The transition from generalist to specialist

Ronny Neumann, Head of Procurement at Deutsche Werkstätten, is well aware of the developments within the company and the inevitable consequences this has on internal processes. Projects are increasing both in size and complexity, pushing suppliers to their limits. Project buyers have little choice but to specialize. At Deutsche Werkstätten procurement have allocated specialist buyers responsible for separate material groups: glass and mirrors, metals, leather and fabrics. These experts have a vital role to play, keeping up to date with all the latest trends and products in their specific area of expertise as well as seeking out and identifying new suppliers.

All this whilst promoting the high level of quality associated with Deutsche Werkstätten. Ronny Neumann explains that if the project buyers are to do their job properly, they should be relieved from the burden of other administrative tasks, such as the ordering process. “The project buyer must be in a position to propose a supplier who can provide the necessary quality and has the required capacity to the engineering team. In this way the transition from generalist to specialist makes both economic and organizational sense.”

Editorial note: This article was published in 2020.