Effective purchasing, aligned with the company's key needs, contributes to long-term goals such as profitability, competitive advantage and growth in company value.

In this article we take a detailed look at the issue of home-grown software add-ons, which are found in many companies and which, despite all efforts, usually represent a major obstacle to effective and professional purchasing.

I confess that when I became a purchasing director with the authority and responsibility to develop my department, my primary focus was on developing purchasing skills, collaboration with other departments, centralization, purchasing controlling and implementing at least minimal supplier relationship management.

Qualified suppliers who know our business perfectly, have the necessary technology, innovate and continuously improve are a source of competitive advantage for every company. It is therefore no surprise that buyers guard their know-how in supplier management like an eye in the head.