Implementierung von modernen Einkaufsstrategien am Beispiel eines Technologieunternehmens

Abstract

Motivation and Problem Statement As companies increasingly recognize the strategic importance of procurement within their organization, the question arises: which factors are crucial for ensuring successful sourcing? Every company should aim to structure its procurement process in a way that minimizes costs, maintains high-quality standards for materials or services, and ensures timely deliveries from suppliers. But which key factors contribute to achieving these goals most effectively? This study examines a growing technology company based in Upper Austria, which currently collaborates primarily with regional suppliers within the DACH region. The company's goal is to develop a long-term procurement strategy that not only meets these requirements but also supports its future growth in a sustainable manner. In addition to potential cost advantages through an adjusted sourcing strategy, various risks and other influencing factors must also be considered. These include, in particular, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), sustainability requirements, supply chain risks, and geopolitical challenges and opportunities. The objective of this research is to establish a well-founded decision-making framework that enables a structured evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of different sourcing strategies. Structure and Methodology The study begins with a theoretical analysis of relevant procurement strategies, with a particular focus on TCO considerations as a foundation for well-informed decision-making. Subsequently, the company’s current procurement strategy is examined and compared with international sourcing options. A market analysis of potential suppliers provides insights into the economic and logistical conditions. To support a quantitative evaluation, an Excel-based solution is developed. This allows for the simulation of various scenarios and facilitates data-driven decision-making. Factors such as costs, sustainability considerations, and risks are integrated to enable a comprehensive assessment. Results of the Study The study demonstrated that a purely local sourcing strategy reaches its economic and strategic limits as the company grows. The developed Excel-based evaluation matrix enables a structured and comparable assessment of suppliers by integrating criteria such as price, total cost of ownership, sustainability, supply reliability, and innovation capability. The evaluation of two potential suppliers – one in Germany and one in Vietnam – revealed that the Vietnamese supplier offers both economic and strategic advantages. The tool provides a transparent, data-driven basis for decision-making that goes beyond simple cost comparisons and supports the company’s long-term competitiveness. Overall, the results highlight the importance of holistic and quantitative approaches in strategic procurement management.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Hubert Scholl (Supervisor)