Supply Value has, as in previous years, carried out research into the most important trends and developments within the purchasing discipline for the coming year. The main question studied in this study is: 'What are the purchasing trends for 2015'?

This time, the research was conducted not only among Dutch procurement professionals, but worldwide. Supply Value, in collaboration with various international industry organizations, has refined the survey with the aim of measuring and comparing purchasing trends and priorities worldwide. The survey is also distributed internationally among purchasing professionals.

551 respondents participated in the 2015 study. 51% of the respondents come from Europe, 33% from North America and 11% from Asia. The Netherlands is most strongly represented with 32% of the respondents, followed by the US with 30% and Belgium with 11%.

Purchasing trends 2015

In the survey, 32 procurement topics were tested to see to what extent procurement professionals expect these businesses to become a trend next year. The top 3 purchasing trends for 2015 are:

1. More attention for chain optimization.
2. More focus on cost savings.
3. More need for flexibility.

Trend 1: Chain optimization

The purchasing trend "more attention for chain optimization" has risen from the eighth place (score 3.8 on a scale of 1 to 5) in 2014 to the first place (score 4.15) in 2015. Chain optimization is seen in the current market as the way to further make improvements. To achieve chain optimization, organizations need to work together better. Organizations must look at the entire value chain and ensure that information and knowledge is optimally shared within the chain.

Trend 2: Cost savings

The purchasing trend "more focus on cost savings" (No. 3 in 2014) is again seen in 2015 as one of the most important purchasing trends. This year this trend has risen to position 2. Many organizations are looking for opportunities to further improve their operating result. Increasing sales is becoming increasingly difficult as market growth in many markets is very limited. As a result, more and more organizations are looking at the possibility of further reducing costs. Purchasing is seen as the ideal party to realize cost savings.

Trend 3: Flexibility

The purchasing trend "more need for flexibility" (no. 1 in 2014) is also an important trend in 2015. However, this trend has fallen to number 3 for 2015. In the current market, few organizations want to enter into volume obligations for a long period due to a large uncertainty in market demand. Organizations are looking for opportunities to limit their risk, but still be able to stipulate supply guarantees.

Optimism 2015

In the survey, the respondents were asked how optimistic they are for their purchasing organization in 2015. The category "very optimistic" rose from 13% in 2013 to 19% in 2014 and 23% in 2015. This shows that almost a quarter of the purchasing professionals are very optimistic about the expectations of 2015.

The research report

The purchasing trends and priorities for 2015 are presented in this report. We believe this report offers purchasing managers support in setting the most important priorities and in determining the right focus for 2015. Would you like to read the entire research report?

Download the research report free of charge here. This contains an overview of all purchasing trends, purchasing priorities and recommendations. You will find a presentation with the most important findings here. You will find an overview of the publications resulting from this research in various journals and online media here to.

Download here: Purchasing trends 2015