What Are The Different Types Of Indirect Spend Categories In Procurement?

Do you ever wonder where your company’s money goes? Indirect spend categories may not be as obvious as direct costs, but they can add up to a significant chunk of the budget. In procurement, indirect spending refers to expenses that are necessary for operations but do not directly contribute to producing products or services. From office supplies and software licenses to marketing campaigns and employee benefits, there are various types of indirect spend categories that organizations need to manage effectively. In this blog post, we will explore some common examples of these categories and provide insights on how to optimize their procurement processes. So grab a cup of coffee and join us on this journey through the world of indirect spending!

What is Indirect Spend?

Indirect spend is defined as the funds that a company allocates to purchases that are not directly related to its primary business activities. Indirect spend categories can include items such as office supplies, travel and entertaining, marketing and advertising, and professional services.

Companies typically have much more control over their direct spend, as it is directly tied to their core operations. Therefore, indirect spend is often seen as less important and is given less attention by management. However, because indirect spend can account for a significant portion of a company’s overall budget, it is important for procurement professionals to understand the different types of indirect spend and how to best manage them.

The Different Types of Indirect Spend Categories

Indirect spend includes all the money your business spends on goods and services that are not directly related to producing your end product. It’s important to categorize and understand your indirect spend so you can be strategic about how you procure those goods and services.

There are four main types of indirect spend:

1. Administrative Expenses: These are the costs of running your business, like rent, office supplies, legal fees, and insurance.

2. Marketing Expenses: These are the costs of promoting and selling your products or services, like advertising, public relations, and market research.

3. Information Technology Expenses: These are the costs of developing, maintaining, and upgrading your computer systems and software, like licenses, hardware, and support services.

4. Human Resources Expenses: These are the costs of recruiting, hiring, and training employees, like payroll processing and benefits administration.

Why is it Important to Classify Indirect Spend?

Indirect spend is important to classify because it can account for a significant portion of a company’s overall spend. By understanding where this money is going, procurement professionals can make more informed decisions about where to allocate resources. Additionally, indirect spend classification can help uncover potential areas of cost savings.

How can Organizations Optimize their Indirect Spend?

Organizations can optimize their indirect spend in several ways. One way is to conduct a spend analysis to understand where the organization is spending its money. This will help identify areas where the organization can save money. Another way to optimize indirect spend is to use purchase requisition automation. This will help ensure that all purchases are made through the proper channels and that there is greater control over spending. Finally, organizations can negotiate better contracts with suppliers. This will help to get the best possible prices for goods and services.

Conclusion

The different types of indirect spend categories in procurement can be complex and confusing. Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of the basics and helped you identify which category or categories are most relevant to your business needs. By properly categorizing your indirect spend, you will ensure that your company is maximizing its resources and getting the best value for money when it comes to purchasing goods and services. Remember, strategic sourcing is one of the keys to successful procurement management!