Deal! 3 will be published on 20 May and offers an in‑depth overview of current developments and practical cases in the procurement profession. This edition highlights how major organisations and sectors are responding to the challenges of digitalisation, sustainability and professionalisation.
The interview with VDL Group shows how this Brabant‑based industrial conglomerate — with more than 100 operating companies and 300 procurement professionals — is strengthening its procurement function. VDL combines decentralised purchasing with central coordination and has launched its own Procurement Academy to enhance buyers’ skills. With increasing external turbulence and complex market conditions, the demands placed on procurement professionals continue to rise. The new Procurement Expertise Centre supports this through competence development, knowledge sharing, e‑procurement and governance. VDL’s approach illustrates how a hybrid procurement organisation can create synergy while still offering tailored support to its diverse operating companies.
The IT procurement sector is expanding rapidly, driven by emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning and integrated source‑to‑pay platforms. According to expert Rasa Raoufi of Mithra AI Solutions, the procurement function is at the beginning of a digital transformation that will take an entire generation to unfold. The main challenge lies in aligning infrastructure and skills within organisations. Digitalisation makes procurement more efficient, better informed and more proactive, but it also requires mature, integrated IT solutions and strong attention to user experience.
The University Medical Centres (UMCs) are taking an important step towards future‑proof healthcare by implementing category management. This strategic procurement model helps them better manage price increases, supply security, sustainability and staffing capacity. Through a tailored training programme delivered by Solvint Academy, procurement professionals and managers have been trained at three levels. The first pilot categories — joint prostheses, endoscopes and personal protective equipment — are generating valuable insights for further rollout. This approach strengthens collaboration, data analysis and stakeholder engagement, all essential for sustainable and efficient healthcare procurement.
Since 2015, the University of Twente has combined academic education with practical experience through a master traineeship in procurement and supply management. The programme responds to the growing need for specialised procurement professionals, particularly in the public sector and healthcare. By integrating academic research with hands‑on experience, students are prepared for a wide range of procurement roles and strategic challenges. This innovative pathway helps address the shortage of qualified buyers and strengthens the link between education and the labour market.