August 22

Top 4 Reasons Your Organization is not Adopting eSourcing and How You Can Overcome Them

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For any business that has used an eSourcing platform, the benefits are evident. Using tailored technology to streamline its procurement needs can provide an organization with significant cost savings, faster cycle times, more transparency, and better control over its sourcing requirements.

Despite the demonstrable success and a strong ROI story, eSourcing adoption remains low. As Jeff Gilkerson asks in his article for Spendmatters, “Why do 30 percent of organizations not have eSourcing tools when the benefits are widely known and accepted, the technology has been around for decades, and the tools can be obtained for a relatively low investment?”

Check out the following top concerns and some ideas about how you can overcome them.

  1. Employees are generally apprehensive about change

Any form of new technology can be overwhelming and intimidating for an organization. This is especially true for procurement teams that might be used to doing things the same way for years. Despite the fact that traditional methods of sourcing are tedious and time-consuming, there is a certain comfort in knowing that you’ve already mastered the steps you have to take to get the job done. A well-worn groove might have compromised structural integrity, but it is comforting. Conversely, anything that might disrupt a familiar sourcing sequence becomes a cause for apprehension.

Addressing potential discomfort from change requires patience from management and a commitment to support the transition to the new tools. Take the time to talk about the advantages of using an eSourcing platform. Make sure you answer the questions and dedicate time to train your employees so that they can see for themselves how eSourcing can help improve their productivity and efficacy.

  1. Some companies assume their sourcing needs can’t be addressed by technology

Without a clear understanding of eSourcing technology and what it can do, it’s very easy to assume that the platform simply won’t fit your specific requirements.

With a little research, however, it’s easy to see just how broadly applicable eSourcing platforms are, regardless of industry or nature of the business. No matter how large or small your company is, no matter how complex your project may be, eSourcing will likely prove to be a useful tool to streamline the bidding process as you search for partners and suppliers. But if you’re not convinced and have lingering concerns? Ask for a demo. Have a discussion with an eSourcing vendor. At the very least, explore the opportunities in front of you before resigning yourself to doing the same thing you’ve been doing.

  1. Some employees feel overwhelmed at the prospect of full transparency

There are numerous advantages to transparency. In fact, this is one of the main advantages of an eSourcing platform. Transparency, however, can have its drawbacks. In certain professional environments, an open process is one that is ripe for judgment as well as micromanagement. The irony here is that a strong eSourcing tool should empower — not disempower — procurement teams.

The key to managing this is to focus on processes and protocols. Leveraging a tool should provide tangible benefits and the opportunity to rethink and re-implement processes. By creating the right framework around the tool, an organization can mitigate the potential “risks” of transparency while setting up its procurement team for success.

  1. Procurement teams tend to use it without proper planning

Inasmuch as eSourcing platforms are intended to make everything easier for employees, it does require a bit of planning to execute everything seamlessly.

Often, in the interest of meeting a procurement team’s urgent sourcing requirements, stakeholders may point to eSourcing as a quick and easy solution, expecting immediate results. However, as with anything in business, great results require some forethought. As detailed above, you should be rethinking the process, not eliminating it. Even a great tool can be used incorrectly. To that end, clear objectives should be identified and workable criteria for evaluation should be defined. Remember eSourcing is a tool, not a replacement for critical thinking. You have to give the tool the right context and inputs to deliver the results you need.

Working with your procurement team regarding the best way to begin the eSourcing process is a great way to ensure that you drive the best outcomes.

When it comes to procurement technology, eSourcing platforms can prove to be a boon for all kinds of organizations. And while there are risks and concerns with adopting any new technology, a thoughtful approach should allow you to address them head-on.

Take advantage of Vendorful’s eSourcing platform and find out how we can help improve your procurement process. Send a message to Vendorful today.


Tags

esourcing, strategic sourcing