The ultimate goal of procurement planning is coordinated and integrated action to fulfil a need
for goods, services or works in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost. Early and accurate
planning is essential to avoid last minute, emergency or ill-planned procurement, which is
contrary to open, efficient and effective – and consequently transparent – procurement. In
addition, most potential savings in the procurement process are achieved by improvements in the
planning stages. Even in situations where planning is difficult such as emergencies, proactive
measures can be taken to ensure contingency planning and be better prepared to address
upcoming procurement requests. For example