Ostokohde

Ostokohde is a Finnish term used in procurement to refer to the object of purchase—the item, service, project, or other outcome that a buyer intends to obtain. The word combines ostaa (to buy) and kohde (object/target). In Finnish procurement practice, the ostokohde forms the central element in planning and documentation, appearing in needs assessments, requests for tender, contract texts, and related specifications. The term is sometimes replaced by hankinnan kohde, and wording can vary between organizations.

In practical use, the ostokohde is described with key characteristics that define the scope of the purchase. This typically includes a clear description of the item or service, the quantity or scope, unit of measure, technical or functional requirements, performance criteria, delivery schedule, and price basis. The objective is to produce a precise and unambiguous description to enable fair competition and correct bidding by suppliers. During bid evaluation, offers are assessed against how well they satisfy the ostokohde and its specified requirements.

The concept often appears in procurement documents such as specification sheets, invitation to tender, and contract clauses. It anchors both the planning phase and the contracting phase, guiding supplier selection, risk assessment, and acceptance testing. While not a legally binding term on its own, the ostokohde reflects the buyer’s defined needs and serves as a reference point for evaluating compliance, quality, and value.

Example: an ostokohde might be described as “ERP software deployment for a mid-sized company, including installation, data migration, customization, training, and five-year support,” with defined cloud hosting, security requirements, SLA targets, and acceptance criteria.