Before approving a purchase; a CFO should add key questions.
Many boards still measure purchases by the immediate price. But that is the most expensive mistake: looking at the cost as a snapshot rather than a movie.
✅ 3 questions every CFO should ask before signing:
1️⃣ What is the total life cycle cost? (maintenance; energy; replacement; final disposal).
2️⃣ How does it impact the carbon footprint and ESG indicators? (every sourcing decision today conditions contracts and market access tomorrow).
3️⃣ What reputational risk does it entail? (an unsustainable supplier today can cost fines; loss of customers and brand damage).
Today; being a "strategic partner" to your potential customer or supplier also depends on your purchasing decisions.
Smart buying is not about choosing the cheapest option; it is about ensuring efficiency + compliance + competitiveness.
👉 CFOs; purchasing managers: do you already apply these questions in your decision-making process?
