Tactical Procurement and Cost Analysis

3 days
Procurement
Fundamental

From operational action to tactical steering with financial and strategic impact, supported by AI

Learn more and register

What to expect

In this 3-day training course, participants go through the entire tactical sourcing process step by step: from analysis and strategy development to supplier selection, negotiation, contract drafting, and implementation.

The training covers both internal and external analyses. Supplier strategies are substantiated with models such as Kraljic, Dutch Windmill, and the Chessboard model. RFx processes are approached in a structured and methodical manner using a pragmatic view of Artificial Intelligence.

In addition, a solid foundation is laid in cost price analysis and cost reduction. Topics include:

  • Structuring a purchasing budget (capex, opex, initial position and revisions)
  • Analysis of price structure via Purchase Price Cost Analysis (PPCA)
  • Value pricing en target pricing
  • Total cost of ownership (TCO)

On the third day, participants work in small groups on practical cases concerning current VUCA challenges . Each group formulates concrete recommendations, which are discussed in plenary and critically evaluated.

Participants receive practical tools, templates, and models that can be used immediately in their own practice.

Why will this course help you advance?

This training strengthens the professional effectiveness of operational and tactical buyers . Participants learn to prepare dossiers in a structured manner, substantiate supplier choices, and critically analyze pricing rather than merely accepting it.

By gaining insight into cost structure, budgeting, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), participants strengthen their position in discussions with suppliers as well as internal stakeholders. Decisions are based more on facts, analyses, and substantiated arguments.

The case studies on day three confront participants with uncertainty, time pressure, and conflicting interests. Realistic situations that mirror daily tactical procurement challenges.

In this way, participants evolve from operational execution to a structured, tactical procurement approach with demonstrable impact on results and value creation.

For who

This training is aimed at operational buyers who want to advance to a tactical role, and at (category) buyers or sourcing specialists who want to further professionalize their approach using current methodologies and artificial intelligence (AI). The training is intended for professionals currently responsible for managing sourcing processes, supplier relations, and contract follow-up, who wish to bring more structure, substantiation, and strategic impact to their decisions. The focus is on strengthening the role within the sourcing process and increasing added value for one's own organization.

Program

Procurement fundamentals & financial impact

Introduction to Procurement
  • Role, definitions, and maturity of Procurement
  • Evolution towards Procurement 2030 and the impact of AI
Procurement, P&L and cost optimization
  • Impact of purchasing on operating result: Price, Cost, Cash and Value
  • Price models: value pricing versus target pricing
  • Procurement budget: capex, opex, initial position and follow-up
  • Analysis of cost structure: PPCA, cost structures, cost drivers and TCO
  • Cost modeling, savings levers and AI-supported spend analysis

Smart Sourcing

Categorie Management vs Sourcing
Sourcing process in 5 steps – Part 1
Mobilization and analysis
  • Stakeholdermapping, DMU en RAQSCIS
  • Internal analysis (spend, specifications) and external analysis (market, PESTLE)
  • AI applications for market analysis and scenario development
  • Kraljic, Carter, balance of power and supplier strategy
  • Dutch Windmill-model
Strategy development
  • Opportunity assessment grid – 6 sourcing strategies  

Sourcing execution, contracting & VUCA cases

Sourcing execution
  • Supplier identification and RFx process
  • Evaluation, shortlist and supplier selection
  • AI-Assisted Bid Analytics
Contracting and management
  • Basic principles of contracts, SLAs, and KPIs
  • Implementation and supplier performance management
  • Governance, pitfalls and performance monitoring (incl. AI)
VUCA cases and presentations
  • Parallel group work on complex cases
  • Presentation, discussion, and application to one's own practice

Move your expertise forward

At the Solvint Open Academy, you step into a learning environment built for ambitious professionals in Procurement, Supply Chain and negotiations. Each program blends strategic insight with real-world application, guided by expert practitioners who know the field from the inside out.

Very clear information on the best way to approach a negotiation - preparation is key!

Junior Buyer
Training “Professional Negotiation for Purchasers”

Gained new insights into how to identify - and, above all, leverage - more bargaining power in negotiations.

Category Buyer
Training “Strategic Negotiations with Powerful Suppliers”

It's great that there's a general explanation that focuses on certain key points - you really take those to heart, especially through your personal action plan.

Purchasing Manager
Training “Strategic Negotiations with Powerful Suppliers”

An excellent training program for those new to procurement. Clear structure of procurement flows.

Participant
Training "Tactical Procurement and Cost Analysis"

Useful templates, tips, and tricks that I can put to use every day. It also helps me take a more critical look at things and address anticipated risks in contracts.

Buyer
Training "Tactical Procurement and Cost Analysis"

It’s exactly the kind of supplement to my job that I was looking for. Terminology, dashboards, how-to, ...

Participant
Training "Tactical Procurement and Cost Analysis"

The depth of thorough preparation and a framework for approaching negotiations and staying in the lead

Tactical Buyer
Training “Professional Negotiation for Purchasers"

Finally, a practical framework for implementing a structured approach.

Category Manager
Training “Strategic Procurement”

Project management, various matrices for identifying priorities - I now have a solid foundation for implementing Category Management within my own work environment

Strategic Buyer
Training “Strategic Procurement”

Overall, it was very good and informative. The business game was a huge bonus!

Supply Chain Manager
Training “Supply Chain Bootcamp”