Should Costing: The Present and Future of Should Cost Analysis

Cost analysis has long been a cornerstone of strategic sourcing and procurement strategies, enabling businesses to understand and optimize their expenditure across various components and parts of their supply chain. With the increasing globalization of supply chains and the growing complexity of manufacturing processes, the need for comprehensive cost analysis has become more pronounced than ever before.

What is should cost analysis?

• In today’s business landscape, where purchasing power, supplier profit margins, and key cost drivers significantly impact a company’s bottom line, should cost analysis has emerged as a powerful tool for procurement teams. By dissecting the costs associated with the manufacture and purchase of a product, should cost analysis enable organizations to conduct accurate price comparisons, identify opportunities for cost optimization, and enhance profitability.
• From the procurement team’s perspective, should cost analysis involves a detailed examination of all components, materials, and assembly processes involved in the production of a product. This analysis extends beyond the immediate costs associated with manufacturing to encompass broader considerations such as outsourcing, quality, and performance.
• Whether a product is manufactured domestically in the United States or overseas, should cost analysis provides valuable insights into supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing decisions. By estimating the costs associated with different materials and manufacturing processes, businesses can develop a clear understanding of their budgetary constraints and identify opportunities to leverage cheaper materials without compromising on quality or performance.
• Ultimately, the goal of should cost analysis is to empower businesses to make informed decisions that drive profitability and enhance competitiveness in the marketplace. By shedding light on the true cost of a product and its components, should cost analysis equips procurement teams with the insights they need to negotiate effectively with suppliers, optimize their supply chain, and maximize overall business value.

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What is a should cost analytics?

Should Cost Analysis be termed in one word as a cost estimator. It is a process of determining what a product should cost based on the cost of the input materials, the cost of production, and profit margins. It assists the supply chain professionals in seeking a fair and reasonable price from the suppliers and enables strategic sourcing for components and parts. A should cost analysis model helps the procurement and finance function to understand the impact of individual elements on the product’s pricing strategy and helps them to make well-informed decisions based on supply market intelligence. For procurement leaders, understanding what determines the cost of a product is the pivot around which the entire procurement function revolves.

The concept of should-cost analysis was the brainchild of the U.S. Department of Defense who continuously strived to improve the governments ability to monitor pricing and drive cost savings opportunities. It has become an important part of the government procurement process and has been included in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Today, should cost analysis can be applied to a variety of industries such as manufacturing industry, automotive industry, retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries. It helps the management to gain knowledge about the pricing strategies and their effect on their supply chain, helps build a strong supplier relationship management and drives profitability. However, organizations often shy away from leveraging this cost modeling technique as they find it too complex and time-consuming.

What do organizations follow to determine the product cost?

Business entities have termed the new age should cost analysis as something beyond their understanding. This is because they are accustomed to traditional product costing methods such as cost structure analysis, activity-based costing, and strategic sourcing. There is no doubt that these are effective cost analysis methods but theres a flip side to it. These cost methods are often one-dimensional, rigid, costly, and difficult to scale across functions or cost elements, and they do not help in building a strong supplier relationship. As a result, the organizations fail to take into consideration the 360-degree view of the supply market, competitive landscape, and trends in the industry.

Future trends in procurement: Should cost analysis

Businesses require tools and methodologies, like should cost analysis, that help them ascertain the price they should actually pay, squeeze supplier margins to the bare minimum, and receive the best possible quotes for sourcing materials and parts. In business, organizations dont get what they deserve, they get what they negotiate. Similarly, the should cost analysis model will enable the organizations to negotiate well with the suppliers, thereby creating a win-win situation for the buyer as well as the supplier. It will facilitate collaborative development, improve product quality by leveraging supplier insights, mitigate potential supply chain risks, and have a bigger shot at driving profitability. As against the traditional costing methods in use, should cost model will help organizations to determine the set-up cost to ascertain optimum order quantitates and inventory levels.

Organizations can reap several benefits and create a competitive advantage by integrating should cost analysis in their supply chain processes. At SpendEdge, we help our clients to have a first-mover advantage in their specific industry by providing actionable insights to make well-informed sourcing and procurement decisions

Upcoming trends in the cost analysis

In the realm of cost analysis, several emerging trends are reshaping the landscape and influencing how businesses approach pricing, negotiations, and supplier relationships. These trends are driven by a multitude of factors, including evolving market dynamics, advancements in technology, and shifting global economic landscapes. Let’s delve into some of the upcoming trends in cost analysis:

1. Advanced Analytics and AI: With the proliferation of big data and advanced analytics tools, businesses are increasingly leveraging data-driven insights to conduct more precise cost analyses. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are being employed to analyze spend data, identify cost-saving opportunities, and optimize procurement strategies.
2. Predictive Cost Modeling: Predictive cost modeling techniques are gaining traction, allowing businesses to forecast future costs based on historical data, market trends, and other relevant factors. This enables organizations to anticipate fluctuations in prices, negotiate more effectively with suppliers, and make informed decisions about pricing strategies.
3. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Analysis: Beyond analyzing direct costs, businesses are increasingly incorporating TCO analysis into their cost analysis frameworks. TCO analysis takes into account not only the initial purchase price but also other factors such as maintenance, repair, and disposal costs over the product lifecycle. This holistic approach provides a more comprehensive view of the true cost of a product or service.
4. Supply Chain Transparency: There is a growing emphasis on supply chain transparency, driven by consumer demand for ethically sourced products and increased regulatory scrutiny. Businesses are investing in tools and technologies that enable them to trace the origins of raw materials, assess the environmental and social impact of their supply chains, and ensure compliance with regulations.
5. Dynamic Pricing Strategies: In response to evolving market conditions and competitive pressures, businesses are adopting dynamic pricing strategies that adjust prices in real-time based on factors such as demand, supply, and competitor pricing. This allows organizations to maximize revenue and profitability while remaining agile in a rapidly changing market landscape.
6. Supplier Collaboration and Risk Management: Collaboration with suppliers is becoming increasingly important in cost analysis. Businesses are forging closer partnerships with key suppliers, sharing cost data, and collaborating on cost-saving initiatives. This collaborative approach not only fosters innovation but also helps mitigate supply chain risks and disruptions.
7. Blockchain Technology: Blockchain technology is being explored as a means to enhance transparency, traceability, and security in cost analysis. By leveraging blockchain-based platforms, businesses can create immutable records of transactions, track the movement of goods throughout the supply chain, and verify the authenticity of products and materials.
8. Sustainability and Environmental Cost Analysis: With growing awareness of environmental issues and climate change, businesses are incorporating environmental cost analysis into their overall cost analysis frameworks. This involves assessing the environmental impact of various materials, manufacturing processes, and supply chain activities, and factoring these costs into decision-making processes.
9. Strategic Sourcing from Lower-Cost Global Regions: As businesses seek to optimize costs, many are exploring strategic sourcing opportunities in lower-cost global regions. This trend is driven by the desire to reduce labor costs, access new markets, and capitalize on economies of scale. However, businesses must carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of sourcing from these regions, considering factors such as quality, lead times, and geopolitical risks.
10. Rising Costs of Rare and Asymmetrical Materials: The increasing scarcity and complexity of certain raw materials, such as rare earth metals and asymmetrical materials used in advanced technologies, are driving up costs and posing challenges for cost analysis. Businesses are exploring alternative materials, investing in research and development, and collaborating with suppliers to mitigate the impact of rising material costs on their products and profitability.

In summary, the future of cost analysis is characterized by a combination of advanced analytics, predictive modeling, supply chain transparency, dynamic pricing strategies, and a focus on sustainability and risk management. By staying abreast of these emerging trends and leveraging the latest tools and technologies, businesses can gain a competitive edge, optimize costs, and drive long-term profitability.

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Here’s how SpendEdge can help with should cost analysis

SpendEdge’s Should Cost Model empowers organizations to enhance their budget forecasting, mitigate risks associated with price volatility, and optimize supplier negotiations. By meticulously dissecting each cost component, our comprehensive cost models provide unparalleled insight into the true cost of products and services. This enables businesses to swiftly respond to risk scenarios, predict price fluctuations, and negotiate effectively with suppliers armed with accurate cost data. Complete visibility into product cost breakdowns facilitates the identification of ideal suppliers for long-term partnerships, while eliminating the need for price hedging. Moreover, our detailed cost analysis derived from Spend Analysis tools enables organizations to uncover opportunities for cost savings, optimize budget planning, and identify alternatives to products or services with high profit margins or inefficiencies. With Should Cost Analysis, businesses gain a strategic advantage by understanding current and future market trends, ultimately driving cost optimization and maximizing profitability.

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