Among the main tools and models available to purchasing to implement a category management strategy, the matrix de Kraljic is acclaimed by participants in the Acxias online survey on the subject. With 52.6% of citations, this matrix which compares “the complexity of supply” (competition, risks, etc.) and “the impact on the result” (criticality, volume, etc.) is ahead of the model SWOT and that of Porter's Five Forces chosen respectively by 31.5% and 5.3% of respondents. The remaining 10.6% rely on another model or do not use one. Whatever the preference, most of these methods are often applied in Excel because they are still rarely used in digital solutions. Purchases offering assistance with the classification and analysis of expenses, with the exception of SAP Ariba since the availability of its new module Category management.
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Among the arsenal of tools and models available to players in the purchasing sector, intended to develop and implement a Category Management strategy, the Kraljic matrix stands out as the preferred option. , according to the results of the recent online survey conducted by Acxias on this topic. This matrix, which simultaneously evaluates “supply complexity” (taking into account factors such as competition, risks, etc.) and “impact on the bottom line” (taking into account criticality, volume , etc.), garners impressive support, with 52.6% of respondents citing it. It is thus positioned at the top, well ahead of competitors such as the SWOT model and that of Porter's Five Forces, which were respectively chosen by 31.5% and 5.3% of participants.
It should be noted that 10.6% of respondents prefer to rely on other methods or simply do not use any specific model for category management. This diversity of approaches reflects the richness of practices and choices in terms of purchasing management within organizations.
Whatever the individual preference, it is notable that these tools and models, whether traditional or more innovative, are gaining importance and adoption within digital solutions dedicated to procurement, even if they are still widely applied in Excel . They provide invaluable assistance in classifying and analyzing spend, thereby contributing to the optimization of purchasing processes and maximizing economic benefits for businesses.
A striking example of this evolution is the recent introduction of the Category Management module by SAP Ariba. This innovation highlights the growing recognition of the importance of purchasing management within companies, while highlighting the constant adaptation of practices and resources available to professionals in the sector. The future looks bright for category management, with increasingly sophisticated tools and ever-deeper integration into digital purchasing solutions, opening new perspectives for tomorrow's purchasing strategies.