Kernsortiment im Einkauf: Warum weniger Auswahl oft mehr Geld spart

Core Assortment in Purchasing: Why Less Choice Often Saves More Money

by Anna Ullmann on Jun 12, 2026

Procurement & Purchasing

Why less choice often saves more money and how companies can make their procurement more efficient through standardized products.

What is a core assortment?

A core assortment is a firmly defined selection of products that employees are encouraged to use for their daily work.

Instead of choosing from hundreds of similar products, the company focuses on a manageable number of proven items.

Copy paper Ballpoint pens Folders Toner Paper towels Cleaning supplies Coffee Packaging material

Why do companies introduce core assortments?

In many companies, employees order the same products in numerous variations.

  • Ten different ballpoint pens
  • Five different types of copy paper
  • Several brands of paper towels

This leads to higher process costs, additional administrative effort, and lower purchasing volumes per item.

A core assortment creates clear standards and ensures greater transparency in purchasing.

What are the advantages of a core assortment?

Reduced search effort

Employees do not have to compare products anew with each order. The appropriate items are already defined.

Higher purchasing volumes

When many employees use the same products, the order quantity per item increases, and better conditions become possible.

Fewer incorrect orders

Standardized products reduce inquiries, incorrect purchases, and unnecessary complaints.

Faster procurement

Orders can be placed, checked, and approved significantly faster.

Simplified inventory management

Fewer different items mean:

  • lower storage requirements
  • better overview
  • easier reordering
  • less tied-up capital

Which products are suitable for a core assortment?

Office supplies

  • Ballpoint pens
  • Markers
  • Notepads
  • Folders
  • Copy paper

Hygiene products

  • Paper towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap
  • Cleaning supplies

Catering supplies

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Sugar
  • Milk portions

Packaging material

  • Cardboard boxes
  • Adhesive tape
  • Shipping labels

How to create a core assortment?

Step 1: Analyze purchasing data

  • Which products are ordered most frequently?
  • Which items generate many individual orders?
  • Where do many variants exist?

Step 2: Define standards

Select products that are reliably available, meet requirements, and are economically viable.

Step 3: Involve employees

Acceptance increases significantly when affected departments are involved early on.

Step 4: Review regularly

Needs change. Therefore, the core assortment should be updated regularly.

Common mistakes with core assortments

Too many exceptions

If every employee receives special requests, the core assortment loses its purpose.

Too large assortments

A core assortment is meant to reduce selection, not just rename it.

Lack of communication

Employees should understand why standards are being introduced and what benefits they bring.

Core assortment and digital procurement

Many companies store their core assortments directly in the procurement system or B2B shop.

Employees automatically see the preferred items and order them with a few clicks.

  • Individual price lists
  • Approval processes
  • Order histories
  • Cost centers
  • Fixed assortments

Conclusion

A core assortment is one of the simplest measures to reduce process costs and simplify procurement.

Fewer variants mean less effort, better overview, and often better purchasing conditions.

Especially for frequently needed C-items, a well-thought-out core assortment can enable significant savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a core assortment contradict individual needs?

No. It only standardizes recurring basic needs, not project-related special requests.

How many items should a core assortment include?

There is no fixed number; the key is to cover needs with as few variants as possible per product group.

Who should maintain the core assortment?

Ideally, a central purchasing manager who regularly coordinates with specialist departments.

Further Wiepa Guides

Efficient Office Organization: Reduce Costs & Boost Productivity
Central vs. Decentralized Procurement: Which path is right for your company?

Sources

German Environment Agency – Sustainable Public Procurement

Build a core assortment for your company?

Wiepa supports companies in analyzing purchasing data, defining sensible standards, and implementing digital procurement processes.

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