Digitalization is radically transforming procurement. In many companies, manual processes still hinder efficiency. But automation opens enormous potential – faster workflows, leaner inventory, and more resilient supply chains. We spoke with Tobias Schreiner, Partner Manager of Slimstock Germany, about how companies can make the leap into the future.
1. How does Slimstock turn purchasers into “superstars”?
Our goal is to support purchasing teams so they can focus on what really matters: strategic decisions and the targeted management of inventory, service levels, and supplier collaboration.
With our solution Slim4, we automate many daily routine tasks while providing maximum transparency across the entire supply chain. This not only gives purchasers valuable time but also provides a solid data foundation for better decisions.
As a result, purchasers evolve from mere order processors into true drivers within the organization. They can identify trends early, respond effectively to changes, and simultaneously improve availability and inventory coverage.
In the end, the purchasing team is recognized and valued because it contributes clearly to the company’s success.
2. What makes Slimstock unique?
Slimstock stands for supply chain excellence and efficient inventory optimization. For over 30 years, we have been developing solutions that make supply chains more transparent, efficient, and predictable. Slim4 is more than just a tool – it’s a platform that intelligently connects planning, purchasing, and supply chain.
As a privately-owned company, we emphasize long-term partnerships and entrepreneurial responsibility.
What sets us apart is the combination of technology and consulting. We support our clients not only during implementation but also long-term with expertise and experience. Our approach is collaborative, practical, and focused on clear value.
Clients appreciate quick results such as higher availability, fewer shortages, and optimized inventory. Slim4 lays the foundation for better decisions and sustainable success in the supply chain.
3. Which areas of procurement can be automated fastest and most effectively?
In my view, demand forecasting, order proposals, and replenishment are particularly suitable for rapid and effective automation. These operational processes are highly data-driven and offer significant efficiency potential. Automated supplier performance analysis also helps purchasing departments make informed decisions and gain more time for strategic tasks.
4. Where are the biggest levers for efficiency and productivity?
Many companies struggle with excessive inventory, supply bottlenecks, inefficient replenishment processes, and a growing shortage of skilled personnel. Studies show that around 30% of companies lose up to 10% of their inventory value annually due to misplanning, overstocking, or stockouts.
Using Slimstock enables automated and precise demand planning and optimized inventory control. In practice, inventories can be reduced by 20–30%, while service levels rise above 95% with significantly less planning effort – a crucial advantage in a tight labor market.
The biggest levers lie in combining intelligent forecasting, automated order proposals, and strategic transparency, resulting in tangible efficiency gains in purchasing, planning, and supply chain.
5. Can you give a concrete example of how Slimstock improves purchasing and inventory efficiency?
Certainly! One impressive example involves a client with six planners managing over 5 million SKUs.
Through automation with Slim4, Roast Market was able to halve weekly review and ordering effort. Micro-management was no longer needed, allowing planners to focus on more strategic tasks.
Similarly, Kave Home, an omnichannel furniture retailer, reduced its inventory by 40% thanks to Slim4. Brilliant also reduced capital tied up by 25%.
These are just a few of many success stories showing how Slimstock, through intelligent automation and data-driven planning, makes procurement and inventory significantly more efficient while freeing up capital.
6. How does Slimstock strengthen supply chain resilience amid volatility and geopolitical risks?
Slimstock strengthens supply chain resilience through transparency, proactive planning, and rapid responsiveness. Our software detects demand fluctuations, delivery delays, and inventory risks early and supports scenario simulation and evaluation of alternatives.
Especially in volatile markets or during geopolitical risks, Slimstock helps adjust safety stock, prioritize critical items, and reveal supplier dependencies. This allows companies to make informed decisions and actively prevent bottlenecks before they occur.
7. What role do AI and machine learning play at Slimstock?
AI and machine learning are central to developing our solutions. They allow us to detect complex demand patterns early, continuously improve forecasts, and automatically respond to market or customer behavior changes.
We use these technologies to make planning processes smarter, more dynamic, and adaptable. This enables faster, better-informed decisions, even in uncertain or highly fluctuating markets.
At the same time, many companies are not yet fully ready for AI because they often lack sufficient high-quality data to train reliable models. Addressing this challenge is essential to fully leverage AI’s potential.
8. How easily can Slimstock integrate into existing procurement and SCM processes?
Slimstock integrates quickly and seamlessly into existing procurement and supply chain processes. Our solution is compatible with all major ERP systems and adapts flexibly to existing structures and workflows.
Thanks to standardized interfaces, a clear project structure, and close collaboration with business units, implementation usually takes only a few weeks. This ensures quick results with minimal effort, without major system overhauls.
9. What advice do you give companies planning Procurement 4.0 but hesitant about major changes?
The key is to start small and proceed step by step. Companies should begin by automating individual, well-defined processes, such as demand planning or inventory optimization. This allows quick wins and builds team acceptance.
It is also important to use solutions that integrate flexibly into existing systems without requiring a complete IT overhaul. Close collaboration between IT, purchasing, and supply chain ensures practical implementation and visible benefits.
Procurement 4.0 does not necessarily mean disruptive changes but continuous improvements with tangible added value.
10. How do Kloepfel Consulting and Slimstock support companies together in transformation?
Kloepfel Consulting and Slimstock complement each other perfectly to support companies holistically in digital procurement and supply chain transformation. Slimstock provides software for automated demand planning and inventory optimization, while Kloepfel brings deep industry knowledge and consulting expertise.
Together, we help companies analyze processes, identify potential, and implement tailored strategies. This ensures not only technical implementation but also organizational alignment and sustainable transformation impact.
This close collaboration allows companies to benefit faster from modern technologies and make their supply chains more resilient and efficient.
11. What will procurement look like in 2030?
By 2030, procurement will rely heavily on data-driven decisions, and many routine tasks will be automated. Purchasers will increasingly focus on strategic topics such as supplier management, innovation, and sustainable sourcing.
Flexibility will be crucial to respond quickly to market changes and geopolitical challenges. Sustainability will play an even greater role and be embedded in procurement processes.
Procurement will also collaborate more closely with other business areas to make supply chains more efficient and resilient.
Learn more about Slimstock: www.slimstock.com/de/
Contact:
Kloepfel Group
Damir Berberovic
Tel.: +49 211 941 984 33
Email: rendite@kloepfel-consulting.com