The comprehensive Global Purchasing Excellence Program (GPE) was started for the purpose of managing suppliers. It assists in selecting and evaluating suppliers on the basis of clear criteria.

High-performance partners are targeted for cooperation. Knorr-Bremse is thus able to further its success in the area of supplier management. In the last several years, the company has managed to increase the quality of supplier-delivered products by over 85% in the rail division alone. The continued development of processes, methods and resources will also lead to a permanent worldwide increase in efficiency and quality.

One subprogram, the Supplier Early Payment Program, is based on a clever financing model: entering supplier invoices on a Deutsche Bank internet platform. By simply clicking on an invoice, the supplier receives, if desired, immediate payment for the value of the invoice minus financing interest. Financing interest is based on the creditworthiness of Knorr-Bremse and is thus considerably lower than customary market rates. On the payment date, Knorr-Bremse transfers funds for all due invoices to Deutsche Bank. The Bank then either forwards the funds to the supplier or, in the case of prearranged financing, retains the equivalent value.