Functional Category Strategy

Strategic category management is a lever for operational efficiency and savings. EFESO empowers procurement teams to build category strategies that deliver real value – cost, innovation, and risk aligned.

Creating a Clear Category Strategy

In today’s volatile environment, many procurement functions lack a clear roadmap for individual categories or part families. Given that materials and purchased parts often account for 60 – 80% of manufacturing costs, EFESO helps you build category strategies that are essential for market competitiveness. Without it, companies face inconsistent pricing, overlapping specifications and missed innovation opportunities within supplier networks.

Meet our Functional Category Strategy Leader

Dr. Kenneth Sievers

Partner

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Real Results Achieved with our Clients

€4B+

Savings achieved across industries

6 – 12%

Average cost reduction per category

400+

Category projects executed

A Tailored and Pragmatic Approach that Fits your Reality

Our structured 9-step model combines critical elements such as analysis, strategy formulation, and implementation within a clear, actionable workflow. Working through this model alongside your team, we'll ensure that potential improvements are quickly identified, prioritized, and – thanks to clear governance and a project management office – sustainably realized.

Real Results Together

Functional Category Strategy Client Results

Explore Business cases & Client Results

Automotive and Commercial Vehicles

Private Equity

Automotive Supplier Doubles Scale Through Strategic M&A Integration

Industrial machinery manufacturer faced complexity in custom equipment production. We implemented modular design principles, standardized components, and optimized project management, reducing lead times by 40%.

Automotive and Commercial Vehicles

End-to-End Profitability Program for Global Automotive Supplier

Automotive supplier needed profitability improvement for complex drive components. We established end-to-end value optimization, supplier collaboration, and cost engineering, improving margins across entire value chain.

Aerospace & Defense

Accelerating Digital Transformation in a Global Aerospace and Defense Leader

Aerospace corporation faced fragmented digital infrastructure across divisions. We launched enterprise-wide transformation, integrated systems, and drove operational excellence, reducing operational costs by 10%.

The EFESO Touch

What sets EFESO apart is how we integrate strategy and execution. Our experts embed cost, risk, and innovation into category decisions across procurement, engineering, and finance. Future-ready procurement demands more than negotiation – it requires structured category strategies. EFESO helps you build the strategic backbone for cost-efficient, resilient, and innovative supply networks.

With over 500 projects and 400 category strategies delivered, we simplify complexity and align teams around value. Our practical, data-driven approach is anchored in measurable impact – delivered in close collaboration with your teams.