The B2B scenario is constantly changing, with challenges that grow every year, requiring agile and strategic business decisions. Therefore, purchasing planning It is essential to ensure efficiency, better negotiations and alignment of the area with the company's objectives.
With well-defined strategies, companies optimize processes, strengthen partnerships with suppliers and position themselves strategically to face market changes. In addition, they anticipate industry trends, drive innovation and become more resilient.
Cost reduction is also one of the main benefits of purchasing planning. With the use of digital tools, data analysis and efficient supplier management, the sector increases opportunities for more favorable negotiations and opportunities for greater savings.
A Gartner survey, conducted in 2024, showed that 72% of purchasing leaders are prioritizing the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence into their strategies. This reflects the potential of advanced technologies to boost the supply chain in the coming years.
By setting goals and drawing up plans, the purchasing area ceases to be an operational sector and becomes a strategic department, which effectively contributes to value generation for the business. Below, check out some insights on how to create a purchasing plan:
How to structure an efficient purchasing plan?
1. Analyze your company's main needs
Before starting purchasing planning, understanding your company's main needs allows you to prioritize and direct efforts towards what is most relevant.
To start the plan, identify the business objectives and then list what is aligned with the purchasing area strategies, for example, cost reduction and innovation.
1. Map the market
Market mapping allows you to identify suppliers, analyze trends, evaluate competitors and understand the variables that can impact costs, quality and deadlines.
By carrying out this important step, companies can optimize their processes, more strategic negotiations, anticipate risks and opportunities, among other benefits.
2. Define key goals and KPIs
Define which KPIs will be monitored. By using KPIs to assess sector performance, purchasing decisions are more agile and boost your company's results.
As important as defining the main KPIs is ensuring that they are aligned with the company's strategic objectives, which may evolve over time.
3. Structure a cost analysis
Analyzing costs allows you to identify the highest expenditures in the purchasing department. To start, list the expenses in the area and determine which categories account for the largest share.
By identifying the main costs, it is possible to define strategies and prioritize actions that improve results, for example, considering local suppliers to reduce transportation.
4. Develop strategic partnerships with suppliers
Negotiation is one of the most important strategies in the purchasing routine. Therefore, strengthen the supplier relations means building lasting partnerships.
A solid partnership not only facilitates future negotiations, but also encourages innovation and promotes sustainable practices by your company's partners.
5. Invest in technology and automation
With automation of purchasing processes, your team eliminates wasted time on operational tasks and can focus on more strategic activities.
To strengthen the sector's intelligence, invest in digital tools, such as e-Procurement, which facilitate management, reduce errors and increase operational efficiency.
6. Review your planning periodically
Good planning is dynamic and must adapt to changes in the market and the company. Periodically evaluate the results achieved and make adjustments when necessary.
By following these steps, the purchasing area optimizes processes and costs and positions itself as a strategic pillar in the company, contributing to growth and greater competitiveness.
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