AI consulting in procurement for businesses

First things first: artificial intelligence in procurement is not merely a matter of software, but a strategic transformation project. Companies that use specialist AI consultancy services overcome critical data silos (such as unstructured free text and duplicate supplier records) up to 60% faster, ensure regulatory compliance under the EU AI Act, and achieve demonstrable reductions in cost of goods sold and process costs. Those who implement […]

Quality Management in Purchasing: Definition, Goals & Processes

First and foremost: Strategic quality management (QM) in procurement secures product quality at the very root of the supply chain, minimises production downtime and drastically reduces total cost of ownership. By employing a hybrid model – the combination of central digital control and agile, decentralised implementation on-site – companies can react flexibly to market changes and […]

Private Equity Carve-out: Success Factors in Procurement

First things first: the success of a private equity (PE) carve-out is largely determined by procurement. As this function often accounts for 50–60% of total costs, it offers the quickest way to boost EBITDA. A successful transformation requires the rapid phasing out of Transition Service Agreements (TSAs), the establishment of absolute data transparency (Spend Cube) and a consistent reorientation of […]

Value Management in Procurement: Reducing Costs, Increasing Value

The most important thing upfront: Value Management (VM) in procurement is the strategic key to increasing profitability without sacrificing product quality. Unlike traditional cost-cutting, which often only aims for price reductions, VM optimises the relationship between function and cost. Through the early involvement of procurement in development and close collaboration with […]

EU AI Act: Requirements, Implementation, and Compliance for Businesses

The most important thing first: The EU AI Act has been the binding legal basis for Artificial Intelligence in Europe since 2026. It categorises AI applications by risk and sets strict rules for transparency, safety, and human oversight. Companies must act now: Since April 2026, the governance obligations for high-risk systems have been fully effective. Those with compliance gaps in procurement or operation [...]

Demand Management: Definition, Strategies and Optimisation

The most important thing first: Demand Management is far more than a mere sales forecast; it is the strategic nerve centre of a resilient company. Through the precise synchronisation of market signals with the operational capacities of the supply chain, warehouse costs are reduced, delivery reliability is maximised and capital commitment is minimised. In an era of global volatility, the quality of demand management determines the ability […]

Single vs. Multiple Sourcing in Procurement: Strategies Compared

First and foremost: by 2026, the choice between single and multiple sourcing has evolved from a purely operational pricing issue into an existential decision about corporate resilience. While single sourcing offers convincing advantages with maximum economies of scale and deep innovation partnerships for complex A-parts, multiple sourcing serves as indispensable insurance against geopolitical and logistical shocks. The strategic „gold standard“ [...]

EU-Mercosur Agreement: Definition and Impact

The most important thing first: The EU-Mercosur Agreement is the largest planned free trade agreement in the world. It aims to reduce trade barriers between the European Union and the Mercosur states (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). While European industry hopes for massive tariff savings, ecological risks for the Amazon and existential pressure on domestic agriculture are at the centre […]

Domino effect in business: Purchasing decides the margin

The most important thing upfront: Purchasing is far more than a mere procurement department; it functions as the strategic nerve centre of profitability. A targeted domino effect within the company often begins precisely here: whereas revenue increases must be expensively acquired through marketing and sales, every cost saving in purchasing flows 100 % directly into the net profit (EBIT). Those who understand the leverage of [...]

AI in Purchasing: 10 Tips for Measurable Savings

The most important point first: companies will achieve measurable savings of 5 % to 15 % on their total purchasing volume through the strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in procurement in 2026. This will be achieved through the radical automation of routine processes, the identification of price anomalies in real-time, and predictive risk management. Those who use AI as a strategic lever will transform […]