Purchasing & Production

Core Assortment for Manufacturing Companies: Consolidating Production, Warehouse, Hygiene, and Office

In manufacturing companies, many departments order similar consumables – often with different brands, sizes, and suppliers. A core assortment establishes a binding standard while still allowing for technically necessary special items.

Which Areas Does It Include?

How to Build a Core Assortment

1. Evaluate order data from the last six to twelve months.
2. Record frequent items, variants, and suppliers.
3. Consolidate identical applications.
4. Coordinate quality and safety requirements with departments.
5. Define standard items and approved alternatives.
6. Store cost centers, budgets, and approvals.
7. Regularly review the assortment based on consumption.

Separate Standard and Special Needs

Production-relevant special items should not be replaced solely for price reasons. The core assortment should therefore clearly differentiate between general consumables and products determined by technical, hygienic, or safety requirements.

Advantages for Purchasing and Departments

• Less time spent searching and comparing
• Fewer incorrect orders and unsuitable variants
• Better volume bundling and conditions
• Easier substitution during vacation or illness
• Transparent consumption by location and cost center
• Simpler approval of sustainable alternatives

Digital Ordering Channels

In the online shop or e-procurement system, personal lists, cost centers, budgets, and approvals can be mapped. Employees then preferentially see items approved for their location or area of responsibility.

Minimum Stock Levels and Alternatives

For critical items, reorder points and suitable substitute products should be agreed upon. This allows for a response to supply bottlenecks without having to re-evaluate every alternative.

Typical Mistakes

• Assortment is determined only by purchasing without departments
• Special needs and standard items are mixed
• Too many nearly identical variants remain
• No alternatives for bottlenecks are approved
• The core assortment is not maintained after introduction

Frequently Asked Questions

How large should a core assortment be?

As small as sensible and as large as necessary. The key is that the majority of regular needs are covered.

Are employees allowed to order outside the core assortment?

This can be regulated through approvals. Special needs should remain possible but should be traceable.

How often should the assortment be reviewed?

At least regularly, and additionally in the event of major changes to locations, equipment, or processes.

Can each location have its own items?

Yes. A common core can be combined with location- or department-specific additions.

What data does Wiepa need for creation?

Previous order lists, consumption quantities, locations, cost centers, and special product requirements are helpful.