Optimising Transport Costs: Strategies & Practical Tips

The short version first: In view of rising toll charges, CO₂ levies and a persistent shortage of drivers, transport costs can no longer be reduced simply by putting pressure on service providers to lower their prices. The key to a sustainable cost reduction of 15 % to 25 % lies in a hybrid approach: the intelligent consolidation of loads (LTL to FTL), digital route optimisation using a modern TMS, and […]

LLMs in Procurement: The Future of AI-Powered Sourcing

Large Language Models (LLMs) optimise procurement by analysing unstructured data in seconds, reviewing contracts, and automating supplier communication. Maximum ROI is achieved through a hybrid model: AI handles time-consuming data processing and pattern recognition, while the human procurement professional retains strategic decision-making expertise and relationship management. Companies that strategically integrate LLMs now are reducing their […]

AI in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: Opportunities, Strategies & Practical Examples

First things first: the successful implementation of AI in SMEs is no longer the exclusive preserve of tech giants, but rather the key driver of future competitiveness for small and medium-sized enterprises. Those who strategically integrate AI into existing processes today – be it in administration, production or customer service – can reduce process costs by up to 30 % […]

GEO in Procurement: The Future of AI-Powered Sourcing

Attention business decision-makers and B2B providers: Classic web search is rapidly losing ground in the B2B sector. As strategic purchasers increasingly rely on generative AI tools and specialised procurement bots for supplier selection and market analysis, the focus in marketing is shifting from classic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO). Those who ignore the relevance of GEO in procurement now and […]

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 […]