Introduction

Why is indirect procurement a key issue in 2025?

In 2025, indirect procurement will be more of a focus than ever in strategic corporate decisions. While companies have traditionally concentrated their attention on the direct purchase of production materials, they are increasingly recognizing the enormous potential that lies in optimizing their indirect procurement processes.

Recent studies reveal impressive figures: Indirect procurement accounts for an average of 15–30% of total purchasing volume, but can reach up to 40% in individual companies. Nevertheless, this area is often neglected – a missed opportunity, as research by McKinsey shows that strategic optimization of indirect procurement can save at least 15% of costs.

Importance for companies of all sizes

The relevance of indirect procurement extends across all company sizes. While 74 of the top 100 medium-sized companies and 25 of the 30 DAX-listed companies already use digital procurement solutions, smaller and medium-sized enterprises often lag behind. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

The digitalization gap is significant: Only 23% of companies in the DACH region use artificial intelligence in procurement, and 40% still rely on Excel spreadsheets for complex procurement tasks. These figures illustrate the massive potential for improvement that must be addressed by 2025.

Purpose and benefits of Guideline 3

This comprehensive guide aims to help companies systematically leverage the opportunities of indirect procurement. We demonstrate how modern solutions – such as those offered by FACURA as a specialized service provider – can help companies reduce maverick buying, cut process costs by over an hour per order, and maintain procurement flexibility.

1. What is indirect procurement?

Definition and distinction from direct procurement

Indirect procurement refers to the procurement process for all goods and services that do not directly become part of a company’s final product but are essential for smooth business operations. This definition clearly distinguishes it from direct procurement, which focuses on raw materials, components, and materials that go directly into production.

The fundamental difference lies in the strategic orientation: While direct purchasing is closely linked to production and often requires long-term partnerships with suppliers, indirect purchasing focuses on cost savings and process efficiency while ensuring operational continuity.