Structure and process optimization

Holistic transformation in purchasing

Your partner for tangible corporate value

For companies that want to sustainably transform their purchasing want to transform.

Digitalization, volatile markets and new regulations are challenging procurement like never before. Many companies have already invested in software, but instead of efficiency, new complexities are emerging. Systems do not talk to each other, processes remain rigid. AI is omnipresent, but its potential often remains untapped because it is unclear how it can be effectively integrated and used to provide real relief.

At the same time, supply chains are becoming more unstable and legal requirements relating to sustainability are becoming stricter. Companies that want to procure sustainably today need more than one-off solutions - they need transformation.

KLOEPFEL by EPSA - consulting helps. With capacity, experience and an eye for the big picture, we make your purchasing resilient, scalable and strategically aligned. So that pressure becomes new strength.

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Turn your purchasing department into a value generator through targeted transformation

Years of experience

> 0

Purchasing experts

> 0

Optimization projects

> 0

Over 17 years of practical experience

With over 17 years of project experience and an international network of more than 5,000 purchasing experts, we know how to translate sound know-how into measurable results. Our references prove it: Together we reduce costs and sustainably increase productivity.

Transformation for the SME sector

Our transformation approaches are tailored specifically to the needs of SMEs - realistic, pragmatic and effective. Instead of working with a corporate lens, we develop solutions that can actually be implemented and create real added value for SMEs.

Transformation without resource bottlenecks

We create the capacities that companies often do not have for their necessary transformation and thus drive change forward much faster. In this way, we enable sustainable change without burdening internal resources.

Solutions for a scalable supply chain

Our solutions ensure a scalable and resilient supply chain that functions reliably even in volatile and unstable supply chains. Through targeted transformation, we protect procurement and logistics against risks in the long term.

Increase the value of your procurement with customized transformation strategies

Transformation in purchasing with the 6-pillar model

We work in purchasing according to the proven 6-pillar model of KLOEPFEL by EPSA - consulting. This holistic approach ensures that all key areas - from strategy and organization to processes and employee development - are incorporated into your projects. In this way, we create the basis for a sustainable increase in efficiency, clear responsibilities and stable, future-proof structures.

EXAMPLE
DETERMINING THE POSITION IN PURCHASING

Objective: Clear, measurable purchasing targets are defined, aligned with costs, quality, security of supply and sustainability.
Purchasing strategy: We check whether the purchasing strategy fits the overarching corporate strategy and supports it optimally.
WG strategies & sourcing concept: Specific strategies for individual product groups and sourcing concepts are developed. Targets and measures are defined for each product group and transferred into an annual roadmap. This creates a clear plan for strategic purchasing.
Controlling/implementation: All measures are incorporated into a clear plan for strategic purchasing, the success of which is regularly measured and reported. The goal is a purchasing department that actively contributes to the company's development and continuously improves.

Positioning: We analyze how procurement is anchored in the company, whether it is strategically integrated and what contribution it makes to the company's success.
Governance & organizational and operational structure: We evaluate governance structures, decision-making channels and organizational and operational structures. The goal is a clearly controlled, efficiently organized purchasing department with clear roles and responsibilities.
Size & scaling: We check whether the purchasing department is correctly dimensioned in terms of personnel and organization, both for current requirements and for future growth.
Principles & guidelines: Clear principles and guidelines are defined so that Purchasing can act effectively and sustainably. This is the only way Purchasing can react flexibly to new requirements and create added value.

Management processes: We review strategic planning and control processes in purchasing and create clear structures for target achievement, prioritization and implementation.
Core processes (WGM, S2C, P2P): product group management, supplier management, source-to-contract and purchase-to-pay are analyzed on the basis of best practices to determine whether they are designed to be efficient, effective, automatable and scalable.
Support processes: We also optimize support processes such as contract management, risk analysis and compliance in order to achieve excellence in purchasing.
Risk analyses & compliance: Early risk detection and compliance are key levers for sustainable purchasing success. We systematically integrate them into the process landscape.
Excellence: Process excellence is not an end in itself: it creates the basis for transparency, controllability and measurable value contribution in purchasing.

Roles, skills & development: We define clear roles in procurement, identify skills requirements and promote targeted further development and training.
Target agreements & staff appraisals: Through structured target discussions and regular feedback, we create transparency, motivation and orientation for personal development.
Culture & knowledge management: We promote an open, collaborative culture and establish systematic knowledge management as the basis for continuous learning.
Innovation management: An environment in which ideas are given space, innovation is promoted in a targeted manner and new approaches can be implemented quickly forms the basis for sustainable purchasing.

Degree of digitalization & automation: We analyse the current status of digitalization and automation in purchasing and identify potential for increasing efficiency through the targeted use of technology.
Strategy & portfolio management: A clear digitalization strategy and a structured tool portfolio are crucial for implementing technological developments in a targeted and cost-effective manner.
Selection & implementation of tools: We provide support in the selection of suitable systems and provide practical support during implementation to ensure that digital solutions create real added value in day-to-day business.
AI quick wins: Artificial intelligence enables fast and tangible improvements, for example through automated data analyses, more precise forecasts or intelligent support for purchasing decisions.

Data transparency: We create comprehensible data structures and thus ensure clarity in the purchasing process - as a basis for well-founded decisions.
Performance measurement & KPIs: Relevant key figures make performance measurable, reveal optimization potential and enable targeted management.
Control tools: We use modern control tools to plan, analyze and control purchasing efficiently, flexibly and with data support.
Target definition & continuous improvement (CIP): We use clearly defined targets and a structured CIP process to develop the purchasing department on a permanent basis. This ensures measurable and sustainable progress.

Your transformation in 3 steps

Positioning & analysis

3-4 weeks

Definition, planning & scoping

1-2 weeks

Implementation, Change & coaching

3-9 months

Customer successes that speak for themselves:

Transformation of purchasing in practice

CASE STUDY

Transformation Purchasing

Leading beverage producer

Our client, a leading beverage manufacturer (anonymous), transformed its purchasing from manual, Excel-based processes with media disruptions to a data-driven, digitally integrated function. Initial situation: lack of transparency and strategy, little connection to production, logistics and sales, high complexity due to refrigerated supply chains. Objectives: Increased efficiency through digitalization, strategic realignment based on reliable data, cross-functional collaboration and quick wins.

Procedure: Assessment of the current situation via online surveys and interviews, definition of clear goals/fields of action, introduction of digital tools (ERP connection, spend cube), initial product group strategies (e.g. packaging, raw materials), workshops and on-the-job training, KPI set with controlling. Levers: market transparency, systematic supplier evaluation, structured action plans.

Results: Throughput times -25 to -27 % (in perspective up to -35 %) through system integration and process automation. Savings: Packaging up to -9 %, "red fruit" up to -7 %. In addition, improved demand planning, more stable supply chains and noticeably less food waste. Sales arguments and controlling benefit from reliable, accessible data.

Savings

7-9 %

Download the case study now.

Your experts for transformation in procurement

KLOEPFEL by EPSA - consulting is part of the international EPSA Group, one of the leading purchasing and supply chain consultancies in Europe with over 3,500 experts.

Our dedicated team will guide you through the entire procurement transformation with comprehensive expertise and passion.

Our holistic approach combines all relevant dimensions and creates measurable increases in efficiency, clear responsibilities and sustainable structures for purchasing that generates real value.