From Rocket Engines to Procurement Excellence: The Visionaries Behind Forge

What is Forge?

Forge is a groundbreaking procurement software specifically designed for hardware companies, aiming to revolutionize the traditional procurement process. Founded in 2023 by brothers Emir and Haris Sahmanovic, Forge seeks to address and solve the numerous inefficiencies and bottlenecks that hardware companies frequently encounter. The start-up operates with a small but highly skilled team of two, under the guidance of Group Partner Tom Blomfield. Forge's mission is to transform the way hardware procurement is managed, streamlining everything from initial quotes to final delivery. This innovative approach is set to redefine procurement operations in the hardware industry.

Who are the Founders of Forge?

The visionaries behind Forge are brothers Emir and Haris Sahmanovic. Emir, who serves as the co-founder and CEO, has an impressive background in rocket engine design and testing. His career includes significant roles at Blue Origin and Stoke Space, where he gained invaluable insights into the challenges faced by hardware companies in procurement processes. His direct experience with the delays and bottlenecks caused by inefficient procurement operations at these high-stakes companies fueled his desire to create a better solution. Haris, the co-founder and CTO, complements Emir's hardware experience with his extensive knowledge in software engineering. Before co-founding Forge, Haris worked as a backend engineer at tech giants like Facebook and Vanguard. Their combined expertise in software and hardware engineering forms the backbone of Forge's innovative approach to procurement.

What Problem Does Forge Address?

The primary problem Forge aims to solve is the inefficiency in procurement operations within hardware companies. Traditionally, procurement teams have relied on a disjointed mix of emails, spreadsheets, and phone calls to manage billions of dollars in spending. This outdated approach results in significant coordination issues, delays, and bottlenecks in the development process. Engineers often spend an estimated six hours per week on procurement activities—time that could be more effectively used on innovation and development. These inefficiencies can slow down the entire pace of hardware development, leading to missed deadlines and increased costs.

How Does Forge Solve This Problem?

Forge provides a comprehensive solution by automating and centralizing the procurement process. The software allows teams to collaborate seamlessly with manufacturers, track orders from quote to delivery, and manage purchase approvals all within a single platform. This automation reduces the need for time-consuming meetings and ensures that all team members have access to the same information, thus minimizing miscommunications and errors. Forge's platform enables users to request quotes from suppliers, attach necessary drawings and CAD files, and organize quotes in a way that makes comparison straightforward. Once a supplier is selected, ongoing collaboration, including messaging, file sharing, and feedback, takes place directly within Forge. This ensures that every team member is kept in the loop without the need for constant back-and-forth communication.

What Features Make Forge Stand Out?

Forge offers a suite of features that distinguish it from traditional procurement methods. One of its standout features is the ability to customize procurement flows clearly and efficiently. This customization ensures that everyone involved in the procurement process knows whose approval is needed at each stage and what the current status of an order is. Forge also integrates seamlessly with other business software, enhancing collaboration and providing a cohesive user experience. Additionally, the platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing changes to be made without the need for an IT team. This flexibility makes Forge an ideal solution for hardware companies of all sizes, providing them with the tools they need to manage procurement more effectively.

How Does Forge Impact Hardware Companies?

By implementing Forge, hardware companies can significantly reduce the time and effort spent on procurement activities. The software's automation capabilities minimize delays and bottlenecks, allowing engineers to focus on their core tasks—innovation and development. This increased efficiency can lead to faster development cycles, quicker time-to-market, and ultimately, a competitive advantage in the industry. Forge empowers hardware teams to move faster and more efficiently, driving innovation and growth. The transparency and collaboration facilitated by Forge also improve overall team dynamics, as everyone is kept informed and aligned throughout the procurement process.

What is the Vision Behind Forge?

The vision behind Forge is to revolutionize the procurement process for hardware companies. Emir and Haris aim to create a platform that not only simplifies procurement but also fosters collaboration and transparency within teams. By addressing the common pain points in procurement, Forge seeks to accelerate the pace of hardware development and enable companies to achieve their goals more efficiently. The founders are committed to continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring that Forge evolves to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry. Their ultimate goal is to make Forge an indispensable tool for hardware companies worldwide, helping them streamline their operations and focus on what they do best—creating cutting-edge hardware solutions.

How Does Forge Integrate with Existing Systems?

Forge is designed to seamlessly integrate with existing business software, making it a versatile addition to any hardware company's toolkit. The platform's integrations allow for smooth data transfer and communication between different systems, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing the risk of errors. This compatibility ensures that Forge can enhance and complement the existing workflows of hardware companies, providing a cohesive and efficient procurement solution. By integrating with other business software, Forge helps companies maintain a unified approach to procurement, ensuring that all relevant data is easily accessible and up-to-date.

What is the User Experience Like with Forge?

The user experience with Forge is intuitive and straightforward, designed with the end-user in mind. The platform's user-friendly interface makes it easy for team members to navigate and utilize its features effectively. The ability to view all procurement activities in one place reduces the need for constant communication and follow-ups, streamlining the workflow. Users can quickly access quotes, track orders, and communicate with suppliers, all within the Forge platform. This ease of use contributes to a more efficient and productive procurement process, allowing teams to focus on their core responsibilities without getting bogged down by administrative tasks.

What Does the Future Hold for Forge?

The future looks promising for Forge as it continues to innovate and expand its capabilities. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, the start-up is well-positioned to become a leader in procurement software for hardware companies. Emir and Haris are dedicated to enhancing the platform, incorporating user feedback, and staying ahead of industry trends. As Forge evolves, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of hardware procurement, driving efficiency, and enabling companies to reach new heights in their development efforts. The founders' commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction ensures that Forge will remain a valuable tool for hardware companies, helping them navigate the complexities of procurement with ease.

How is Forge Positioned in the Market?

Forge is strategically positioned in the market to address a critical need within the hardware industry. With its unique combination of features and user-friendly design, Forge offers a compelling value proposition for hardware companies looking to streamline their procurement processes. The start-up's focus on automation, transparency, and collaboration sets it apart from traditional procurement methods, making it an attractive option for companies of all sizes. Additionally, Forge's ability to integrate with existing business software enhances its appeal, as it provides a seamless and efficient solution that can be easily adopted without disrupting existing workflows.

What Challenges Does Forge Face?

Like any start-up, Forge faces a number of challenges as it seeks to establish itself in the market. One of the primary challenges is convincing hardware companies to transition from their existing procurement methods to a new, automated solution. This requires demonstrating the clear benefits and value that Forge offers, as well as addressing any concerns about the implementation process. Additionally, as Forge continues to grow, it will need to ensure that its platform can scale effectively to meet the needs of a larger user base. This includes maintaining high levels of performance, reliability, and security, as well as continuously updating and improving the platform to stay ahead of industry trends and customer needs.

How is Forge Addressing These Challenges?

Forge is addressing these challenges through a combination of strategic planning, customer engagement, and continuous innovation. The start-up is focused on building strong relationships with its customers, understanding their needs and pain points, and incorporating their feedback into the development of the platform. By demonstrating the clear benefits and value of its solution, Forge is able to build trust and credibility with potential customers. Additionally, Forge is investing in its infrastructure and technology to ensure that the platform can scale effectively and maintain high levels of performance, reliability, and security. This commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction positions Forge for long-term success in the market.

In summary, Forge is a game-changing procurement software that addresses the critical inefficiencies in hardware procurement processes. Founded by experienced engineers Emir and Haris Sahmanovic, the platform offers a comprehensive solution that automates and centralizes procurement activities, fostering collaboration and transparency. With its user-friendly interface and seamless integrations, Forge is poised to transform the way hardware companies manage their procurement, driving innovation and growth in the industry. As Forge continues to evolve and expand its capabilities, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of hardware procurement, helping companies navigate the complexities of procurement with ease and efficiency.