Beschaffung: So senken Unternehmen erfolgreich ihre Einkaufskosten

Max Walk, a 24-year-old employee, has developed a software that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline procurement processes and reduce costs. This software automates repetitive queries to suppliers, resulting in a 76% reduction in time spent and a 12% reduction in costs. For Sourcevise, a Munich-based startup, this software has been instrumental in managing procurement costs for companies like Edding.

According to Walk, the adoption of AI in procurement is trending, with numerous providers presenting at the "Procurement Summit" in Hamburg. Around 70% of surveyed companies see a need to automate supplier management, but only 19% consider their automation level mature, and only 6% consider their AI usage advanced. Marc Kloepfel, CEO of Kloepfel by EPSA, notes that while many talk about AI and its benefits, few are putting it into practice.

Max Walk pursued a management career in a supplier company, where he became disillusioned with repetitive tasks such as writing emails and checking offers. Motivated to simplify these processes, Walk created Sourcevise. Using large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, the software searches for potential suppliers online, emails them, evaluates offers, and drafts responses.

This saves significant time and effort for procurement teams. Experts like Oliver Schöllhammer, head of Digital Industries at Fraunhofer IPA, believe that digitalization can free up time for strategic activities like negotiating with suppliers. However, many procurement professionals are reluctant to change due to a lack of understanding of the importance of procurement in driving revenue.

With a single million euro increase in sales and a 5% revenue return, companies could generate an extra 50,000 euros in profit. Meanwhile, optimizing procurement costs could double margins, according to Kloepfel. Despite the potential benefits, most companies fail to leverage their existing suppliers for cost savings, as they often stick to traditional suppliers.

Workshops help find solutions that satisfy both parties, such as reducing freight costs. Overall, the potential for saving costs through procurement optimization is significant and could positively impact businesses' bottom lines.