Your finance leader has a key role to play in any decision about new procure-to-pay software, but they’re focused on your ERP. They probably haven’t given much thought to the benefits of a purpose-built eProcurement solution, or they may not be convinced it’s worth the investment, especially if you’re making do with the procurement module in your ERP.
But they may not have considered the hidden costs associated with this approach. For starters, the procurement module in your ERP wasn’t designed to manage supplier integration and enablement. As a result, onboarding new suppliers is inefficient and time consuming, both for procurement and IT.
Another problem with the procurement module in your ERP is that most users find it complex and difficult to use. Creating requisitions for common, everyday purchases can be a frustrating task involving multiple steps and screens. Super users who purchase frequently might be able to live with that, but for everyone else it’s a hassle and a reason to avoid using the system. And you know what that means: more spend off contract, higher costs, greater inefficiencies, and more risk.
Perhaps it’s purchasing cards that are causing headaches. These might have initially seemed like a good idea, but they make it very difficult to control and forecast spending. You want to make purchasing easier for your users, but purchasing cards don’t have to be the answer. The right eProcurement solution offers the best of both worlds: easy purchasing and visibility and control over the entire procurement process.
Your finance leader is an important ally when making the case to invest in an eProcurement solution. We can work with you to show how a strategic approach to procurement, underpinned by an easy-to-use eProcurement solution, can play a critical role in helping your organization gain a competitive edge.