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Technology assessment in purchasing: definition & important aspects for buyers
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Technology assessment in a nutshell:
Technology evaluation is a systematic process for analyzing and assessing technical solutions in terms of their performance, future viability and economic potential. For purchasing, this provides a sound basis for decision-making when selecting suppliers and products as well as the early identification of technological risks and opportunities.
Example: An automotive supplier carries out a 3-month technology evaluation for new battery systems, comparing 5 different suppliers on the basis of 20 defined criteria and thereby identifying an innovative supplier that offers 30% higher energy density at 15% lower costs.
Contents
Technology assessment in purchasing: An introduction
What is technology assessment in purchasing?
Technology assessment in procurement refers to the systematic process of identifying, analyzing and evaluating new and existing technologies in terms of their potential for the company. The aim is to make well-founded decisions on the integration of technologies into procurement strategies. This includes assessing the degree of innovation, benefits, risks and costs in order to remain competitive and increase efficiency in the supply chain.
Core elements of technology assessment
Significance for purchasing
Technology evaluation is essential for procurement in order to remain competitive in the long term and to optimize processes. By identifying relevant technologies at an early stage, procurement strategies can be made more innovative and costs can be reduced. It also makes it possible to select suppliers with advanced technologies and build strategic partnerships.
Implementation of technology assessment in purchasing
Technology evaluation in purchasing means systematically analyzing new technologies in order to identify their potential for the company. A structured evaluation process enables purchasing departments to make informed decisions and effectively integrate innovative solutions into the procurement strategy.
Practical example
Example: Introduction of AI-based negotiation tools
1. technology scouting: Purchasing identifies AI software that supports negotiations with suppliers by analyzing data and generating optimal price proposals.
2. analysis of applicability: examination of how the AI software can be integrated into existing negotiation processes and which interfaces to current systems are required.
3. cost-benefit assessment: comparison of the license and implementation costs of € 50,000 per year with the expected savings potential of € 200,000 through better negotiation results.
4. risk assessment: identification of risks such as the acceptance of the technology by employees and possible data protection problems in data processing.
After the comprehensive evaluation, the company decides to conduct a six-month test run of the AI software with selected suppliers. The results are documented and analyzed in order to make a final decision on implementation.
Evaluation and strategic findings
✓ Critical success factors
→ Methodological competence: Structured evaluation frameworks and standardized processes for consistent technology analyses
→ Cross-functional collaboration: close coordination between purchasing, technology and specialist departments for holistic assessments
→ Market knowledge: Continuous monitoring of technology trends and supplier innovations
⚠ Challenges and limitations
→ Technology complexity: Increasingly difficult assessment due to growing technical interdependencies
→ Evaluation speed: Fast-moving technology cycles require agile evaluation processes
→ Skills development: ongoing training requirements for purchasing employees in new technologies
Future trends and strategic implications:
"Technology assessment is developing into a strategic enabler for innovations in procurement."
→ Integration of AI-supported evaluation tools
→ Increased importance of sustainability criteria
→ Development of digital evaluation platforms
→ Development of predictive technology scorecards
◆ Strategic recommendations for action
→ Development of systematic technology scouting in purchasing
→ Implementation of agile evaluation processes for quick technology decisions
→ Development of competence hubs for specific technology areas
Conclusion on technology assessment in purchasing
Technology assessment in purchasing is an indispensable tool for future-oriented companies. It not only enables the systematic analysis and integration of new technologies, but also secures long-term competitive advantages. Success depends to a large extent on structured evaluation processes, cross-functional cooperation and the continuous development of expertise. Companies that use technology assessment strategically and integrate it into their purchasing processes are ideally equipped for future challenges and technological developments.
