We’d like to demystify the term e-procurement and show you how your business or organisation can make significant cost savings. The more orders you place each year, the greater your potential savings.

Procurement professionals use the term e-procurement to describe how to optimise the purchasing process. E-procurement simply means a streamlined, optimised ordering process handled electronically.

Is it worth looking into? That’s for you to decide. To help you make up your mind, let’s talk about C-parts and the numbers. 

Another Anglicism. Consumables is the English word for Verbrauchsmaterial (consumables). It refers to the ongoing need for low-cost products that have to be replenished regularly. C-items are not limited to traditional office supplies; they can also include light bulbs, hygiene products or coffee pods.

Experts estimate that a single ordering process costs a business between €100 and €300. That doesn’t mean the shopping basket, but the actual processing costs. Reading and comparing catalogues, browsing the internet for bargains, setting up and maintaining multiple suppliers in the accounts system, submitting requests to the purchasing department, getting approval from budget holders, checking incoming goods, and so on all consume enormous amounts of staff time and resources. Everything that makes sense when purchasing capital goods becomes absurd when ordering C-items, as the costs often exceed the value of the shopping basket.

The very smart people who have analyzed and quantified the process costs of traditional ordering at their companies have concluded that a lean, efficient electronic ordering process can save around €100 per order. Peanuts, you say? If a purchasing department in a company or organization handles three requisitions a day, multiply that by two hundred working days, then multiply that figure by forty euros in savings, and we're talking about substantial sums per year.

To streamline the process, we need what’s known as a core range, which we define together with you. The core range includes the C-items you order on a regular basis. Whether these are office supplies, conference room supplies or washroom hygiene products doesn’t matter. We’ll set up your core range with special terms, add it to the ordering platform and make it visible to users. Then we’ll review your ordering process together and map it electronically. Our job is to tailor your ordering platform and make it available to you online. Your job is to encourage your employees and colleagues to focus on products in the core range. Once it’s all set up, you can start saving.

1. Save costs by consolidating orders

With a single central supplier and a defined core range, you benefit from lower purchase prices and save money by consolidating orders.

2. Transparent orders and costs

Keep track of all orders, see exactly which organisation ordered which products and which items are needed most often. Our solution gives you a clear overview and makes budget planning easier.

3. Centralised management and simple processes

Manage all orders in one system! Authorised employees simply sign in with their email address and can browse the set product range or create order lists. No more confusing communications with multiple suppliers—one central contact is all you need.

4. No shipping costs

Set a minimum order value and you’ll no longer pay shipping costs, helping you save even more.

Customer numbers & cost centres: Each organisation is assigned a specific customer number or cost centre, making it easy to allocate orders.

Fixed prices & core range: Agreed purchase prices for all Diakonie organisations ensure consistent and fair terms—with no surprises.

Purchasing authorisation: Only authorised employees can place orders for your area of responsibility, so you always stay in control.

Transparent order history: All orders can be tracked at any time—for simple and efficient management.

All this can be set up in our regular online shop with customisations tailored to your needs.

Significant cost savings by consolidating orders and setting fixed purchase prices.

Greater transparency into orders and spending—ideal for accounting.

Easy to use, with a single supplier and a clear user interface.

Future-proof: a scalable system that grows with your organization.

All Arbeiterwohlfahrt organisations: From pregnancy counselling to youth services and daycare centres, every team benefits from simpler, more transparent purchasing. Accounting and finance departments: Simplified invoicing and transparent documentation make budgets easier to manage. Purchasing and administration teams: No more managing multiple suppliers or searching for the best prices—everything in one place.