The function of industrial purchasing is undergoing a drastic change. We have developed the purchasing guidelines to accomplish this challenge.

1. Customer Satisfaction
   
   Our purchasing targets are driven by customer satisfaction and customer requirements. We work in cross-functional teams to receive the best value, which is a combination of function, delivery and cost. Quality is first in this process.
   
   
2. Quality
   
   We in purchasing are responsible for supplier quality. We are striving for zero-defects in purchased goods and services. We work closely together with other departments to accomplish zero-defects.
   
   
3. Supplier Development
   
   We need innovative and high performing suppliers for goods and services. We have an open and fair long-term relationship with our suppliers. We respect our suppliers as independent entrepreneurs. We actively develop our suppliers towards world-class suppliers.
   
   
4. Fairness and Openness
   
   We make purchasing decisions unbiased only based on facts and known criteria. We utilize mutually agreed upon criteria and processes within RB to select suppliers, to reach our targets and to evaluate supplier performance.
   
   
5. International Activities
   
   We create competitive advantages for our company through systematic international procurement marketing. We support our international development and manufacturing network with an international purchasing network
   
   
6. Systems Network
   
   We are supported by a global information systems network.
   
   
7. Market and Products
   
   We consider sourcing activities in the market and internal cooperation in product or customer projects to be equally important. Therefore, we participate actively in development and cost optimization of products. It is an important task for us to systematically involve technically competent suppliers early in the development process.
   
   
8. Environmental Responsibility
   
   Environmental issues are important to us. We consider them in our purchasing decisions regarding recycling and waste production, in packaging and in transportation.
   
   
9. Continuous Improvement
   
   We continuously improve the structure and the processes of purchasing and of all procurement activities.
   
   
10. Associate Development
    
    We are able to cope with the increasing requirements in the purchasing process by specifically improving the technical and social competency of our associates.