What is the main function of procurement in Materiel Management?

The primary function of procurement in Materiel Management is to acquire goods and services needed for an organization to operate effectively. This includes the process of identifying needs, selecting suppliers, purchasing products, and ensuring that those goods meet the requirements for quality and timeliness. Procurement plays a crucial role in establishing supply chains, managing inventory, and ensuring that operational needs are met efficiently.

While the development of new products is vital, it falls outside the procurement function, which focuses more on sourcing existing goods and services. Quality control is essential but typically managed by other departments or functions, ensuring that the products acquired meet the standards required by the organization. Customer relations, while important for business success, relate more to sales and client interactions rather than the direct function of purchasing and procurement within Materiel Management. Thus, the role of procurement centers distinctly around acquiring the necessary supplies to support organizational operations directly.