Most companies already have their 2026 budgets approved.
But real efficiency… only starts now.

The challenge isn’t planning — most organizations can handle that.
The real test comes later: in the day-to-day execution of operational decisions.

For operational leaders, procurement managers, and medical facility owners, responsibility isn’t just about “watching the budget.”
The money allocated for 2026 should actually improve how the organization works, raise service quality, and boost patient satisfaction — not just look good in Excel.

Even though the macroeconomic environment is more predictable than a few years ago, it’s the quality of everyday decisions that drives results.
Daily routines have a real impact on the bottom line.
Without streamlined processes and a well-coordinated team, even the best budgets remain just numbers on paper.

Three areas that will define operational efficiency in 2026:

1. Procurement and investments — less guesswork, more data.
Big costs show up where budgets are underestimated.
Risks include delivery delays, relying too heavily on one supplier, or unexpected disruptions — like transport issues for medical products from China.
Decisions based purely on assumptions quickly become outdated.

2. Automation and AI — helping, not replacing, humans.
AI is already part of everyday work.
It’s most valuable when it supports procurement, finance, and admin processes, especially for repetitive tasks.
Humans still make the calls, but automation keeps everything organized and speeds things up.

3. Aligning procurement and finance.
Labor costs are rising, including social security contributions, and currency or transport pressures are real.
Procurement can’t operate in isolation from finance and operations.
When these areas aren’t aligned, problems appear fast — and financial results suffer.

In 2026, operational efficiency is about turning strategic decisions into real actions and measurable outcomes.

Budgets are just the starting point. How you use them is what creates a real advantage.