Buyer

Definition and neighbouring terms

The buyer is whoever signs the contract and answers for the budget. This is the definition adopted by the guide. Use the Buyer glossary entry as a reference.

The role differs from the user, who performs the task in the product, and the operator, who sustains the product through support, implementation or administration. An internal customer is an area of your own company that uses the product to serve the external customer.

These distinctions matter because priorities differ. The buyer usually wants control, predictability and proof of compliance. The user usually wants fewer steps and less waiting.

Where the buyer matters in practice

Buyer requirements matter when product decisions must reconcile contractual control with task speed and operational predictability. Conflict between buyer, user and operator is normal. Serving one completely can transfer costs to the others.

The guide describes a document management product whose contract signer requested two-stage approval across the organisation. Users faced hours of additional waiting. The solution made approval configurable by area, active where the contract required it and inactive elsewhere.

The practical lesson is to place control where it is required rather than impose it on everyone. Configuration has a limit: added complexity creates continuing maintenance costs.

Applying the distinction in CPM-E preparation

When studying a scenario, identify who signs and answers for the budget, who performs the task, and who sustains the product. Then examine where the proposed decision places control, waiting and operating cost.

Preparation for the CPM-E certification should connect vocabulary to judgement. The guide supports certification preparation and emphasises deciding what to do, not only memorising definitions.