However, the path to mastering TCO lies in unearthing and understanding the more elusive indirect costs that often go unnoticed. Indirect costs can include a range of factors such as storage costs, maintenance costs, training costs, and disposal costs.
With a well-executed Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) evaluation, procurement professionals can not only control costs effectively but also enhance their overall operational performance. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) encompasses a holistic assessment of every cost related to the ownership and operation of a specific asset or product over its lifetime.
Calculating TCO involves defining the scope, identifying cost categories, quantifying costs, discounting future expenses, analyzing data, and implementing cost control strategies. With a comprehensive TCO evaluation, businesses can optimize procurement decisions, negotiate better contracts, and drive long-term cost savings.
TCO is the sum of all the costs and benefits associated with acquiring, using, and disposing of a product or service over its entire life cycle. TCO can help you compare different sourcing options, identify hidden costs, and optimize your spend. In this article, we will explain how to measure TCO and what factors to include in your calculation.