FAQ – Les 5 questions clés que les acheteurs se posent

How can I reduce the TCO of my indirect procurement without compromising quality or internal performance?

By treating the TCO as a comprehensive cost from order placement through to the end of a product’s life cycle rather than simply the product’s face value, by:

• standardising the product range
• digitising workflows throughout the entire P2P process (from product search to invoicing)
• streamlining the supplier base
• factoring end-of-life and CO₂ into the equation

This is precisely where Manutan’s procurement expertise and role as a partner distributor add value, with proven practices, reliable B2B product content and management solutions tailored to Class C procurement, notably through our Savin’side® solution.

Created by the Manutan Group, Savin'side® is a methodology developed by purchasing professionals for purchasing professionals, designed to boost businesses’ competitiveness and decarbonisation efforts. It aims to optimise the total cost of ownership for Class C purchases, which are all too often burdened by hidden costs. Drawing on data analysis, a Lean approach and an agile framework, Savin'side® scrutinises six key areas for cost savings to ensure bespoke support.

How do I decide between new and refurbished items depending on the procurement category? How can I incorporate CSR and the circular economy into my procurement processes?

Simply start by checking the compliance and security aspects specific to your situation. Then, for your standard use cases, compare the TCO, carbon footprint and lead times side by side. When the results are similar, feel free to opt for a mix of new and refurbished equipment: you get the best of both worlds, without compromising on quality.

What we do to make your life easier: Manutan offers you a seamless purchasing experience (catalogues, punch-out, P2P) to provide a clear picture of process costs, a Product Environmental Impact Score (based on the PEF methodology) to easily compare products, and a fully operational second-life programme (collection, reconditioning, traceability) to seamlessly integrate the circular economy.

To win over your decision-makers and influencers: we help you visualise the TCO savings, the reduction in CO₂ emissions and the equivalent level of quality when a second life is guaranteed and traceable.

When it comes to CSR, remember to include measurable criteria in your tenders (repairability, percentage of recycled materials, take-back/end-of-life arrangements, carbon indicators): we can help you define and monitor these criteria easily.

Which KPIs should I monitor to manage my indirect suppliers effectively?

Combine three categories of indicators for a comprehensive overview:

• Operational KPIs: on-time delivery, product availability, return rates, quality defects.
• Financial KPIs: TCO per order, process costs, proportion of off-process purchases.
• CSR KPIs: CO₂ per €, percentage of responsible procurement, circularity.

Manutan’s procurement expertise and role as a partner distributor facilitate this management through:

• reliable B2B product information,
• a streamlined e-procurement process,
• environmental assessment tools such as the Product Impact Score.

How can I speed up my processes (sourcing, contract management, approval, goods receipt)?

Speeding up these processes primarily involves digitising the Procure-to-Pay process, in particular:

• threshold-based workflows,
• automated purchase orders,
• streamlined goods receipt,
• electronic invoicing,
• Punch-out integration or direct use of the supplier’s website.

This digitalisation reduces process costs and lead times.
A distributor offering integrated catalogues, a P2P system that is quick to deploy and consistent product data helps to streamline the entire supply chain.

How can quality, compliance and guarantees be ensured?

This assurance rests on three key factors:

• Comprehensive and reliable product data sheets (standards, uses, compatibility),
• Limiting purchases outside the established process,
• Traceable and responsible end-of-life channels.

Thanks to accurate technical information and a well-managed circular supply chain (collection, reconditioning, traceability), it becomes possible to ensure quality, compliance and reparability throughout the product’s life cycle.