Use this checklist when preparing any Auction (EN, DY, JP) to ensure all key elements are reviewed and correctly configured.


Auction Strategy & Planning

  • ☐ Which auction type makes sense for the category and negotiation strategy (EN, DY, JP).
  • ☐ Define expected results (price reduction target, competition level, sourcing strategy).
  • ☐ Clarify whether single‑supplier or multi‑supplier awarding is expected.
  • ☐ Verify the minimum number of suppliers required for competition is met. (min 3 recommended).
  • ☐ Decide whether to start with a Tender and continue with an Auction.
  • ☐ Decide in advance whether the auction may be paused in case of issues
  • ☐ Plan what happens if no supplier bids or only one continues.


2. Supplier Readiness

  • ☐ Which suppliers should be invited to the auction.
  • ☐ Check if all required suppliers are onboarded in MLP.
  • ☐ If cross‑country: verify currency needs (single or multiple currencies).
  • ☐ Confirm supplier availability at auction time (consider time zones).
  • ☐ For a first auction: determine how to inform the supplier (email, call, training session).
  • ☐ Confirm suppliers received the User Guides and understand the auction rules.
  • ☐ Ensure suppliers know how to confirm bids (important for JP auctions)

3. Item & Data Preparation

  • ☐ Quantity definition (clear, consistent, aligned across suppliers).
  • ☐ Ensure unit of measure is correct and accepted by all suppliers.
  • ☐ Define the starting price (market benchmark, historical prices, tender results).
  • ☐ Decide if reserve price should be applied (JP auction: can auto‑stop when reached).


4. Auction Structure & Technical Settings

Applies to all auctions:

  • ☐ Decide which information should be visible to suppliers (rank, target price, best price, etc.).
  • ☐ Confirm auction duration is appropriate and feasible for all participants.
  • ☐ Plan how to handle ties (suppliers offering the same price).


Specific to Japanese Auctions:

  • ☐ Joker usage (define number of steps suppliers can skip).
  • ☐ Bid steps (value decrease per round).
  • ☐ Time steps (duration of each bidding round).
  • ☐ No end date (understand JP auction structure).
  • ☐ Should the auction auto‑stop at the reserve price?
  • ☐ Should the auction auto-stop if only one supplier is participating? 


Specific to English & Dynamic:

  • ☐ Overtime YES/NO (extra x minutes when a bid is placed in the last x minutes).
  • ☐  Is a tie allowed? YES/NO (default setting: NO) 


5. Documentation & Compliance

  • ☐ Upload all required documents (at least one GC document is mandatory).
  • ☐ Ensure any additional documents needed (spec sheets, requirements, terms) are included.


6. Pre‑Launch Validation

  • ☐ Confirm that all auction parameters are correct before publishing.
  • ☐ Check if suppliers can log in and access the event.
  • ☐ Verify all positions, quantities, currencies, and visibility settings.
  • ☐ Review internal alignment (Category Lead / Buyer / Project Lead informed).