Blog

Procurement in SMEs: focus topics and trends in 2025

At the end of the year, we asked over 300 procurement executives: "What are the topics that you will be focusing on in 2025 in order to achieve your corporate goals?". The survey results highlight current trends and challenges and provide insights into the strategies that procurement managers are using to overcome them.

Why an SRM system is the ideal preparation for an ERP changeover

The ERP system acts as the central backbone of most business processes in medium-sized companies. It is therefore crucial that it meets current requirements and is continuously kept up to date. However, converting the ERP system poses a considerable challenge.

The path to CBAM applicant status: Why you should act now and what requirements you need to consider in order to obtain CBAM applicant status on time

From 2026, certification as a CBAM declarant will be mandatory for all companies importing goods into the EU. As the registration process can take up to 180 days, an early start is crucial in order to be ready in time. Companies must provide detailed data on emissions and imports and meet strict verification requirements. Those who create transparency now, automate processes and prepare for registration will minimize risks and secure their competitiveness in the new regulatory environment.

Artificial intelligence in procurement: areas of application, integration and success strategies

In the dynamic landscape of the global economy, technological innovations play a crucial role in shaping efficient, cost-effective and resilient business processes. At the center of this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI), whose advances have had a profound impact on various industries in recent years. Purchasing, as a critical pillar of every manufacturing company, is not unaffected by this development. In fact, the integration of AI technologies into the purchasing process is increasingly becoming an indispensable tool for companies that want to survive in a highly competitive market.

Mastering the REACH Regulation in the long term: How an SRM system supports the implementation of the REACH Regulation and upcoming tightening measures

The increasing regulations surrounding PFAS and REACH could pose major challenges for many companies. For industrial SMEs, however, procurement offers the opportunity to gain an advantage through proactive action and strategic foresight. Those who check their supply chains for PFAS today, identify alternative materials and minimize compliance risks at an early stage not only strengthen their resilience, but also secure their long-term competitiveness. An effective SRM system can help here.

Why a CRM system is out of place in purchasing

In many companies, the customer relationship management (CRM) system forms the basis for most sales, marketing and customer activities. Overwhelmed, some misuse their CRM system in the hope that they can use similar functions to sales for purchasing management. However, using a CRM system as a replacement for an SRM is not a pragmatic solution, but a dangerous dead end that massively jeopardizes the success of purchasing.

From operational to strategic purchasing in 5 steps - a guide for small and medium-sized companies

Strategic purchasing is often underestimated in medium-sized industrial companies. Low sales power and a lack of personnel in the purchasing departments of small and medium-sized companies often lead to the assumption that you have to adapt to your suppliers and global commodity prices. However, small and medium-sized companies in particular can benefit greatly from a strategic orientation of their purchasing and secure a competitive advantage.

The sourcing guide for medium-sized purchasing companies

In industrial SMEs, purchasing is more than just a cost center - it is a strategic lever for securing competitiveness. In view of volatile raw materials markets, complex supply chains and increasing compliance requirements, a well thought-out sourcing approach is crucial to optimizing costs and ensuring security of supply.