Standardization describes the systematic standardization of products, processes and specifications according to defined rules and norms. For purchasing, this enables a reduction in the number of variants, simplified procurement processes and improved negotiating positions thanks to greater bundling of requirements.
Example: By standardizing its screw types, an automotive supplier reduces the number of variants from 200 to 50 types, which leads to a 23% reduction in procurement costs and reduces annual storage costs by EUR 45,000.
Standardization refers to the process of standardizing products, services, processes or methods based on defined norms and specifications. In purchasing, this means that similar materials or services are procured according to uniform criteria. The aim is to increase process optimization in purchasing, reduce costs and guarantee quality standards.
In procurement management, standardization plays a central role in cost efficiency and process optimization. Uniform standards allow purchasing volumes to be bundled, volume discounts to be used and supplier relationship management to be consolidated. It also makes it easier to compare offers and promotes consistent product and service quality.
Standardization has become an essential factor for increasing efficiency and reducing costs in purchasing controlling. Building on the theoretical foundation of standardizing processes, products and services, practical implementation is becoming increasingly important. Companies are faced with the challenge of dealing with increasing complexity and individual customer requirements. The transition from individual, fragmented solutions to standardized processes is necessary in order to optimize the value chain and achieve sustainable competitive advantages.
Traditional approach: In traditional procurement logistics, products and services were often purchased without uniform specifications and standards. Each department or business unit acted autonomously, which led to a variety of different processes and supplier relationships. Manual ordering processes, paper-based documentation and personal agreements dominated everyday life. This fragmentation led to inconsistent quality standards, increased process costs and a lack of transparency. The lack of bundling of requirements prevented economies of scale, and the variety of suppliers made management more difficult and increased the risk of disruptions in the supply chain.
Digital standardization: The modern approach relies on digital technologies to effectively implement standardization in purchasing. By using e-procurement systems and central databases, processes are automated and uniform specifications are implemented company-wide. Key innovations such as electronic catalogs, automated order approvals and digital contract management tools enable increased efficiency. Digitization facilitates the consolidation of suppliers and the bundling of requirements, which leads to considerable cost savings. Practical benefits include a reduction in process costs of up to 30%, shorter lead times and improved quality assurance thanks to clear specifications and standards.
A leading industrial company decided to transform its purchasing processes through digital standardization. With the introduction of an e-procurement system, all orders were processed centrally via one platform. This resulted in a 50% reduction in procurement time and a 20% cost saving in the first year. Thanks to the standardized specifications, the quality defects in supplied materials fell by 35%, which significantly reduced production losses. The number of suppliers was consolidated from 500 to 200, which made supplier management more efficient. Overall, the measure led to an increase in competitiveness and sustainably improved business processes.
Standardization in purchasing is an essential lever for saving costs and increasing efficiency. By standardizing products, processes and specifications, companies can not only achieve volume discounts and optimize inventories, but also sustainably improve the quality of their procurement processes. The success of standardization depends largely on careful process analysis, the involvement of all stakeholders and the balance between standardization and the necessary flexibility. In view of the digital transformation, the importance of standardized processes will continue to increase.