1. Introduction to Agile Procurement Systems

In a changing and challenging world, it is essential to find innovative ways to manage organizations. An important solution might come from their increased agility in facing continuous changes in the environment. This chapter stresses the role of procurement in such a strategy. It defines how procurement should go well beyond the traditional role of providing support to organizations in their relationships with vendors by also acting as a business in the business. It should aim to add value to the customers and to the organization. To reach this objective it is essential that procurement becomes more agile. The chapter describes how procurement can acquire flexibility by becoming leaner and more digital in its processes.