From Cost Cutter to Value Driver: What Matters in Modern Procurement

In this episode of “Values & Leverage,” Torsten Bendlin speaks with Carmen Erhardt, CPO of Swisslog, about how procurement can evolve from a mere cost center into a true value driver. It becomes clear that modern procurement is far more than just negotiation and savings reporting. It must be involved early in the business process, work closely with sales and projects, and make an impact where key decisions are made.

Carmen Erhardt demonstrates how this transformation can be successfully implemented in practice. Value in procurement isn’t created by chance, but through clear priorities, streamlined processes, and effective management of initiatives. She discusses how she spearheaded the shift from purchasing to procurement at Swisslog—through enhanced category management, increased digitalization, clear objectives, and the courage to discontinue initiatives that don’t make a meaningful contribution.

At the same time, this episode makes it clear that transformation is not just a matter of structure and methodology. It starts with attitude: with trust, clear leadership, and a culture where mistakes are allowed and performance is achieved collaboratively. Looking ahead also plays a central role: data is becoming a key resource in procurement, and AI is becoming a helpful digital assistant. Not as a replacement for people, but as a support system to create more space for the tasks that truly add value.

As Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), Carmen Erhardt oversees global procurement at Swisslog (KUKA Group). Prior to that, she spent approximately 20 years at Henkel, where she played a key role in shaping the company’s digitalization, analytics, and global source-to-pay structures.

Her motivation: To create measurable value in every role while demonstrating integrity