3D-printed parts can replace traditional metal parts. They are also more easily customised to fit customer's needs. This technology is an example of threat of substitute in Porter's Five Forces model.
Substitute goods or services that can be used in place of a company's products or services pose a threat. Companies that produce goods or services for which there are no close substitutes will have more power to increase prices and lock in favorable terms. When close substitutes are available, customers will have the option to forgo buying a company's product, and a company's power can be weakened.
Reference:
- CIPS study guide page 85-96
- Porter's 5 Forces Definition: Analyzing Businesses (investopedia.com) LO 2, AC 2.2

Design specification is a detailed document providing a list of points regarding a product or pro-cess. For example, the design specification could include required dimensions, environmental fac-tors, ergonomic factors, aesthetic factors, maintenance that will be needed, etc. It may also give specific examples of how the design should be executed, helping others work properly (a guideline for what the person should do).
Performance specification is written requirement that describes the functional performance criteria required for a particular equipment, material, or product.
Tolerance is the permissable limit of a variable used to define a product Statement of work is the document that captures and defines all aspects of a project, including the activities, deliverables and the timetable for the project.
Reference:
LO 3, AC 3.1

Using Porter's value chain helps procurement professionals know what are direct and indirect costs of supplier. Information on direct and indirect costs will have been collected as part of the market analysis. Information sources that may help include the following:
- Company annual reports
- Market data
- Technical data
- Request for information
- Plan visits
- Discount lists
Market data is the information that is collected and analysed by specialist organisations like Mintel, Gartner, Forrester,...
Reference:
LO 2, AC 2.3

The following are typical social criteria in procurement:
* Reducing unemployment
* Preventing the use of child labour
* Preventing discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, disability, sex or sexual orientation
* Encouraging good employment practice
* Reducing local unemployment
* Reducing social exclusion
* Promoting training opportunities for the young or disadvantaged
* Encouraging access to work for people with disabilities
Reference:
LO 3, AC 3.2