Compared to other main groups of procurement, capital equipment features numerous characteristics that significantly impact the purchasing process. The process of purchasing capital equipment therefore requires specific attention and above all a systematic approach.  To overcome these challenges, a holistic process model and specific tools and methods for capital equipment purchasing are presented.

The following topics regarding capital equipment purchasing are presented:

             Compliance management

             Savings measurement

             Life cycle costs and total cost of ownership

             Determining the optimum useful life and replacement time

             Real options approach for the evaluation of investment alternatives

             Performance contracting

Readers are provided with a comprehensive and structured process model for capital equipment purchasing. The comprehensive set of methods including various instruments and methods presented in this book support the establishment of a professional capital equipment purchasing process.

The authors of this series are researchers of the University of St.Gallen, scientists of other leading international research centers with the focus on procurement and supply chain management, consultants of Kerkhoff Consulting and practitioners. As a result of the frequent formation of mixed teams, consisting of authors with theoretical and practical background, a close link between these disciplines occurs.

Introduction to Capital Equipment Purchasing.-  Characterisation of Capital Equipment.-  Characterisation of Capital Equipment Purchasing.-  Typical Challenges and Possible Solutions in the Procurement of Capital Equipment.- Process for the Procurement of Capital Equipment.-  Instruments and Methods of Capital Equipment Purchasing in Terms of the Players Involved.-  Instruments and Methods of Capital Equipment Purchasing in Terms of the Characteristics of Procurement Objects.-                Overall Conclusions on Capital Equipment Purchasing.-                References.