In an economic context where the preservation of margins is a major challenge for 73% of French leaders (according to the report ‘Barometer of French leaders 2025’ published by Eurogroup Consulting), manufacturers must rethink their value chain to remain competitive. The central question is no longer just to buy directly from the source, but to determine what needs to be produced internally and what needs to be outsourced (or what to produce and what to outsource). This is the thinking of the ‘make or buy’: where does your business create the most value and how to optimize the rest of your supply chain?

Make or Buy: a rational approach to maximize value
The challenge is to identify the components or subsets where your industrial know-how brings real added value and to subcontract the rest to competitive suppliers. This approach involves:
- A value chain analysis : What are the essential elements that you should keep internally?
- Optimized sourcing : Buy where costs are most competitive without compromising quality.
- A trade-off between direct purchase and wholesalers : Depending on the necessary volumes, should you buy directly from the manufacturer or go through an importer for more flexibility
Concrete case: the example of a door manufacturer

Take the example of a door manufacturer who analyzed its value chain. Its expertise lies in the machining and customization of doors, not in the manufacture of raw panels. After an in-depth study, he identified that:
- Machining and customization remain internally, because this is where it brings the most value and differentiates its product on the market.
- Door panels can be purchased directly in Asia, according to its specifications, thus reducing its costs while guaranteeing quality and sustaining its activity in France.
How is Eastwise supporting this transformation?
At Eastwise, we help manufacturers to structure their ‘Make or Buy’ thinking and identify the best sources of supply in Asia. Our support is based on three axes:
- Understanding your needs : We analyze your value chain to identify what can be outsourced to gain competitiveness.
- Identification of the best sources : We put you in touch with qualified manufacturers, without unnecessary intermediaries.
- Optimization of costs and conditions : We negotiate for you the best purchase and logistics conditions.
An example: Our customers save an average of 20 to 30% on their purchase costs by going directly to the source.
You got it, we don’t just offer solutions. We become a strategic partner by accompanying you at each stage. Communication strategy, you position yourself as a credible and serious potential business partner.
Ready to turn your purchases into a competitive lever?
Reducing costs while optimizing quality and flexibility is a major challenge for any industrialist. With a well-structured approach, you can focus your resources on your core business and buy smart. At Eastwise, we are at your side to take up this challenge and accompany you in each step.
Ready to optimize your purchases? Contact us for a free diagnosis and start transforming your supply chain today!


