100% documented awards in the SAP system.
Evaluation logic and reasoning behind decisions are managed systematically – without the need for a parallel Excel universe.
40% less effort required for coordination.
Multi-level RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes are managed in a structured manner within the SAP environment.
50% fewer process variants.
Regardless of the source of the requirement, every request follows the same standardized process.
Sourcing management determines the quality of competition in purchasing.
S/4HANA reliably manages operational purchasing: Purchase requisitions, purchase orders, approvals, and document flows are neatly tracked within the system. The real challenge, however, begins before the purchase order is placed – at the stage where individual requirements give rise to structured competition.
FUTURA helps with four common challenges in competitive management within the SAP environment:
Volume is not consistently consolidated
Multiple purchase requisitions, locations, or specialist departments should be included in a single procurement process –in practice, this consolidation is often done manually. Potential remains untapped because market volumes are not systematically aggregated.
With FUTURA:
Consolidation of distributed requirements across organizational units
A basis for larger volumes and better comparability
Multi-level processes run outside the system
RFQs are possible. However, as requests become more complex – involving RFIs, RFPs, or multiple bidding rounds – a parallel process often emerges. These processes are managed outside the system and lose transparency and traceability.
With FUTURA:
Led several negotiation rounds directly within the SAP context
Consistent management of participants, deadlines, and information status
Price comparisons end up in Excel
Weighted evaluation matrices, technical criteria, and price comparisons are often consolidated outside of SAP. As a result, the award decision is based on information that is not fully documented within the system.
With FUTURA:
Evaluation matrices and weightings within the system
A comparable quote structure without Excel
Time constraints shorten the competition
If structured procedures seem too time-consuming, purchase orders are placed immediately. Not out of conviction, but for the sake of efficiency. Competitive bidding requirements are formally met – but not consistently utilized.
With FUTURA:
Reduced operational effort in structured processes
Supplier competition becomes scalable – even for routine awards
FUTURA enhances S/4HANA at the point where structured market interaction begins.
Different requirements outputs can be incorporated into a systematic procurement process – regardless of whether they originate from purchase requisitions, items or external sources.
What matters is not the starting point, but the consistent process logic that follows. This results in comparable quotations, clear evaluation structures, and transparent award decisions – all consistently implemented in the SAP system.
Market research
Conduct a structured analysis of the market and compile a well-researched shortlist – as a foundation for targeted competition.
A structured market survey allows you to identify potential providers, compare service profiles, and gather initial information on technologies, capacities, or references.
RFI processes create transparency in the supplier market and provide a solid foundation for subsequent requests.
Operational requests for quotation (RFQ)
Bundle standard RFQs from day-to-day operations and process them efficiently.
Make smaller day-to-day requirements subject to competitive bidding – instead of placing direct purchase orders or sending individual requests via email. Standardized RFQs consolidate similar purchase requests and enable a quick, transparent price comparison.
Strategic requests for proposals (RFP)
Manage complex awards methodically – with structured supplier involvement.
In the case of more complex procurements, prices are not the only factor; it is also important to have a shared understanding of requirements, services, and proposed solutions. RFP processes facilitate a structured dialogue with suppliers and lay the groundwork for comparable quotations.
Structured negotiation rounds
Use multi-level bidding rounds to systematically renegotiate quotations.
Bidding processes can be structured to include multiple bidding rounds. Based on transparent comparisons, suppliers are given the opportunity to revise and improve their quotations in a subsequent round.
Real-time e-auctions
Consolidate competition in a targeted manner and make market prices transparent – as an optional component of the sourcing process.
Multiple suppliers engage in direct price competition in real time. E-auctions can be used as a standalone process or as an additional round following a request.
Requests with item hierarchies
Structured representation of complex requirements and extensive item lists
Item Hierarchies enable the mapping of multi-level item structures with up to four hierarchical levels in SAP S/4HANA. These can be used to systematically manage even large-scale requests – for example, in construction, mechanical engineering, logistics, or facility management.
Evaluation & awarding
Intensify competition in targeted areas and make market prices transparent
Multiple suppliers engage in direct price competition in real time. E-auctions can be used as a standalone process or as an additional round following a request.
Experience FUTURA live
Greater impact in purchasing – directly trough S/4HANA.
FUTURA enhances S/4HANA with:
… controllable sourcing events and transparent award decisions,
Other solution areas:
Systematic integration of suppliers into the procurement process.
Item list/GAEB-based service logic and integrated supplement management.
FAQ
Why is the operational SAP process often insufficient for strategic sourcing?
S/4HANA manages purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and document flows systematically.
However, strategic sourcing requires structured market interaction, multi-stage processes, and a transparent evaluation logic. This methodical control goes beyond the mere document process.
How does FUTURA complement the sourcing management in SAP?
FUTURA complements S/4HANA with a structured sourcing layer that precedes the purchase order process. While SAP manages the operational document flow, FUTURA systematically handles market research, RFI/RFQ/RFP processes, evaluation, and award decisions within the SAP environment.
This makes sourcing events manageable, quotations comparable, and decisions are transparently documented – in compliance with Clean Core and without altering operational standards.
Why are external workarounds so common in supplier competition?
While documents and approvals are managed systematically, the standard system provides only limited support for more complex market interactions – such as multi-level requests or structured quote evaluations.
Therefore, in practice, additional coordination and comparison mechanisms are used outside the system.
What is the difference between an “evaluation” and a traditional comparison of quotations?
Evaluation refers to the multidimensional assessment of quotations based on defined criteria and weightings.
The goal is a documented and traceable award decision – not merely a comparison of prices.
Get started quickly, work easily, scale flexibly – ready for real SAP purchasing?
FUTURA expands SAP S/4HANA with end-to-end sourcing processes — SAP-native, without middleware, without a second system environment. Live in 4–8 weeks.
How FUTURA S/4HANA provides targeted and end-to-end enhancements – explained simply.
Get to know FUTURA - with your own procurement requirements. Free of charge, non-binding, concrete.
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