E-procurement software packages have become a necessity to organizations in the modern world. This need has been necessitated by the enormous advantages that come with e-procurement. E-procurement software increases efficiency and cuts wasteful spending. Other benefits include better record keeping and increased transparency. These benefits have made organizations to reconsider the traditional ways of procurement.
For a company to decide which software to buy, they need to consider some factors. This consideration should be done because there many e procurement software vendors who offer different software packages that are suited for different purposes. This article will examine the factors that organizations should consider before purchasing an e-procurement software.
The Possibility of Integration with Systems Already in Place
An organization should prioritize this factor. Most established Enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms like Oracle and SAP offer such services as a piece or a bolt-on. These ERPs usually charge a certain licensing fee to allow companies to use them. If a company is satisfied with their services, they should consider purchasing from these ERP platforms.
However, organizations have come to realize that these in-built bolts don’t offer much functionality as compared to those bought from a vendor who specializes in e-procurement software. Most of these vendors tend to use cloud-based technology. If a buyer wants more versatility in his procurement process, he may consider looking for these cloud-based e-procurement systems.
The Varieties of Suppliers Provided in the Network
Organizations should look at the suppliers that are already listed in the software. Some of the leading e-procurement software packages have already registered most of the re-known suppliers. Also, if the current suppliers of the client are not listed, he should inquire if he can seamlessly add them. Organizations should choose e-procurement software that has listed suppliers who they are likely to deal with. For example, if a company is a dealer in the hospitality industry, it would benefit immensely if most of the suppliers listed deal with products used in the hospitality industry.
The Procurement Support Services That Are Accompanied by the Software
An organization should consider obtaining software that offers services like approval and invoice management. Other organizations may need software that provides a detailed platform for procurement and integrate with their existing invoice management system. One should balance these factors when considering which software to procure.
How One Can Integrate the Software with a Mobile Phone
Since the invention of the mobile, barely a half a century ago, it has become part and parcel of our lives. Organizations should consider how the e-procurement software can be programmed to communicate with the mobile phones. This integration will reduce the time spent on processing, improve the collaboration with suppliers, and ultimately reduce the hardware costs.
In conclusion, the above list provides a starting point for companies that are considering the procurement of an e-procurement software. Beyond that, organizations should device more detailed criteria so that they can obtain the software that suits them most. This research will ensure that they reduced the implementation time and increased procurement efficiency.
