How to choose an E-procurement software?
This presentation contains 5 simple steps that will help procurement managers stay focused during their search for the perfect e-procurement solution.
Understand the ‘whys’
Trying to purchase an E-procurement system without understanding the ‘whys’ is like going grocery shopping without a grocery list.
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You go in wanting to buy an apple
But you walk out with a whole bunch of things you don’t really need
First understand the ‘why’ behind the incumbent dissatisfaction with the current process.
Secondly understand ‘why’ the new process will be better for the company
Creating a table highlighting the difference between the current system and the proposed system will help understand why the new process will be better
• Requires a lot of training• Has a complex user
interface• Takes a lot time for
approvals• Requires a lot of manual
input• Can be accessed only from
the office system
• Requires minimal to zero training
• Has a simple and intuitive UI
• Lighting fast approvals• Has minimal manual input• Can be accessed from
anywhere using a mobile app
Current System
Proposed System
Simply put, understanding the ‘whys’ makes the process of selecting the E-procurement system more clearer.
Don’t get overwhelmed with the long list of featuresAn E-procurement system with a very long list of features are not necessarily the best system for your company
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Rather than a long list of features, companies should look for the right list of features which can add significant value to the company’s bottom-line
Remember more features also means that you will be shelling out more cash
Make your buying decision only after a demo
One can never really properly evaluate a procurement automation system’s fit in an organization without a demo of the product involving replicated business scenarios
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We are just trying to say “don’t buy the car unless you have taken it on a test drive”
Contemplate the idea of going for cloud based solutionsCloud based solutions have very low to zero capex as there are no infrastructure costs attached to it
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Cloud based solutions have the fastest implementation times. Some systems can be implemented within two days
They are highly secure systems which are always up to date with the latest security patch
Updates are quick as they are automatically updated over cloud
Cloud solutions also have super fast disaster recovery times
Involve users in the decision making process
Involving the end user in the decision making process improves the user acceptance in the company
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Involving the end user also helps assess how the automation system will help them achieve the company’s goals
Remember: The best way to make money is to save money. And e-procurement is one of the most effective ways to achieve that.