I always try to remember that Procurement is the process of 'Acquiring' product/service. I like to be involved from the very outset of any product/service definition for my own knowledge, but the business unit is accountable for defining a required product or service - it is they who will utilise the product or service. Procurement then takes responsibility to source the product or service required, in an ethical & socially responsible manner, achieving the best outcome for the company as a whole.