Demand Flow manufacturing procurement programs can be effective only as part of an integrated company-wide implementation that views material suppliers as an extension of the Demand Flow production process.

The basic premise of the buyer/supplier relationship must shift from an antagonistic, price-based engagement to a cooperative relationship based on mutual benefit.

Personnel in the procurement department find their roles changing as well. Buyers spend far less time order launching and expediting and more time on flexibility management, contract negotiation, and the packaging and transportation aspects of the procurement process.