November 25, 2025

Welcome to The Sidekick, a monthly procurement newsletter dedicated to Sourcing Heroes around the country.

Una is a group purchasing organization that helps over 10,000 active members save more money and simplify procurement.

Join us today at www.una.com.

The challenges ahead - and how to prepare.

Welcome to this month's issues of The Sidekick!

Wouldn’t it be nice if a newsletter like this predicted an easy, stress-free year ahead for procurement practitioners? Unfortunately, that’s not the case for 2026. There are some challenges ahead and it's sure to be a wild ride. 

This issue of The Sidekick addresses these challenges - and how procurement pros can prepare to tackle them head on. We also catch up on what's been happening with the economy and touch on the latest AI procurement news.

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Let's get into Issue #022...

And how to tackle them head on.

Our reading of several major 2025 industry reports, along with literally hundreds of conversations with Una members across U.S. organizations of every size, have revealed six red-hot issues coming down the pipeline that will impact procurement in one way or another.

There is good news, though. All of these disruptions can be mitigated with the help of a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) like Una. Let’s start with the biggest concern. 

Inflation might be easing, but that doesn't mean prices are dropping. Suppliers, particularly in sectors like logistics and IT, are still pushing through price increases.

A major survey by Deloitte highlights that cost reduction remains the top priority for 68% of procurement leaders. With the cost of everything from maintenance services to facilities steadily climbing, there’s a mounting risk that organizations won’t be able to “save their way” out of tight budgets any longer.

How your GPO can help:
Una leverages over $100 billion in group buying power to secure massive discounts that most organizations can’t achieve on their own. Members gain immediate access to over 2,500 pre-negotiated supplier contracts, seeing an average of 18-22% savings across multiple categories.

With Una, there are zero obligations. Una is free to join and our contracts are free to use as you see fit - always.

We're witnessing a wave of supplier consolidation, especially in areas like MRO, packaging, and chemicals. Larger players are snapping up smaller competitors, which might sound good from a corporate perspective but can create a headache for procurement teams looking to lower risk through diversification.

A report from Ivalua/Hackett Group found that reduced competition directly impacts procurement's leverage and flexibility. With fewer options, procurement teams are left with less negotiating power, amplifying the challenges they face.

How your GPO can help:
GPOs like Una create savings by consolidating spend, but this doesn’t mean we are limited in the number of suppliers we work with. Una has hundreds of supplier partners and thousands of contracts ready to go, so we’re confident we’ll be able to find you cost savings in every major indirect category.

This means you can access multiple options, even in a consolidating market. 

Get ready for more paperwork! ESG reporting, cybersecurity mandates, and possibly AI governance rules are a good thing. But each comes with a growing pile of compliance requirements.

The Ivalua/Hackett Group's study points out that compliance is one of the many pressures procurement will face, and without the necessary resources, teams may struggle to ensure supplier compliance, adding stress to their already packed schedules.

How your GPO can help:
We use stringent methods to audit and investigate potential partners before signing any agreements. GPO members can be sure that due diligence has been performed and all suppliers have been thoroughly vetted.

Additionally, leading GPOs regularly review partnerships with suppliers to ensure members are getting the best-possible deal and identify any issues that could expose members to operational, reputational, or regulatory compliance risk.

Thanks to Una's vast network of suppliers and breadth of contracts available, our team is able to connect you to the right supplier who will meet your compliance and regulatory needs.

The job market is tight, especially for experienced procurement professionals. Many small teams are already stretched to their limits, and with compliance mandates ramping up and market volatility potentially increasing, burnout is a real concern. 

Recruitment is getting more challenging and costly, with businesses preferring to hire specialists over entry-level roles. In fact, we’re seeing a sudden and dramatic drop in entry level hiring across the board as organizations put their faith in AI to pick up the slack. 

How your GPO can help:
Think of Una as an extension of your crew, helping you quickly tap into savings on indirect spending and save your bottom line. You don’t have to navigate economic challenges on your own.

Una’s sourcing advisors are ready to help you find savings opportunities, so you can tackle anything 2026 throws at you head-on and keep your organization thriving.

Everyone’s talking about AI these days, and executives are determined to implement it everywhere. But many current AI solutions are fragmented and far from mature.

Deloitte’s 2025 Global Chief Procurement survey indicates a big push toward AI, but also highlights concerns about talent, integration, and ROI. Teams may find themselves investing money into tech that complicates workflows instead of simplifying them, leading to frustration rather than the streamlined processes they hope for.

How your GPO can help:
Una helps you keep a finger on the pulse of AI trends in procurement with resources such as our guide to Agentic AI in procurement. and GenAI Prompt Library.

Last but definitely not least, supply chain resilience is becoming more critical than ever. Geopolitical tensions, climate events, and logistical disruptions are just part of the picture. Procurement leaders will need to focus on building resilience while dealing with mounting costs.

How your GPO can help:
GPOs can provide members access to pre-negotiated contracts with top suppliers, reducing risk and the time taken to move to a new supplier. What’s more, our suppliers are locked in to agreed pricing for the length of the contract, which means your GPO acts as a stabilizer when prices are rising.  

…But those who are proactive and prepared will have a better chance at navigating the complexities ahead. With cost pressures, regulatory demands, and a tightening talent pool, strategic planning and adaptability will be key in 2026. 

If you’re looking for one thing to do now that will help put you in a better position for the year ahead, go ahead and get in touch with Una for an obligation-free chat about how we can help you save.

Keeping a pulse on the industry.

💫  Resources from Una

• GenAI Prompt Library for Procurement
• GPO Cost Savings Calculator Tool
• How GPOs Can Shield Your Procurement Strategy Amid Persistent Inflation
• 4 Reasons to Include Group Purchasing in Basic Procurement Training
• Year-End Budget For Procurement: Maximizing Next Year’s Savings
• Food Purchasing is Emotional: Turn Down the Heat With a GPO
• 11 Reasons to be Thankful for Working in Procurement
• Episode 229 of The Sourcing Hero Podcast featuring Pamela Gerber

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