nonprofit sourcing cooperative focuses primarily on the educational sector and supports over 6,000 institutions across the United States. GEP's collaboration with EI was instrumental in reshaping its sourcing framework. By streamlining processes, GEP managed to cut sourcing timelines drastically, reducing them from a staggering year to just under five months. As a result, EI could double its procurement output annually while upholding rigorous public standards and achieving exceptional outcomes for its member institutions.
This transformation reflects GEP's commitment to leveraging technology and innovative strategies, ultimately enabling organizations to enhance their operational efficiency and effectiveness while maximizing value for stakeholders.
The second award acknowledged GEP’s work with Smurfit Westrock, a global frontrunner in sustainable packaging. GEP’s expert consulting laid the foundation for a comprehensive procurement transformation that advanced visibility across more than a dozen ERP systems. It was also pivotal in implementing robust indirect category strategies and deploying advanced guided buying and spending analysis technology. The impact of this partnership extended beyond traditional metrics; it exceeded savings targets and fundamentally reshaped Smurfit Westrock's approach to procurement, affirming GEP’s role as a strategic ally in their operations.
GEP's Unique Dual Success
In an industry where few firms can achieve excellence in both consulting and software, GEP has set itself apart. Subhash Makhija, GEP's CEO and co-founder, expressed immense pride in receiving these accolades. He remarked, "Very few organizations—if any—are recognized as world-class in both consulting and software. That's why we're so proud to help our clients achieve their vision with our strategic consulting and next-generation software."
This dual recognition reinforces GEP's position as a transformative force in the procurement landscape, showcasing the company's ability to deliver end-to-end solutions through its integrated strategy. With GEP SOFTWARE™, GEP STRATEGY™, and GEP MANAGED SERVICES™, they provide innovative, AI-powered solutions tailored to meet the demands of global enterprises.
About GEP
Established in Clark, New Jersey, GEP offers unparalleled procurement and supply chain solutions powered by advanced technologies. Boasting a clientele of over 550 Fortune 500 and Global 2000 leaders, GEP is at the forefront of helping businesses navigate complex procurement challenges. The company’s consistent recognition in various Gartner Magic Quadrants and accolades from industry analysts emphasize its reputation for effectiveness and innovation.
As GEP continues its journey of transforming supply chains worldwide, the recognition from ISM serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence and customer-centric solutions. For more information about GEP and its offerings, visit
GEP.com.