Contracts in Sourcing Process: A Basic Guide for Buyers

Many junior buyers think about contracts too late. They prepare the RFQ, collect supplier quotations, compare prices, select the preferred supplier, and only then start looking at the contract. This often creates...

Technical specification as part of a RFQ

Technical Specification for Buyers: How to Define What You Want to Buy

Learn how buyers use Technical Specifications in RFQs, how they differ from Statements of Work and Service Descriptions, and how to write clear procurement requirements.

Competence Development for Buyers: How to Build an Individual Development Plan in Procurement

Learn how to create a development plan for a buyer using competence assessment, gap analysis, LHTS training roadmap, and the Input – Reflect – Act microlearning principle.

Blanket Purchase Order Explained: When to Use a BPO in Procurement

A Blanket Purchase Order (BPO) is a type of purchase order issued by businesses to vendors that covers multiple delivery schedules over a period.

Share of Supplier Turnover in Procurement: How Much Spend Is Healthy?

Learn how procurement professionals assess share of supplier turnover, supplier dependency, risk, bargaining power, and when the 20% guideline should or should not apply.

direct and indirect categories in procurement

Direct and Indirect Procurement: Key Differences and How Buyers Use Them

Direct and indirect procurement explained for buyers. Learn the key differences, examples, sourcing tactics, spend analysis connection, and why the distinction matters in procurement.

Third-Party Witnessing and Factory Acceptance Test in Procurement

Third-party witnessing and Factory Acceptance Tests help buyers verify equipment before shipment. Learn how FAT supports RFQs, supplier delivery, risk control, and shipment release decisions.

How Professional Buyers Can Use ChatGPT in Procurement in 2026

Learn how buyers can use ChatGPT in procurement for RFQs, supplier research, negotiation preparation, contract support, and supplier management — with practical governance and risk guidance.

Google Alerts for Procurement: Know Your Suppliers and Stay Informed About Your Market

Learn how Tactical buyers and Category Managers can use Google Alerts to monitor suppliers, markets, risks, and sourcing opportunities in procurement.

Social Sustainability in Procurement: How Buyers Can Move Beyond Audits and Create Real Change

Learn how procurement can support social sustainability by moving beyond audits, managing supplier risks, creating manoeuvring space, and embedding social criteria into the procurement process.