Optimise product groups in purchasing with AI✅

First things first: AI-supported optimisation of product groups will mark the turning point in 2026 from purely administrative management to proactive value creation. By using machine learning and automated classification, companies will achieve spend transparency of over 95 %, identify potential savings in real time and almost completely eliminate maverick buying. Strategic purchasing is changing [...]

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR): New EU Rules for Packaging 2026

The most important thing first: The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) harmonises waste law across Europe and replaces national standalone solutions. From 2026, the first major restrictions will come into force: these include the ban on certain single-use packaging, strict empty space targets of a maximum of 40 % for mail-order and the obligation for EU-wide standardised disposal instructions. Companies must adapt their packaging design […]

Benchmarking in Purchasing: How Companies Save Up to 20% Costs %

The most important thing first: benchmarking in procurement is the systematic comparison of prices, processes, and services with competitors or market leaders. Companies that consistently use benchmarking achieve sustainable savings of 10%to 20% through optimised conditions and more efficient workflows. Success stands or falls with data quality and the willingness to actively implement proven best practices […]

Predictive Analytics: Definition, Methods and Best Practices

The most important thing to note first: Predictive analytics uses historical data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning to forecast the likelihood of future outcomes. It's not about „knowing“ the future exactly, but rather creating data-driven predictions that help businesses minimise risks, boost efficiency, and create personalised customer experiences. While classical analytics describe what was, [...]

Logistics 4.0: Smart AI Solutions for an Efficient Supply Chain

The most important thing first: Logistics 4.0 transforms the supply chain through Artificial Intelligence (AI) from a reactive chain to a proactive, autonomous ecosystem. While traditional systems rely on historical data, AI solutions such as predictive analytics and digital twins enable decision-making in milliseconds. Companies that consistently implement these technologies report a reduction in process costs by [...]

Predictive Logistics: Definition, Methods and Benefits

The most important point upfront: Predictive Logistics transforms the supply chain from a reactive cost factor into a proactive strategic asset. By merging Big Data, Machine Learning and real-time IoT data, bottlenecks are no longer just managed, but anticipated. This allows companies to achieve a reduction in warehousing costs of up to 25 % while simultaneously increasing delivery reliability to over […]

Supply chain consulting: Practical solutions for companies

First things first: in 2026, a resilient supply chain will be the decisive lever for profitability and market power. Professional supply chain consulting transforms logistics from a pure cost factor into a strategic driver of value creation. By using AI-supported real-time transparency, optimised working capital and radical ESG compliance (Scope 3), companies reduce their process costs by an average of 12 to 18 [...]

Data-driven procurement: AI in purchasing thanks to optimised data

First things first: data-driven procurement is the foundation for a future-proof supply chain. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in procurement enables significant increases in efficiency, cost reductions and proactive risk management. However, success is critically dependent on data quality: Only clean, structured and centralised data allows AI algorithms to create precise forecasts and autonomously manage operational processes [...].

Guided buying: definition, methods and practical examples

First things first: Guided Buying is a software-supported strategy in e-procurement that guides employees intuitively to the right products and preferred suppliers. The aim is to make the purchasing process as simple as possible („Amazon feeling“ in B2B) in order to prevent uncontrolled spending (maverick buying), ensure compliance and reduce process costs by an average of 25% to 40% [...].

Spend Analysis in Procurement: Definition, Procedure & Tips

First and foremost: Spend analysis is the strategic navigation system for any modern procurement department. It transforms unstructured financial data into spend visibility, identifies savings potentials of an average of % to % percent, and is the only effective weapon against Maverick Buying. Without this data-based foundation, category management operates in the dark and misses out on massive optimisation potential in […]