Webinar recording: Step by step to an effective product group strategy: Implementation and best practices with B.I.G.
published on
6.12.2024
A well thought-out product group strategy creates transparency, reduces costs and strengthens supplier relationships. In our webinar, we offer you practical insights - from analysis to implementation.
In the purchasing department of medium-sized companies, the focus is on the efficient organization and management of the supplier base. A central building block for this is the development of a well thought-out product group strategy. In our webinar "Step by step to an effective product group strategy: implementation and best practices with B.I.G.", Olaf Schlingmann (Head of Purchasing at Berlin Industrial Group) and Karoline Rückerl (Head of Customer Development at Tacto) share valuable insights into how buyers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can strategically use product groups to optimally implement cost reductions, risk management and long-term partnerships.
A product group strategy serves to create systematic transparency in purchasing. By bundling items and services into clearly defined categories, companies can better analyze how costs and risks are distributed across different areas. In SMEs, where resources are often limited, product groups help to set strategic priorities and identify valuable synergies within the supply chain.
A clear advantage: a product group strategy creates the basis for targeted cooperation with suppliers and the development of long-term partnerships that not only optimize costs, but also promote innovation and resilience.
1. analysis of the current situation:
A thorough understanding of your own supplier base and purchasing volumes is the first step. You should analyze this:
2. definition of product groups:
A good product group structure should be clear, hierarchical and easy to understand. Each group should be homogeneous within itself, but heterogeneous to other groups. Observe the following principles:
3. development of the strategy:
After the definition, the next step is strategic planning:
4. operationalization:
Implement concrete measures to implement the strategies, e.g. negotiations with suppliers, introduction of supplier development programs or optimization of internal processes. Transparent tracking of these measures helps to monitor progress.
Do's:
Don'ts:
Modern supplier relationship management (SRM) tools such as Tacto facilitate the implementation of product group strategies. They enable:
The introduction of a product group strategy requires an initial investment in time and analysis, but pays off in the long term through cost reductions, better risk management and closer supplier relationships. SMEs should remain flexible and regularly review whether the category structure meets current business requirements.
In the future, automated data analysis and AI-supported tools could further simplify the process and provide additional insights into complex supply chains. Continuous adaptation of product group strategies will be the key to remaining competitive.
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