Purchasing Complex Services – Possibilities and Chances through Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 will impact several areas of the business world. One of these areas is the purchasing of network construction. Network construction is imperative for our everyday lives, as it enables the supply with energy and fresh water. Yet nearly no research has been conducted in the area of network construction. In order to examine whether the purchasers of network construction can be assisted with Industry 4.0 technologies this study has been conducted. Additionally, this qualitative research aims to assist with the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies in purchasing by segmenting the purchasing process into operational, tactical, and strategic elements. An extensive literature research has been conducted, covering the purchasing process, previous industrial revolutions, Industry 4.0 and purchasing various services. Afterwards 14 interviews with experts regarding network construction have been conducted, asking them about their daily challenges, Industry 4.0, and master data. The obtained results indicate that the purchasers of network construction generally wish for a simpler and more streamlined software, automized minor purchases, and an improved internal and external interconnection. Additionally, the results have shown that there is a need to closely manage suppliers and manage the upcoming changes.