The ultimate procurement platform for components: How CNC24 is revolutionizing industrial parts procurement
In times of increasing complexity in supply chains and rising cost pressure, one topic is coming more into focus: indirect procurement. Also known as indirect procurement, it encompasses all those procurement processes that do not flow directly into the end product but tie up considerable resources. In technical purchasing in particular, this proportion can be…
Why a professional procurement platform for components is crucial
Manufacturing companies are currently experiencing a fundamental change in their procurement strategy. A high-performance procurement platform for components is evolving from a nice-to-have to a critical success factor. The complexity of global supply chains and increasing quality requirements are forcing purchasing departments to rethink.
A modern component procurement platform such as CNC24 offers the solution to these complex requirements. By digitizing the procurement process, companies can increase their efficiency, reduce costs and ensure the quality of their components at the same time.
What makes a first-class procurement platform for components?
Comprehensive supplier networks
A powerful procurement platform for components is characterized by a broad network of qualified suppliers. CNC24 connects companies with over 1,000 verified manufacturing partners who specialize in:
- CNC machining and precision manufacturing
- Sheet metal processing and stamped parts
- 3D printing and prototyping
- Cast and forged parts
- Surface treatment and finishing
Intelligent matchmaking technology
Parts procurement is optimized by AI-supported algorithms that automatically identify the best suppliers for specific requirements. This intelligent matching takes into account factors such as material specifications, tolerances, quantities and delivery times.
Transparent pricing
A key advantage of a modern procurement platform for components is the transparent cost structure. Companies receive comparable offers within a very short time and can make well-founded decisions without having to conduct time-consuming negotiations.
How a procurement platform optimally complements existing supplier networks
A common misconception is that a procurement platform for components should replace existing supplier relationships. In reality, it acts as an intelligent addition to the established supplier network. By onboarding a procurement platform, companies significantly expand their available range of parts and at the same time create an important backup strategy for critical procurement bottlenecks, which is where digital procurement comes in: Those who automate recurring tasks not only reduce costs, but also gain back valuable time.
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Hybrid procurement strategy: the best of both worlds
Successful companies today pursue a hybrid strategy. Proven regular suppliers remain in place for A-parts and series production. At the same time, a procurement platform for components opens up new possibilities for C-parts, prototypes and urgent requirements.
This dual strategy creates redundancy without additional expense. If a regular supplier fails, the platform steps in. If unusual manufacturing processes are required, a solution is quickly found via the extended network.
- Prototypes and small series
- Specialized manufacturing processes
- Short-term requirements and rush orders
- Rare materials and special components
- Backup capacities in the event of supply bottlenecks
Maximum range of parts thanks to platform integration
With the onboarding of a component sourcing platform like CNC24, the range of parts available expands exponentially. While a single supplier typically covers 50-200 different part types, a comprehensive platform provides access to over 10,000 different manufacturing options and material variants.
👉 These points reduce indirect costs and create space for strategic purchasing tasks.
Reading tip: How CNC machining works online
This spectrum expansion includes:
- All common and exotic materials (metals, plastics, ceramics, composites)
- All manufacturing processes from conventional to ultra-modern
- Various surface treatments and finishes
- Different quality levels and degrees of certification
- Flexible quantity ranges from individual parts to large series
Increased efficiency for the individual buyer
The everyday life of a modern buyer is changing
In the past: First thing in the morning, working through 20 e-mails from different suppliers, comparing offers, coordinating appointments. In the afternoon, dealing with complaints and researching new suppliers.
Today with a procurement platform: central overview of all projects, automated status updates, focus on strategic decisions instead of administration.
Before the platform: A buyer spends 60-70% of his time with:
- Supplier research and qualification
- Quotation preparation and tracking
- Document management and archiving
- Coordination between different departments
- Complaints management and quality assurance
With the platform: This time is reduced to 20-30%, as the component procurement platform takes over or greatly simplifies these tasks.
Enabling strategic focus
By relieving purchasers of routine tasks, they can concentrate on value-adding activities:
- Strategic supplier development
- Cost analyses and market observation
- Innovation and process improvement
- Risk management and compliance
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Parallel processing of several projects
Parts procurement via a platform enables buyers to process multiple procurement projects in parallel without compromising the quality of the individual projects. The platform technology automatically coordinates various requests and keeps the buyer informed of relevant developments. As a result, a significant reduction in the total cost of ownership (TCO) can be achieved.
Revealing the total cost of ownership
A procurement platform for components significantly reduces the total cost of ownership by assuming or eliminating numerous ancillary procurement costs:
Traditional hidden costs:
- Supplier search and qualification (on average 15-20 hours per new supplier)
- Negotiation cycles and proposal preparation (5-10 hours per project)
- Quality audits and certification management
- Documentation and compliance monitoring
- Complaints processing and reworking
- Storage of safety stocks
Professional manufacturing platforms such as CNC24 reduce these ancillary costs through consistent digitalization, automation and the use of AI along the entire supply chain:
- Optimized inventory planning – precise forecasts instead of safety stocks
- Pre-qualified supplier pools – immediate access to verified partners
- Automated quotation processes – quotations in hours instead of days
- Integrated quality assurance – continuous monitoring instead of random sampling
- Digital document management – automatic archiving and compliance
- Proactive complaint management – recognizing problems before they arise
FAQ
Component procurement via online manufacturer
How can I be sure that the quality is right?
Reputable component procurement platforms implement strict quality assurance processes. At CNC24, all suppliers undergo a multi-stage certification process including audits. There is a double quality control for each part. The manufacturer carries out the normal quality control during production, CNC24 additionally checks all components in the CNC24 measuring center and you receive a test certificate for each component. Should something still not fit, the platform will handle the complaint and provide a replacement free of charge.
Is a procurement platform also worthwhile for large quantities and series production?
Absolutely! Procurement platforms for components such as CNC24 are no longer just for prototypes and small batches. Modern platforms cover the entire spectrum from individual parts to large series with tens of thousands of pieces per year. For series production, CNC24 offers all the services of traditional suppliers: Sample approval procedures, quality inspections during production, framework agreements for 12-24 months and even storage with call-off service if required. The advantage over traditional suppliers: You get the same reliability, but with digital efficiency, transparent prices and access to specialized manufacturing processes. Many industrial companies now use parts procurement via platforms for 40-60% of their series components.
CNC24 has established itself as the most trusted procurement platform for parts in the DACH region. With over 50,000 successfully completed projects and a customer satisfaction rate of 98%, CNC24 sets standards in digital parts procurement.
What happens to sensitive design data?
Data protection is a top priority for professional procurement platforms for components. All design data is transmitted and stored in encrypted form. Only the suppliers selected for production are granted access – and only to the necessary data. All production drawings are transmitted anonymously to the manufacturers. In addition, all contract manufacturers are subject to a confidentiality agreement with CNC24.
What happens to sensitive design data?
Data protection is a top priority for professional procurement platforms for components. All design data is transmitted and stored in encrypted form. Only the suppliers selected for production are granted access – and only to the necessary data. All production drawings are transmitted anonymously to the manufacturers. In addition, all contract manufacturers are subject to a confidentiality agreement with CNC24.
Any further questions?
Quantifiable TCO reduction
Studies show that companies can reduce their total cost of ownership by 25-40% by using a procurement platform for components:
Direct cost savings:
- 15-30% lower purchase prices through market comparisons
- 50-70% reduction in procurement times
- 80-90% less administrative work
Indirect cost savings:
- Reduced warehousing costs thanks to more precise demand planning
- Less production downtime thanks to reliable delivery
- Lower quality costs thanks to prequalified suppliers
- Lower personnel costs through increased efficiency
Time savings through automation
Traditional parts procurement often requires weeks of communication with various suppliers. A professional procurement platform for components reduces this effort considerably:
- Automated request for quotation
- Digital document management
- Streamlined communication processes
- Integrated project overview
Quality assurance and compliance
Modern component procurement platforms implement strict quality controls. CNC24 ensures that all components meet the required standards through systematic supplier evaluations and continuous quality monitoring.
Concrete examples from practice: How companies benefit
Case study: medium-sized mechanical engineering company:
A Swabian mechanical engineering company reduced its procurement times for special parts from 4-5 weeks to 3-4 weeks by cleverly using the CNC24 platform in parallel with existing supplier contracts.
Automotive supplier experience:
A Tier 2 supplier now covers 40% of its prototyping requirements via the procurement platform for components, while series parts continue to be sourced via established partners.
Industries that benefit from optimized parts procurement
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering companies require a large number of specialized components. A comprehensive component procurement platform provides access to experts for a wide range of manufacturing processes and materials.
Automotive industry
In the automotive industry, precise parts procurement is critical to maintaining production cycles. A specialized procurement platform for components enables suppliers to reliably meet even short-term requirements.
Aerospace
The aerospace industry places the highest demands on precision and quality. As a procurement platform for components, CNC24 also meets the most demanding certification requirements of this industry.
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Three critical success factors in platform selection
Factor 1: Technical expertise of the platform team
Not all component sourcing platforms are created equal. The best platforms employ experienced engineers who understand technical drawings and can assess manufacturability.
Factor 2: Quality of supplier pre-qualification
A component procurement platform is only as good as its weakest suppliers. Rigorous intake processes and continuous assessments are crucial.
Factor 3: Integration into existing IT systems
The best parts procurement works seamlessly with ERP, PLM and other enterprise systems. APIs and standard interfaces save time and reduce errors.
- Detailed technical drawings
- Material requirements and tolerances
- Quality standards and certifications
- Delivery time window and quantities
Supplier management
An effective procurement platform for components enables systematic supplier management through:
- Performance monitoring
- Regular evaluations
- Long-term partnership development
- Risk management
Continuous optimization
Component procurement should be continuously analyzed and improved. Modern platforms offer comprehensive analytics and reporting tools for data-based decisions.
Why CNC24 is the leading procurement platform for components
CNC24 has established itself as the most trusted procurement platform for components in the DACH region. With a digitally networked measuring center for quality assurance, direct contacts in customer support and over 2,000 customers as well as 100,000 successfully completed projects and a customer satisfaction rate of 98%, CNC24 sets standards in digital parts procurement.
Unique advantages of CNC24:
- Comprehensive network of certified manufacturing partners
- Innovative AI-supported offer brokerage
- Transparent pricing without hidden costs
- Professional project support from inquiry to delivery
- Integrated quality assurance and certification management
Conclusion: The future of industrial parts procurement
A professional procurement platform for components is essential for competitive companies today. The digitalization of parts procurement not only enables efficiency gains and cost savings, but also greater flexibility and quality in production.
CNC24 is at the forefront of this development and offers companies of all sizes the tools and networks they need for successful component procurement. The platform combines proven manufacturing expertise with state-of-the-art technology, creating the ideal foundation for Industry 4.0.
Investing in a high-performance procurement platform for components today lays the foundation for sustainable business success and positions you optimally for the challenges of the future.
About CNC24
CNC24 is the transparent manufacturing cloud for the global procurement of components. With just one contract and contact partner, CNC24 provides access to more than 500 selected manufacturers from all over the world.
CNC24 specializes in plastic and metal components using the production methods of milling, turning, sheet metal processing, die casting, injection moulding and 3D printing.
For quality control, all parts undergo an additional test process in the in-house measuring center before they are delivered. CNC24 was founded in 2019 by co-founders Willi Ruopp and Marlon Gerat. The start-up serves all industrial sectors with a need for production parts – from special machinery and plant engineering to IOT and medical, testing and measurement technology.
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In times of increasing complexity in supply chains and rising cost pressure, one topic is coming more into focus: indirect procurement. Also known as indirect procurement, it encompasses all those procurement processes that do not flow directly into the end product but tie up considerable resources. In technical purchasing in particular, this proportion can be greater than expected - especially in CNC parts procurement.