Kraljic matrix
Kraljic portfolio matrix · Purchasing portfolio matrix
The Kraljic matrix is a portfolio framework that positions categories by their impact on business results and the complexity or risk of the supply market, suggesting different sourcing approaches.
Saved terms stay in this browser. No account or server request is involved.
Simply put
What it means in ordinary work
It sorts purchases into groups such as routine, leverage, bottleneck and strategic. The label is a prompt for a tailored approach, not a permanent verdict on a supplier.
Why it matters
Different supply situations need different levels of competition, collaboration, risk management and senior attention. The matrix helps focus effort where it matters.
A hypothetical in practice
A hypothetical manufacturer classifies stationery as routine, standard fasteners as leverage, a specialised coating as bottleneck and a critical control system as strategic. Each gets a different sourcing and supplier management approach.
Common pitfalls
The matrix is a simplification. Two teams may score the same category differently, so document criteria and review periodically.
It does not prescribe a single strategy or prove a supplier is strategic. Use it as a conversation tool.
Regional lens
How this lands where you work
The global explanation is canonical. Regional notes are additive, separately sourced and shown with their own review state. They never replace the global meaning.
Loading your saved region.
As-of date for date-sensitive regional content: 5 November 2026. Read the review policy.