HA! Days: the trends that are transforming the purchasing function

Temps de lecture : 5 minutes

Written byPénélope Aknine

Organisés par Républik Achats, les HA! Days s’imposent comme l’un des événements de référence pour les professionnels de la fonction achats en France.

The edition ofMarch 10 and 11, 2026brought together, over two days, more than 200 decision-makers and about a hundred suppliers in a hybrid format combining one-to-one meetings, workshops, and networking, in a premium setting.

Their strength lies in a resolutely operational approach, based on direct exchanges, pre-qualified meetings, and the search for concrete solutions.

Divided into several themes,the HA! Days cover the main challenges of the sector and promote connections between stakeholders.

​ ​ ​ ​Ce qu'il faut retenir

• Strategic event: the HA! Days bring together decision-makers and suppliers for concrete and high-value exchanges.
  
  
• Transformation of the purchasing function: digitalization, data, artificial intelligence, responsible purchasing (CSR, decarbonization, CSRD), and a strengthened strategic role.
  
  
• Collaboration and performance: risk management, sustainable supplier relationships, cross-functionality with IT/marketing/CSR, innovation, and new work models (freelancing, sourcing).

1. Les HA! Days : un rendez-vous stratégique au cœur de la transformation des achats

Positive Company® était présente aux HA! Days pour présenter sa solution Scoring, un outil innovant qui aide les directions achats à mesurer et piloter la performance RSE de leurs fournisseurs de manière simple et opérationnelle. L’objectif était clair : montrer comment concilier performance économique et impact environnemental et sociétal, tout en sécurisant la chaîne d’approvisionnement.

Lors de cette édition, nous avons pu échanger directement avec de nombreux décideurs et fournisseurs grâce à un format hybride alliant ateliers pratiques, rendez-vous individuels et sessions de networking. Ces rencontres ont permis de mettre en lumière l’efficacité de Scoring, depuis la collecte et l’analyse des données fournisseurs jusqu’à la génération de tableaux de bord clairs, facilitant la priorisation des actions stratégiques et le suivi opérationnel des engagements RSE.

Some key figures from our participation:

+ 120 people met over two days
+ 10 meetings with pre-qualified purchasing decision-makers and suppliers

Les retours ont été très positifs : Scoring a permis aux participants d’identifier rapidement les fournisseurs à fort potentiel RSE, de visualiser les risques et opportunités, et de disposer d’indicateurs concrets pour intégrer la RSE dans leurs décisions d’achat.

Scoring by Positive® est une solution conçue pour évaluer les partenaires et fournisseurs selon des critères RSE adaptés à chaque organisation, que ce soit une PME, une ETI ou un grand donneur d’ordre. Elle permet de mieux comprendre et piloter son écosystème, d’aligner ses valeurs avec celles de ses partenaires, et d’optimiser la chaîne de valeur tout en renforçant la gestion des risques liés aux achats responsables et au devoir de vigilance / CS3D.

Ils nous font confiance : 

© Republik Group – Purchasing

2. Tendances clés : ce que les HA! Days révèlent des achats de demain

The different editions of the HA! Days highlight strong trends that redefine the role and priorities of purchasing departments.

1. Digitalization and data at the heart of purchasing performance

Digital transformation is omnipresent: dematerialization, e-procurement, SaaS platforms, and data-driven management. Purchasing departments are now looking tostructure their data and improve their supplier visibilityto gain efficiency and strategic management.

The rise ofartificial intelligencealso marks a turning point, with questions about the maturity of organizations and their ability to leverage smarter purchasing information systems.

2. The rise of responsible purchasing

CSR issues have become structural: decarbonization, inclusive purchasing, regulatory compliance (CSRD, duty of vigilance), and scope 3 management.

Purchasing departments are now expected toreconcile economic performance with environmental and societal impact, while integrating supplier risk management.

3. An increasingly strategic purchasing function

The HA! Days illustrate the transformation of the role of buyers: from a function historically focused on costs to a functionthat creates value and partners with the business.

This is reflected in:

• increased involvement in strategic decisions,

• strengthened collaboration with other departments (IT, marketing, CSR...),

• and attention to theROI of purchasing projects.

4. Risk management and supplier relationships

In an uncertain context (geopolitical, regulatory, supply chain), companies are strengthening their approach torisk managementand supplier relationship management (SRM).

The goal: to secure supplies while building moresustainable and collaborative relationshipswith partners.

5. The evolution of work models and services

Finally, the HA! Days highlight the rapid evolution of certain segments, particularly intellectual services, characterized by:

• the rise of freelancing,

• the pressure on certain profiles,

• the need for new sourcing and management models.

© Republik Group – Purchasing

En conclusion : une fonction achats en pleine transformation

More than just an event, the HA! Days establish themselves as a truerevealer of the profound transformations in the purchasing function. Through the diversity of exchanges and feedback, they provide a concrete understanding of the challenges faced by buyers today.

Amid accelerated digitalization, increasing demands for sustainability, and the growing strategic role of purchasing departments, one conviction stands out: the function is no longer just about optimizing costs; it becomes akey lever for competitiveness and value creation..

In an increasingly uncertain environment, the HA! Days thus remind us of one essential thing: the purchasing performance of tomorrow will rely as much on theability to innovateas on the ability tocollaborate intelligently with its ecosystem..

Sources :

• Official page of the HA! Days event:https://www.republikgroup-achats.fr/ha-days
• HA! Days – Digitalization of purchasing:https://www.republikgroup-achats.fr/ha-days-e-achats