Efficiency, resilience, and digitalization in focus
1. Optimization of procurement costs
2. Maturity assessment through maturity analysis
3. Strategic procurement
4. Hybrid organizational forms
5. Performance management
6. Building robust and resilient supply chains
7. Efficiency enhancement through automation and digitalization
In a time marked by skills shortages, global crises, and an urgent need for digitalization, procurement and supply chains face significant challenges. Many companies have not yet achieved the desired level expected by procurement itself and key stakeholders. However, there are solutions that can bring about positive changes promptly and are valued by employees. In this article, we present approaches through which Kloepfel Consulting, acting as “colleagues and coaches on time,” holistically transforms procurement and supply chains for numerous companies.
1. Optimization of procurement costs
Due to the disruptions caused by crises and conflicts, purchasing prices often do not reflect the flattened level of raw material and energy prices. The new equilibrium price is achieved slowly or hardly at all without active intervention from your procurement, especially since not all prices are indexed. Renegotiation can be time-consuming. Methodological approaches such as cost structure analyses for modeling market-adequate target prices and compelling argument chains can help companies progress more effectively. With negotiation expertise from numerous projects and industries, Kloepfel Consulting is well positioned in the DACH region to quickly optimize your procurement costs.
2. Maturity assessment through maturity analysis
Aligning procurement with best practices begins with a thorough maturity assessment. The maturity level for typical action areas in procurement is determined. Through structured discussions within procurement itself, with upstream and downstream functions, and with stakeholders, we clarify requirements and expectations. Tailored recommendations for developing procurement within the company can be derived from this. The external perspective enables a well-founded assessment compared to similar companies. If interested, let us inspire you with our approach.
3. Strategic procurement: Forward-looking role understanding
Procurement can significantly increase its value contribution within the company with a strategic perspective. All too often, operational daily business hinders impact. To escape this deadlock, personnel separation of roles in procurement is unavoidable.
Operational order processing and strategic procurement differ greatly in terms of tasks and timelines. Strategic procurement develops treasure maps for selected procurement fields, coordinates across functions, invests time in tenders, conducts negotiations, visits, and develops suppliers. Additionally, it is the task of strategic procurement to uncover and address procurement risks. Focusing on these important leverage tasks would only distract from the urgent daily business.
4. Hybrid organizational forms
Our approach combines centrally coordinated category management, project procurement for individual needs, and decentralized operational procurement. Centralized category management utilizes synergies and leverage effects, while business areas benefit from advantageous framework conditions with shared key suppliers.
Project procurement secures specific project requirements or the start-up to series production, while operational procurement seamlessly collaborates with order centers and production control. Our focus is on optimized total costs, short lead times, and timely availability, achieving a balanced mix of synergies and project orientation.
Unser Fokus liegt auf optimierten Gesamtkosten, kurzen Durchlaufzeiten und termingerechter Verfügbarkeit, wobei wir eine ausgewogene Balance zwischen Synergien und Projektorientierung schaffen. Eine frühe Einbindung des Einkaufs mit entsprechenden Ressourcen ist dabei entscheidend für den Erfolg.
Early involvement of procurement with appropriate resources is crucial for success. As experienced procurement consultants, we are happy to tailor the most suitable procurement organization, composed of best practice approaches, to your specific corporate situation.
5. Performance management: Steering procurement
In a time when critical supply chains relax and raw material and energy prices stabilize, the focus on essential key performance indicators returns to the forefront. On-time delivery, planned delivery times, price development, and inventory turnover are the focus, while processes are digitized and automated. In a competitive procurement environment, appropriate metrics are defined and closely monitored to identify and optimize poor performers. With a customized cockpit, we provide the right tools for steering procurement.
6. Building robust and resilient supply chains
A look into the current world of procurement underscores the importance of risk management for sustainable success. In a time marked by crises and conflicts, global supply chains are increasingly vulnerable to risks. Companies align their procurement strategies continentally and adjust supply chains accordingly to ensure geographic diversification and meet geopolitical challenges.
In an era of stricter regulations and growing interest from customers and investors, sustainability risks along supply chains receive greater attention. Through deeper insights into supply chains using smart approaches, we can reassess risks and raise awareness accordingly.
Assessing risks at supplier level within major commodity groups is indispensable. We analyze typical risk categories such as financial supplier risks, unwanted dependencies, critical performance issues, raw material availability, price and currency risks, or sustainability risks. Suppliers and commodity groups with a high to critical risk level then require specific actions. It is our understanding to systematically and methodically guide you through this complex network to collectively make your supply chains more resilient and future-proof.
7. Efficiency enhancement through automation and digitalization
Procurement continuously strives to free itself from administrative time drains to focus on value-added tasks. Special emphasis is placed on optimizing procurement areas with high transaction volumes through differentiated approaches to release resources.
For example, processes for recurring production materials can be automated through delivery schedules or production-synchronized control via just-in-time delivery. For low-value materials with continuous outflow, replenishment is consumption-oriented in Kanban, for example, via RFID.
Electronic catalogs and shopping solutions offer relief for low-value demands from a wide range of items, involving stakeholders, with processes automatically mirrored in the main system. For high-value special needs from any number of suppliers, procurement can be consolidated with an external provider to a creditor. As part of a holistic approach, we help you automate and digitalize all process steps from demand request to invoice verification. This streamlines tens of thousands of transactions without manual intervention.
<pGenerally, electronic integration of suppliers with weekly transactions via EDI or platform is prioritized. Overall, it is advisable to segment the procurement portfolio by transaction intensity and value and to automate and digitalize with differentiated solutions. This allows procurement to increase efficiency and focus more on strategic, value-added tasks.
Improve your competitiveness in procurement and supply chain management!
At Kloepfel, we offer proven best practices and innovative approaches to optimize your procurement costs, strengthen your strategic orientation, and build robust supply chains.
Let us inspire you with pragmatic solutions that deliver quick results and are valued in your company.
Our expertise includes:
• Optimization of procurement costs
• Maturity assessment through maturity analysis
• Strategic procurement
• Hybrid organizational forms
• Performance management
• Building robust and resilient supply chains
• Efficiency enhancement through automation and digitalization
Visit our website or call us to arrange a non-binding consultation. Together, we develop tailored solutions for your specific challenges in procurement and supply chain management. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals!
Contact Dr. Stephan Hofstetter now
Author: Stephan Hofstetter, Dr. oec. HSG, Partner Kloepfel Consulting
Telefon: 0211 941 984 33
E-Mail: s.hofstetter@kloepfel-consulting.com