The Procurement department of the future will not only be responsible for delivering products at the right cost, at the right time and in the right quality. It must also ensure that the emissions targets of the Paris Climate Agreement are met, that new, sustainable materials are used, or ensure that there are no risks of potential human rights violations in the supply chain.
VISION Framework: Reimaging product cost optimization
By Shantanu Verma and Maxwell Gustafson
Why traditional cost-cutting no longer works
Manufacturers today are navigating a perfect storm: rising raw material prices, geopolitical instability, and increasingly complex supply chains. In this environment, incremental cost reductions and siloed procurement strategies fall short, leaving 60-70% of cost optimization potential untapped. What’s needed is a radical rethinking of how cost is approached — not as a constraint, but as a strategic lever.
"At its core, VISION is built on the belief that true cost transformation requires both technical depth and commercial agility."
The VISION Framework: A fusion of technical insight and commercial strategy
Roland Berger and PolarixPartner, a Roland Berger subsidiary focusing on cost and process optimization in the manufacturing industry, have developed a new VISION framework that offers exactly that: a comprehensive, cross-functional methodology designed to unlock savings in direct material costs. But more than a framework, VISION represents a new way of thinking — where engineering, procurement, and suppliers collaborate to drive innovation and efficiency from the inside out.
At its core, VISION is built on the belief that true cost transformation requires both technical depth and commercial agility. The framework is built around six pillars:
- Value: Uncover hidden cost drivers through product teardown, competitive benchmarking, and consumer insights.
- Innovation: Foster cross-functional collaboration and supplier co-development to drive design improvements.
- Sourcing: Leverage technical insights to enhance RFPs, supplier negotiations, and sourcing strategies.
- Impact: Deliver measurable savings of 20–35% through aligned technical and commercial levers.
- Optimization: Streamline processes to accelerate time-to-market and improve internal synergy.
- Now: Execute with urgency, delivering results in weeks — not years.
The process begins with should-cost modeling to establish a baseline, followed by intensive workshops that bring together cross-functional teams to challenge assumptions and uncover hidden value.
These sessions go beyond surface-level analysis. Teams dissect product requirements, benchmark against competitors, and explore design alternatives. Supplier feedback is integrated early, enabling co-development and smarter sourcing decisions. The result is a dynamic, iterative process that delivers rapid, measurable impact.
Why VISION outperforms traditional benchmarking approaches
"Cost is no longer a constraint — it’s a strategic lever."
While conventional cost-down initiatives typically yield 8–15% savings, VISION consistently delivers up to 35%. That’s because it doesn’t rely on isolated levers — it aligns technical and commercial strategies to create powerful synergies.
By understanding the true cost drivers of a product — from materials and labor to machine utilization — companies gain the clarity needed to negotiate effectively, source strategically, and innovate confidently. This holistic approach transforms cost from a reactive exercise into a proactive advantage.
Powered by unique expertise and tools
Roland Berger and Polarixpartner back VISION with world-class infrastructure and analytical tools. Polarixpartner’s 800 sqm teardown facility enables granular product analysis, while proprietary platforms like POLARIXCOSTING and Spend Cube Analyzer provide real-time cost intelligence.
With access to a database covering over 1,500 machines and 200+ product categories, clients can model scenarios, assess CO₂ footprints, and benchmark performance with precision. These capabilities, combined with the expertise of PolarixPartner, ensure that every recommendation is grounded in data and engineered for impact.
Real-world results: From concept to savings in weeks
VISION isn’t just theoretical — it’s proven. Across industries, Roland Berger has helped clients achieve hundreds of millions in direct material savings, streamline product platforms, and accelerate time-to-market. In many cases, companies uncover dozens of actionable ideas in just a few sessions, with implementation timelines measured in weeks, not years.
Explore what VISION can do for you
For leaders ready to challenge the status quo, Roland Berger offers a complimentary “Power Hour” — a one-on-one session to explore how VISION can be tailored to your business. It’s an opportunity to engage with experts, review best practices, and begin your journey toward transformative cost savings.
Because in today’s competitive landscape, cost isn’t just a number — it’s a source of strategic advantage. And with VISION, Roland Berger is helping manufacturers reclaim it.
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