The procurement of production and drawing parts is becoming increasingly digital. A recent FACTUREE study shows that 6 out of 10 specialists are already using artificial intelligence (AI) in procurement. Primarily for material and supplier research, to speed up processes and for automated requests for quotations. AI is establishing itself as one of the most important drivers of digitalization in procurement.
The survey was conducted by FACTUREE together with the market research company Caspar-Feld in September 2025. It was based on online interviews with 166 participants, including technical purchasers, engineers, developers and managers in SMEs. The methodology included both single and multiple-choice questions to cover different aspects.
Use of AI in procurement is becoming established
The study makes it clear that AI systems and applications are already firmly anchored in procurement. 60 percent of respondents use AI-supported tools in their procurement processes. AI solutions are used to research materials, identify suitable suppliers or speed up processes.
„The high level of acceptance shows that AI is already shaping the day-to-day work of purchasing teams,“ explains Billy Schulz, Head of Sales at FACTUREE. „Digital assistance systems are perceived as practical support and enable faster, data-based decisions.“
New search methods: AI search is gaining in importance
Supplier search habits are also changing: according to the study, 14% of respondents already use AI tools to obtain information - an indication that new, digital search and decision-making channels are emerging in everyday procurement.
One example of this trend is the new FACTUREE Navigator. It is a free-to-use AI agent that answers technical questions about materials, manufacturing processes and surface treatments. Such tools make specialist knowledge accessible more quickly and simplify the research process.
Digital procurement is establishing itself as the standard model
In addition to the increasing use of AI, the study shows that the digital procurement model, i.e. centralized procurement via digital manufacturing service providers, is increasingly appreciated. 72% of respondents rate access to a large supplier network via a single contract as very or somewhat helpful.
FACTUREE also implements this business model. The Berlin-based company operates a network of over 2,000 certified manufacturing partners. It handles all central procurement tasks - from supplier searches and technical advice to production and post-processing.
Participants cite cost benefits (48 percent), availability and greater choice (43 percent) and speed (43 percent) as the most important advantages of this procurement model.
Trust remains a success factor: data protection and service count
Despite the growing acceptance of digital solutions, the results also show that 35% of respondents express concerns about data protection. In particular, respondents have reservations when it comes to handling sensitive parts of their records. Similarly, 25 percent fear that digitalization could lead to a lack of personal interaction and advice.
FACTUREE meets these requirements with a clear security concept: Production data is usually not required for a request for quotation. It is only passed on anonymously to selected partners in the event of an order. The IT infrastructure is located in ISO 27001-certified data centers in Europe. In addition, each customer has a personal contact person who accompanies the entire procurement process.
Brief portrait of FACTUREE:
FACTUREE offers a future-oriented all-in-one solution for the fast, reliable and up-to-date procurement of all types of drawing parts from a single source.
Based in Berlin, FACTUREE has an extensive production network of around 2,000 manufacturing partners from almost all sectors: CNC machining, sheet metal processing, 3D printing, casting and forging processes and surface technology.
Around 15,000 machines are constantly available for projects. Thanks to its virtually unlimited capacities, FACTUREE is always able to deliver and helps companies to position themselves in a resilient manner.
Prototyping projects can be carried out as well as small and large series production. The customer base is located in a wide variety of sectors such as mechanical engineering, medical technology, model making, robotics, automotive and aerospace.
Leading industrial companies such as Siemens and Parker Hannifin, SMEs, research institutes and universities are among its customers. Further information can be found on our agenda page.
