Follow-up Report on the 21st TSM Workshop at bbw University of Applied Sciences Berlin

28.03.2025

On March 27, 2025, industry experts, academics, and executives gathered for the 21st edition of the TSM Workshop at bbw University of Applied Sciences Berlin. Under the main theme "AI and Digitalization as a Revolution in Supplier Management", the event focused on how artificial intelligence and digital technologies are transforming tasks and processes in strategic procurement. The workshop offered the 43 participants a mix of best practices, academic insights, and practical solutions.

Highlights from the Agenda:

SRM NX - Scenario-Based Approaches in Strategic Supplier Management

Host Prof. Dr.-Ing. Robert Dust, Chairman of the BME Region Berlin-Brandenburg and President of bbw University of Applied Sciences, opened the workshop with an overview of the procurement scenarios that will shape the future of strategic sourcing. "IT delivers the data, but people make the decisions," Dust emphasized, highlighting the valuable synergy between technology and human expertise. The processes in supplier management, transformed through the use of AI, are also impacting how IT systems are used. Traditional menu structures are being replaced by user interfaces that will guide users through procurement scenarios in future SRM systems. This will lead to greater efficiency and achievement of strategic procurement and supplier management goals.

Tools, Methods, and Processes in Preventive Supplier Risk Management

Markus Schnackenberg, Global Supplier Quality Manager at SMA Solar Technology AG, shared his experiences with the implementation and application of preventive risk management based on the TSM approach. His key message: cross-functional risk management doesn't run on autopilot. The quality of required data, organizational changes, and added value in process execution and cost must be continuously monitored.

Achieving Optimal Procurement Outcomes through Transparency and Awarding Scenarios

Mark Daun, Head of Central Procurement at the Builtech Group, presented his centralized awarding strategies in a decentralized environment. The centralized awarding scenarios for decentralized project business in building technology are set to revolutionize strategic procurement in the trades sector.

Building a Future-Ready Supply Chain through Targeted Supplier Development

Henriette Dittmann, Supplier Manager at THIMM Verpackung GmbH & Co. KG, presented her initiatives and achievements in sustainable procurement in the packaging industry. Her approaches already include forward-thinking aspects such as a water footprint.

The subsequent roundtable discussions were well received by participants. IT solutions for preventive risk management and strategic procurement tasks were presented. In addition, approaches for implementing and establishing sustainable procurement and circular economy practices were discussed.

The event concluded with a summary and farewell coffee hosted by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Robert Dust, who emphasized:
"AI and digitalization are powerful tools, but at the heart of it all, communication and collaboration between buyers and suppliers will always remain essential."

Next Opportunity:
Join us at the next TSM Workshop! More information coming soon at: https://berlinbrandenburg.bme.de/veranstaltungen/4832