Digital manufacturing partners are increasingly establishing themselves as a useful addition or alternative to existing suppliers
What do buyers expect from modern procurement? And what role does digital procurement play for them? A recent representative market research study commissioned by FACTUREE shows that trust in digital manufacturing partners is high: 79% can imagine digital manufacturing service providers as their permanent main supplier for their orders. When asked about the top 3 reasons for considering new suppliers for their company, better prices (48 percent), increased reliability (47 percent) and high quality (46 percent) were cited in particular.
Digital procurement solutions are increasingly establishing themselves as a tool to meet the growing demands of modern purchasing processes. This is also confirmed by the study conducted by market research company Caspar Feld on behalf of FACTUREE in March 2025, which is based on online interviews with 181 procurement managers from industries such as mechanical and plant engineering, automotive and medical technology.
Among other things, the study found that 41% of respondents rated the ability to access a large supplier network through a single contract, rather than working with several individual suppliers, as "very helpful". Many are of the opinion that this would make procurement considerably easier and reduce the administrative workload. Only 4 percent of respondents rated this option as "critical" or "rather critical".
Growing market potential for digital procurement
Digital procurement has long since ceased to be a niche market and is becoming increasingly popular. 84 percent of respondents are familiar with this business model.
"The high level of awareness is a clear indicator of the establishment of the digital procurement model in the industrial environment. 78% of respondents see digital manufacturing service providers as a useful addition to existing suppliers, for example as a replacement supplier. And when asked about long-term use, 79% consider digital manufacturing service providers to be the main supplier for their orders," explains Chantal Kasper, Head of Marketing at FACTUREE.
Entry barriers for digital procurement
When it comes to concerns about using digital manufacturing service providers, the following points are mentioned (multiple answers were possible): Quality concerns (38 percent), fears that confidential parts drawings will be passed on (32 percent), too little transparency (28 percent) and higher costs (28 percent).
FACTUREE meets these challenges with a holistic procurement model. As the sole contractual partner, the digital procurement service provider coordinates all production processes and thus ensures a high level of reliability. Communication takes place via a fixed contact person and all processes - from inquiry to delivery - are in one hand.
"We can dispel any concerns regarding quality, data protection or price structure. This is because we guarantee the highest quality through certified processes in accordance with ISO 9001 and protect sensitive data at a high level through contractually regulated standards. In addition, FACTUREE is currently undergoing the ISO 27001 certification process and already works exclusively with data centers in Europe that are ISO 27001 certified," says Chantal Kasper.
FACTUREE only passes on data in the event of an order - and then only in anonymized form to the respective supplier. Even before the order is placed, FACTUREE can create a reliable price indication based on internal analyses and with AI support, without having to pass on sensitive data. "At the same time, we offer very good price conditions. By bundling suppliers in a targeted manner and using collective invoices, we create transparent and economical structures. We also achieve considerable savings by using our comprehensive market overview and AI-supported analyses to determine the most suitable manufacturer for each inquiry," explains Chantal Kasper.
FACTUREE also takes a holistic approach to quality. Every new supplier goes through a structured onboarding process. Only after successfully completing all the test phases (questionnaire, first small orders) is the supplier accepted into the permanent network. Chantal Kasper says: "This multi-stage approach ensures that we only work with partners who meet our high quality standards. We therefore stand for simple, low-risk and efficient procurement with a focus on customer benefits - from the initial inquiry through to delivery."
Nearshoring is becoming increasingly important
A central topic of the study is also the relocation of procurement and production processes to nearby countries, usually in the same or neighboring region to the company's location. The aim is to shorten delivery times and minimize risks. In view of global uncertainties, growing trade barriers and unstable supply chains, nearshoring is becoming increasingly important. Many buyers are deliberately moving procurement closer to their home market.
The study confirms this. The respondents were asked to divide their total purchasing volume proportionately between the different types of suppliers. For 36 percent of respondents, local suppliers account for 26 to 50 percent of their purchasing volume. For 40 percent of respondents, this figure is up to 25 percent. For 39 percent of respondents, national suppliers account for 26 to 50 percent of their purchasing volume.
FACTUREE supports this development through its extensive network of over 2,000 manufacturing partners based in Germany, Europe and worldwide. Almost all areas are covered, including CNC machining, sheet metal processing, 3D printing, casting and forging processes as well as surface technology and hardening processes. For purchasers and engineers, this means that they only have FACTUREE as an interface, which significantly reduces their sourcing workload and allows them to drive forward strategic projects and innovations more efficiently. This enables companies to push ahead with re-regionalization - with high quality, short distances and security of supply.
Customers exempt from CBAM requirements
Participants in the market research study were also asked about the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) regulation, which is currently the subject of much discussion in the industry. CBAM is a key element of EU climate policy and will have a lasting impact on the procurement strategies of many companies. For buyers, this means that the regulatory requirements for importing emission-intensive goods will increase. For 61 percent of those surveyed, CBAM-regulated components already play a role in their production. However, CBAM has no consequences for FACTUREE customers. They benefit from a full-service model in which FACTUREE is the only contractual partner to take on all customs and CBAM-related obligations - including documentation, compliance and processing
"The study clearly shows that buyers want less administrative work, maximum flexibility and a quick response. This is exactly what we deliver with our digital procurement model. It makes companies more agile, frees up their resources and ensures their competitiveness - even in a complex, regulated environment," explains Chantal Kasper.
