Digitization in procurement — challenges and success factors: A study of the current state in German-speaking companies

As a result of the ever‐growing availability of new technologies and decreasing cost of computing power, there are constant fresh starting points for creating value in companies and especially in procurement. There are, however, still comparatively few studies that reflect the current state of digitization in purchasing in the German‐speaking countries. Further, there are mostly theoretical approaches, which are relatively unexplored in practice. Therefore, a survey with purchasers in German‐speaking countries (180 useable responses; approx. 12% response rate) was performed. This survey was based on an extensive analysis of the available literature. The focus was placed on the current state of digitization as well as on challenges and possible methods for simplified implementation. The majority of companies is still at the beginning of the penetration of new digitization concepts in the procurement process. When implementing new software and digital tools, the support of (top) management is crucial. The intensive and early involvement of employees is similarly essential for the success of digital transformations in procurement. The hypotheses introduced do not represent a complete set of solutions for a successful implementation. However, the results should be taken into account by other companies when it comes to developing their own strategies. Based on these findings, the measures and methods of digitization in procurement that are critical for success should be analyzed in more detail through further (case) studies.