09.04.2026
02.04.2026
Fabian von Kleinsorgen VP Growth & Sales Operations
The efficient procurement of C-parts is a major challenge for many companies, because despite their low individual value, these small parts often cause a high administrative burden and rising costs. With well thought-out C-parts management and the right selection of manufacturers, processes can be automated, costs can be reduced and security of supply in production can be guaranteed.
At a glance
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ABC analysis: Production goods are classified into A, B and C parts. A and B parts account for a significant proportion of the purchase value, while the process steps for C items increase the overall value.
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Use of e-procurement: With e-procurement systems, operating resources can be reordered automatically as soon as replenishment is required. They also ensure close cooperation with reliable suppliers, which increases efficiency.
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E-Kanban systems: E-Kanban is used to determine requirements and provide C-parts. The technology enables lean and efficient procurement and warehousing of C-parts and reduces the amount of capital tied up in the company.
Definition and examples of C-parts
The term C-parts covers materials or products with a low value, but which are required in large quantities and cause high procurement costs. They typically have a value of less than EUR 20 per item and are only indirectly relevant to the end product. Examples of C-items include screws, nuts, seals, washers, tools, health and safety items and consumables such as lubricants. Office supplies and IT accessories are also C-parts.
Role of C-parts in the procurement process
Although C-parts are of low value, they require a high volume and administrative effort, which results in disproportionately high process costs compared to the value of the goods. This is due to the numerous work steps such as determining requirements, ordering, goods receipt, warehousing and invoice verification. In view of this, process optimisation in the form of optimised procurement is indispensable. The entire value chain in the company can be simplified through targeted digitalisation and automation, allowing companies to actively save time and money when reordering indirect materials.
Important: C-parts are also indispensable for the maintenance of machines and systems. MRO procurement should also be considered in the logistics processes, as this can also result in high costs.
Influence of C-parts on the cost structure
C-parts usually account for less than five percent of a company's total purchasing volume. Nevertheless, they have a considerable influence on the cost structure - primarily due to the high indirect process costs that arise during their procurement processes. The costs are disproportionately high compared to the value of the goods. In addition, C-parts not only have an impact on overall costs due to the large number of individual orders and complex warehouse management, but also on companies' time resources.
How does the efficient procurement of C-parts work?
The successful procurement of C-parts is based on simple strategies and the automation of processes. E-procurement systems are also helpful in bringing order to chaos and optimising individual processes in the long term.
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Read nowStrategies for optimising procurement processes
Companies can integrate the following strategies for optimising procurement processes into their workflows in order to sustainably reduce the procurement costs of C-Parts and simplify C-Parts procurement.
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- Digitalisation and automation: By using e-procurement systems such as simple system, orders, approvals and invoice checks can be mapped digitally, thus minimising manual errors and accelerating workflows in purchasing.
- Standardisation of products: With the help of standardization of C-parts, the number of items and suppliers can be reduced, which also simplifies the management of materials.
- Framework agreements with fixed conditions: Long-term contracts ensure stable prices and delivery conditions, reduce negotiation costs and create planning security.
- Centralized procurement: Bundling orders via a central purchasing office helps to achieve better conditions and increase the transparency of C-parts management. Maverick buying in the company is eradicated.
- Introduction of Kanban systems: They enable replenishment to be controlled based on actual consumption and the resulting requirements. They help to minimise stock levels and automatically trigger repeat orders.
- Supplier selection and development: The strategic selection of reliable suppliers with a high delivery capability is essential, as is the integration of these suppliers into digital systems.
- Digital archiving and e-invoices: Paperless processes to optimise document management are in demand. This allows companies to actively save time and costs.
- Outsourcing logistics and warehousing: It makes sense to work closely with specialised service providers who can efficiently manage the warehouse and replenishment.
Automating the ordering of C-parts
Automated ordering processes can be used to monitor stock levels in real time and automatically trigger orders as soon as the pre-defined minimum quantity of an item is reached. Electronic Kanban systems ( e-Kanban for short) link the warehouse and suppliers on a digital level so that replenishment for the production process takes place just-in-time and in line with demand. Thanks to this innovative technology, manual ordering processes will no longer be necessary in future, errors will be minimised step by step, and bottlenecks will be avoided.
All in all, the automation technology leads to leaner inventories, an optimised material flow and a significant reduction in workload for the purchasing department.
Benefits of e-procurement in C-parts management
In C-parts management, the use of e-procurement systems such as simple system represents a clear competitive advantage, as they digitise the entire procurement process for C-parts. Here are the advantages of e-procurement technology:
- faster and error-free order processing
- Transparent overview of orders and stocks
- Automated approval processes and invoice verification
- Simple supplier selection via integrated catalogues
- Reduction in paperwork and administrative costs
- Saves time and resources
Frequently asked questions
How do process costs affect C-parts management?
Process costs have a much greater impact on overall costs than pure material costs. Although C-parts often make up only about five percent of the purchasing volume, they can account for up to 80 percent of process costs through numerous work steps such as ordering, goods receipt and invoice verification.
What are the best methods for classifying C-parts?
The most common method for classifying C-parts is the ABC analysis, in which materials are divided into three classes according to their value share and consumption: A-parts, B-parts and C-parts. A goods have the highest value share compared to B and C goods and materials, but is only required in small quantities, while C parts are of low value but are used in large quantities. The value share and use of B parts is medium.
What are the most important factors when selecting suppliers?
Important criteria when selecting suppliers are the price-performance ratio, delivery reliability, adherence to delivery dates, as well as flexibility and availability. However, the depth of the product range and product standardisation also play an important role, as does implementation in digital procurement systems. Furthermore, factors such as sustainability are becoming increasingly important.
Fabian von Kleinsorgen VP Growth & Sales Operations
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