On the Procure-to-pay (P2P) process, the potential gain for ETI-SMEs often amounts to millions of euros over a period of 2 to 3 years, estimates Bertrand Gabriel, director of Acxias in charge of development. It is based on action levers at several levels. First by systematizing the competition, if possible with referenced suppliers. Then by making orders mandatory – except for exceptions validated by management – and by establishing a simple upstream process for validating purchase requests, which mechanically reduces expenses. Then, after checking the correct reception of the products or services, by having an automated chain for recording and reconciling invoices. "This processing chain must be based on solid foundations, around structured processes and repositories (suppliers, articles, contracts, etc.) but also, whenever possible, catalogs showing the prices of products and services negotiated in upstream”, he considers.
Specialized solutions provide better functional coverage
To activate these levers, there would be no miracle solution. Optimization actually involves a combination of best practices, adapted tools and driving change, internally and with suppliers. However, "digitalization, which makes it possible to multiply gains, can no longer be an option," insists Bertrand Gabriel. Of course, ERP, as an extension of accounting and production management, and office software have long provided a first level of response. "But reasoning on the totality of the purchasing process, procurement and accounts payable, i.e. on the target scope of organizations seeking overall performance contributing to business results, specialized solutions offer better functional coverage and more flexibility, he continues. More innovation too."
What are the expectations of mid-caps?
While mid-caps and SMEs face the same purchasing challenges as large groups, their expectations vis-à-vis a Specialized digital solution can be much stronger in many ways. In terms of accessibility first, to facilitate user adoption and accelerate deployment. Beyond functional coverage, aligned with need and focused primarily on P2P transactional flows, The solution must be ergonomic, including screens particularly adapted to occasional users, from e-commerce standards and requiring little or no training. The speed of start-up and the ability to easily activate additional features are also decisive criteria when choosing. As well as the balance of power (size, proximity, etc.) with the partner providing the solution and ensuring its implementation, as balanced as possible, to guarantee listening and responsiveness to specific requests.
The question of profitability arises for mid-caps
"With the lack of internal resources to carry out the project, the budget is the other major concern of mid-caps and SMEs who wish to digitize their purchases," says Bertrand Gabriel. "Their leaders, who are very pragmatic, needRapid return on investment (ROI) ». This, given the volumes of purchases involved, often relatively limited, assumes that the solution is inexpensive, both in initial costs (acquisition of the solution, configuration and integration, training, deployment, etc.) and operating costs (use, administration, maintenance, etc.), and provides the greatest possible added value.
Full article from The Watch Digital Purchasing : "A new digital era is opening up for ETI purchases"