Efficient purchasing strategies 2025: How Swiss companies can remain competitive
Efficient purchasing strategies will become increasingly important for Swiss companies in 2025. Global uncertainties, rising costs and changing consumption patterns present them with major challenges. However, those who rely on innovative digital solutions in procurement can not only reduce costs, but also adapt to dynamic market conditions in a targeted manner and strengthen their competitiveness in the long term.
The inflation rate in Switzerland has recently continued to fall. In December 2024, it was just 0.6%, while the annual average for 2024 was 1.1% compared to the previous year.[1] Nevertheless, there is cost pressure on businesses. "Although inflation in Switzerland should remain moderate, companies are feeling the effects of global price increases," explains Patrick Sommer, Managing Director of the digital consultancy CNT Management Consulting in Switzerland. He knows what this means for companies: "As a result, purchasing departments are being called upon more than ever to reduce costs and make processes more efficient. At the same time, issues such as sustainability and flexibility must not be neglected." The economic uncertainty is also having an impact on consumer behavior, with consumers being particularly cautious when it comes to non-essential spending. This is putting pressure on companies to plan and adapt their purchasing strategies precisely.
Digitalization as a competitive advantage
The introduction of digital technologies is a key lever for increasing efficiency and flexibility in procurement. Many Swiss companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, are showing a growing interest in digitizing their purchasing processes. Nevertheless, there is often reluctance, as Sommer explains: "The biggest challenges lie in limited financial and human resources. But those who are prepared to invest in modern technologies such as AI can achieve significant efficiency gains." AI-supported analyses in particular offer companies new opportunities to optimize their purchasing strategies. For example, demand forecasts can be made much more precise by analyzing historical data and market trends. "Routine tasks such as invoice verification or the tendering of offers can be handled more efficiently using AI," Sommer continues. "This not only saves time, but also reduces errors and frees up time for strategic tasks." Another example is purchasing automation, where routine orders are triggered automatically and changes in demand are taken into account in real time. These technologies create transparency and improve responsiveness.
Sustainability: a strategic must
In addition to digitalization, sustainability is also a key factor for future-proof purchasing strategies. "Companies must combine ecological and economic goals in order to remain competitive in the long term," emphasizes Sommer. A sustainable approach not only offers benefits for the environment, but is also increasingly expected by customers and business partners. "Sustainable purchasing not only means buying green, but also taking a critical look at the entire supply chain. Choosing suppliers that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible is becoming a decisive criterion." Sommer points out that sustainability is also becoming increasingly important in the context of regulatory requirements. "Future legislation and standards will force Swiss companies to integrate sustainable criteria into their purchasing processes. Those who act early not only secure a competitive advantage, but also avoid potential risks."
Trends that will shape purchasing in 2025
Flexibility and resilience of supply chains are other key issues that Swiss companies will have to consider in 2025. "Global uncertainty shows us how important it is to be able to react quickly to market changes," says Sommer. Companies that strategically diversify their supply chains and enter into long-term resource commitments are better positioned to overcome crises. A resilient supply chain not only offers protection against bottlenecks, but also contributes to the stability of business processes. In addition, automation remains a key trend that will have a lasting impact on procurement. "Automated processes reduce administrative effort and ensure that companies can concentrate on strategic core tasks," explains Sommer. The use of real-time data for decision-making is also becoming increasingly relevant. "Companies that work in a data-driven way have a clear advantage when it comes to recognizing trends and reacting quickly to changes."
Efficient purchasing strategies are crucial for all sectors
Patrick Sommer is convinced that efficiency improvements in purchasing affect all sectors and company sizes. "Process optimization is not just an issue for large corporations. Smaller companies can also benefit from optimized processes and strengthen their competitiveness," he says. Strategic process optimization in procurement is a key success factor. "Digitalization, sustainability and flexibility are the pillars on which successful procurement strategies in 2025 must be built. Those who combine these elements will benefit in the long term and remain competitive." Increasing efficiency, sustainability and digitalization are therefore not isolated issues, but are interlinked. Companies that align their procurement strategies accordingly not only secure competitive advantages, but also actively contribute to a more resilient and sustainable economy.
[1] https://www.admin.ch/gov/de/start/dokumentation/medienmitteilungen.msg-id-103726.html
Source and further information: www.cnt-online.com/de/
