Archive for the ‘E-procurement Solutions’ Category

The Limitations of AI in eProcurement Systems

Friday, July 26th, 2024

 

Today’s guest post is by Eric Steller Co-Founder | Managing Partner | CRO | Board Member | President

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many industries, from healthcare to finance, offering advanced analytics, automation, and decision-making capabilities. However, when it comes to eProcurement, the adoption of AI faces significant limitations. While AI can enhance certain aspects of procurement processes, it falls short of completely replacing existing eProcurement systems. This white paper explores the primary reasons why AI cannot fully substitute traditional eProcurement solutions.

  1. Lack of Incentive for Transparency

In the eProcurement space, transparency is a double-edged sword. Suppliers, buyers, and intermediaries often operate with the intent to maximize their margins. Full transparency, as facilitated by AI, could potentially expose pricing strategies, margins, and other sensitive data that parties are not willing to disclose. This lack of incentive for transparency presents a major hurdle for AI adoption in eProcurement, as the parties involved are not motivated to show all their cards.

  1. Complex Relationship Dynamics

eProcurement is not just about transactions; it involves complex relationships and negotiations between buyers and suppliers. These relationships are built on trust, history, and nuanced understanding, which AI systems cannot replicate. The subtle dynamics and the importance of human interaction in negotiating terms and managing supplier relationships are beyond the current capabilities of AI.

  1. Data Privacy and Security Concerns

AI systems rely heavily on data to function effectively. In eProcurement, this data often includes sensitive information such as pricing, contracts, and proprietary supplier information. The use of AI raises significant data privacy and security concerns, as unauthorized access or breaches could lead to severe financial and reputational damage. Ensuring the security of AI systems and the data they handle is a critical challenge that limits their adoption in eProcurement.

  1. Inability to Handle Unstructured Data

eProcurement processes involve a considerable amount of unstructured data, such as emails, documents, and verbal agreements. AI systems struggle with understanding and processing unstructured data in a meaningful way. While natural language processing (NLP) and other AI technologies are advancing, they are still not capable of fully comprehending the complexities and nuances of unstructured data that are integral to eProcurement.

  1. Regulatory and Compliance Issues

The eProcurement sector is heavily regulated, with strict compliance requirements that vary by industry and region. AI systems must be meticulously designed to adhere to these regulations, which can be a daunting task. The dynamic nature of regulatory environments means that AI systems need constant updates and adjustments to remain compliant, posing a significant limitation on their widespread adoption in eProcurement.

Conclusion

While AI offers promising enhancements for certain aspects of eProcurement, it cannot fully replace existing systems due to the inherent complexities and challenges outlined above. When seeking an eProcurement provider, it is crucial to value experience over flashy user interfaces and advanced reporting features. The proof is in the pudding, and a provider with a long history of proven success is invaluable. This market vertical thrives on a hybrid approach that combines white-glove consulting, deep relationships, and a robust software infrastructure that supports a repeatable, predictable process.

To navigate the complexities of eProcurement, businesses should prioritize providers who understand the intricacies of the industry and have a demonstrated track record of delivering reliable, compliant, and effective solutions.

While this topic is a very important area of discussion and a broad topic in today’s procurement space, this white paper intends to provide much needed guidelines and dialogue points to consider as procurement professionals review the use of AI based solutions at their companies

References

  1. Handfield, R. B., & Nichols, E. L. (2002). Supply Chain Redesign: Transforming Supply Chains into Integrated Value Systems. Financial Times Prentice Hall.
  2. Monczka, R. M., Handfield, R. B., Giunipero, L. C., & Patterson, J. L. (2015). Purchasing and Supply Chain Management. Cengage Learning.
  3. Trent, R. J. (2007). Strategic Supply Management: Creating the Next Source of Competitive Advantage. J. Ross Publishing.

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Artificial Intelligence in the Procurement Space Video

Thursday, July 25th, 2024

 

Today’s post is from Ronald D. Southard, CEO of SafeSourcing Inc.

I’ve enjoyed my conversations with Mahdlo Executive Advisors, specifically Eric Steller who is the Principal at Mahdlo and Andrew Teitscheid who is a senior advisor and CRO. We’ve been exploring  the procurement space over the last several weeks to try and understand how Mahdlo’s advisors and customers can benefit from the use of Procurement Best Practices, specifically “Procurement as a Service” or PaaS.

Today’s Video:

This video explores why Artificial Intelligence whose use grows in procurement daily may not be the be all, end all in the procurement space just yet. Specifically, as it applies to “Procurement as a Service”. We also spend a little time discussing Blockchain and Quantum computing to add a little spice to the conversation about my favorite subject, all things procurement.

SafeSourcing is a global Procurement as a Service (PaaS) provider. This means that we can deliver our services using our own platform or competitive platforms that our customers may have already purchased but may not be achieving the benefits for which they had hoped. We accomplish this through our unique “Eight Step” detailed White Glove managed delivery program.

For more information on what the SafeSourcing team can offer you, or on our Risk Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

 

Saving money through IOT and Home-based solutions works for your business too.

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024

 

Today’s post is by Troy Lowe; Vice President of Development at SafeSourcing.

For some reason, this summer feels hotter than summers we’ve had in the past and with that comes uncomfortable temperatures within parts of your home or business.  Like most places it seems that there are rooms that are hotter than others based on the position within the home or business.  Below is a BLOG that I wrote last year that can help you regulate those temperatures to make these areas more comfortable.

A few years back I wrote a BLOG about smart thermostats.  In this Blog I wanted to touch base on something that you can do to make your house even more comfortable if you have a smart thermostat or are thinking of purchasing one.  A friend of mine told me about these add on sensors that you can purchase for some smart thermostats that allows you to help control the temperatures in other rooms of the house that may be warmer, or cooler based on their location.  Using these sensors, you can let your thermostat know which room or rooms should be at a certain temperature at certain times of the day.  All you have to do is place the sensor in the desired room either by hanging it on the wall or placing it on a shelf or table.  You can have multiple sensors throughout the house and prioritize each sensor using the app.  For example, if you work from home and your home office is too hot or cold during the day you can set the temperature and time for that sensor and the thermostat located elsewhere will use that sensor and make the temperature in that room the temperature that you programmed.  You can then have another sensor in your bedroom and program that sensor for a certain temperature at night and the thermostat will adjust so that the temperature in that room is set at the programmed temperature for comfortable sleeping.  And like I stated in the last BLOG, using a smart thermostat and these sensors can save you approximately 20% on your heating and cooling.  Below are some other benefits of a using smart thermostat.

Benefits of a Smart Thermostat

  • Save Money
  • Reduce Energy Use
  • Control Remotely
  • Displays Energy Consumption in Real Time

At SafeSourcing, we can gather all the necessary information for you and help you decide what thermostat fits your needs.  If you would like more information on how SafeSourcing can help you, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative.  We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

Procurement as a Service

Tuesday, July 16th, 2024

 

Procurement as a Service

Today’s post is by Margaret Stewart, Director of Marketing, HR and Administration at SafeSourcing

Oftentimes today companies will seek ways to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. One area ripe for innovation is procurement—the process of sourcing and acquiring goods and services necessary for business operations. Enter Procurement as a Service (PaaS), a modern approach that offers organizations a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective solution to manage their procurement needs.

Procurement as a Service (PaaS) is a model where a procurement partner assists or manages a company’s procurement activities, which typically include strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, procurement transactions, and spend analysis. By leveraging PaaS, businesses can access specialized expertise, advanced technology, and scalable resources without the need for significant internal investments.

One of the most compelling advantages of PaaS is cost reduction. By implementing procurement functions, companies can reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining an in-house procurement team. Additionally, PaaS providers leverage their extensive supplier networks and negotiating power to secure better pricing and terms, resulting in further savings.

PaaS providers bring specialized knowledge and experience to the table. They stay up-to-date with industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices, ensuring that their clients benefit from the latest insights and strategies. This expertise can be particularly valuable for companies lacking procurement proficiency or those entering new markets.

Business needs fluctuate, and PaaS offers the flexibility to scale procurement activities up or down as required. Whether a company is expanding rapidly or facing a downturn, PaaS providers can adjust their services accordingly, ensuring that procurement operations remain aligned with the business’s current needs.

PaaS providers utilize advanced procurement technologies and tools, such as e-procurement platforms, spend analysis software, and supplier management systems. These technologies streamline procurement processes, reduce manual tasks, and improve overall efficiency. As a result, companies can focus on their core competencies while the PaaS provider handles procurement intricacies.

Procurement as a Service represents a transformative approach to managing procurement activities in today’s dynamic business environment. By leveraging the expertise, technology, and scalability offered by PaaS providers, companies can achieve significant cost savings, enhance efficiency, and mitigate risks. As the business landscape continues to evolve, embracing PaaS can provide a strategic advantage, enabling organizations to stay competitive and focused on their core objectives.

For more information on how the SafeSourcing Procurement as a Service can help your organization, or on our Risk-Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

 

Today’s post is by Ronald D. Southard, CEO at SafeSourcing Inc.

Friday, July 12th, 2024

 

The following video as promised yesterday focuses on how companies that may have invested in technologies of alternative sourcing providers like Ariba, Coupa, GEP and others regardless of SaaS or Enterprise implementations can still take advantage of SafeSourcing’s Procurement as a Service “White Glove” Managed Services unique “Eight Step” process in order to drive incremental results while continuing the use of your competitive solution providers tools. While the SafeSourcing process has eight major steps, there are as many as seventy (adjusts based on cumulative learning) individual touch points. The vast majority of these are handled by our SafeSourcing Customer Services Team of Procurement Knowledge Workers with input from your team procurement team where needed.

Detailed Video Response to yesterday’s introductory post relative to SafeSourcing’s Procurement as a Service “White Glove” Managed Services unique “Eight Step” process. Please Click here to view.

SafeSourcing is a Procurement as a Service Provider that delivers significant financial results utilizing our  SafeSourceIt™ procure to pay suite of applications in order to deliver guaranteed improvements to companies’ gross margin, expense, and net earnings.

Our services are delivered utilizing our unique eight step white glove delivery model that can also be delivered using competitive procurement solution providers tools in order to improve your teams’ results. Our  SafeSourceIt™ Global Supplier Database that includes over 557,000 vetted and experienced vendor/suppliers provides our customers with access to suppliers that are responsive and interested in competing for your business.

To learn more please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Services Representative

SafeSourcing is a Procurement as a Service Provider Executive Interview

Thursday, July 11th, 2024

 

Today’s post is by Ronald D. Southard, CEO at SafeSourcing Inc

I recently completed a series of interviews with Mahdlo Executive Advisors Eric Stellar Co-founder and Principal and Andrew Teitscheid CRO regarding our service delivery model and how it might be deployed using competitive solutions providers tools like Ariba, Coupa, GEP and others in order to improve upon a company’s results annually.

The following video is the third session and serves as an introduction to a detailed discussion that will be published tomorrow as to how and why our eight-step white glove service approach can improve operating results for companies year after year regardless of the tools they use.

Please click on this link to view the video. Linked In Interview

Please enjoy and I certainly appreciate your comments.

SafeSourcing is a Procurement as a Service Provider that delivers significant financial results utilizing our  SafeSourceIt™ procure to pay suite of applications in order to deliver guaranteed improvements to companies’ gross margin, expense, and net earnings.

Our services are delivered utilizing our unique eight step white glove delivery model that can also be delivered using competitive procurement solution providers tools in order to improve your teams’ results. Our  SafeSourceIt™ Global Supplier Database that includes over 557,000 vetted and experienced vendor/suppliers provides our customers with access to suppliers that are responsive and interested in competing for your business.

 

 

What the heck is Upflation?

Wednesday, July 10th, 2024

 

Today’s post is by Ron Southard, CEO at SafeSourcing Inc.

In aJuly 1st 2024 Bloomberg article titled “Upflation” Is the New Retail Trend Driving Up Prices for US Consumers” By Leslie Patton and Deena Shanker they discuss how Procter & Gamble is charging $14 for all-over body deodorant — double the cost of a standard stick. Gillette sells a $15 intimate razor specifically for “tricky areas” for $5 more than the regular Venus. And Carefree’s newest pads are meant to catch all sorts of leaks. Those cost more than the old version, too. The article goes on to discuss how a spate of new uses for old products is a somewhat awkward attempt by some of the world’s biggest packaged goods-makers, including P&G, Unilever Plc and Edgewell Personal Care Co. to claw back sales in the US’s more than $100 billion personal care and beauty market.

While this may be a new naming convention, most manufacturers have used tactics like just noticeable difference or JND to try and get more out of consumers for years. Have you ever heard someone say, “the candy bars were much bigger when I was little” That’s because they were. However, over time the size of many items has shrunk while the price has gone up. We may not have noticed it at the time because of the slight change to the product but over the long haul and with the next generation of buyers not having noticed the change, prices went up while the sizes went down. It certainly makes me feel like a cheapskate during Halloween. And with the sizes going down, that means less to spend on ingredients, packaging, shipping, and related costs. While this may cost the consumer more, margins improve at the retail and manufacturer level.

The statement Consumer Beware comes to mind here.

If you’d like to actually reduce your costs and share it with strapped consumers while still improving your profit, please contact SafeSourcing and ask us how to improve gross margin and net profit in the current reporting period.

Market Trends and Procurement!

Wednesday, February 21st, 2024

 

Today’s blog is by Margaret Stewart, Director of HR, and Administration at SafeSourcing Inc

Have you noticed your costs shifting in the market? It may be time to utilize external procurement professionals.

Staying on top and aware of market trends is paramount for businesses striving to maintain a competitive edge. Market trends encompass a wide array of factors, including consumer preferences, technological advancements, economic shifts, and regulatory changes. Amidst this dynamic environment, procurement emerges as a strategic function capable of harnessing market insights to drive business success.

As markets fluctuate, innovations and other economic forces force those in business to stay attune to these trends. Doing so can provide you with opportunities for growth, innovation, and adaptation. Procurement is not merely a transactional function focused on purchasing goods and services; it is a strategic imperative that can drive value creation, foster innovation, and mitigate risks across the organization. By harnessing market trends, procurement professionals can anticipate shifts in demand, identify emerging opportunities, and forge strategic partnerships that propel the business forward.

Procurement teams leverage market insights to identify suppliers that align with the organization’s strategic objectives, whether it be cost reduction, innovation, or sustainability. By conducting thorough supplier evaluations, negotiating favorable terms, and fostering collaborative relationships, procurement professionals can optimize the supply chain and enhance operational resilience.

In an era defined by rapid change and unprecedented uncertainty, businesses must embrace agility, innovation, and strategic foresight to thrive in the marketplace. Procurement, as a strategic function, plays a pivotal role in navigating market trends, driving operational excellence, and delivering tangible value to the organization. By leveraging market insights, fostering collaboration, and embracing innovation, procurement professionals can position their organizations for sustained success in an ever-evolving business landscape.

For more information on eProcurement and how the SafeSourcing team can help your organization with the changing market trends, or on our Risk Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

Why use SafeSourcing versus other providers in the Procurement Space?

Thursday, February 1st, 2024

 

Today’s post is from a collection of data and other tools that SafeSourcing’s CEO Ronald D. Southard uses regularly in the pursuit of fresh content.

  1. Cost Savings: SafeSourcing can help businesses achieve cost savings through strategic sourcing and negotiation processes. By leveraging their expertise and technology, they will assist in obtaining better prices from suppliers than you can.
  2. Efficiency in Procurement: SafeSourcing offers tools and platforms that streamline the procurement process, making it more efficient and reducing the time and resources required for sourcing all categories of goods and services.
  3. Supplier Relationship Management: SafeSourcing might provide services to help businesses manage relationships with their suppliers effectively. This can include monitoring performance, addressing issues, and fostering collaborative partnerships.
  4. Risk Mitigation: The company may have tools and processes in place to assess and mitigate risks associated with the procurement process. This could include evaluating supplier reliability, compliance, and other factors that may impact business operations.
  5. Access to a Network of Suppliers: SafeSourcing could offer access to a wide network of pre-vetted suppliers in their SafeSourceIt™ Supplier Database. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses looking to expand their supplier base or enter into new markets.
  6. Technology Integration: If SafeSourcing utilizes advanced technologies, businesses may benefit from the integration of these tools into their procurement processes. This could include e-sourcing platforms, analytics, and other technological solutions embedded in the SafeSourceIt™ family of solutions.
  7. Compliance Support: SafeSourcing through regularly sourcing hundreds of categories may assist businesses in ensuring that their procurement practices comply with relevant or evolving regulations and industry standards. This can be crucial for avoiding legal issues and maintaining a positive corporate image.
  8. Customized Solutions: The company may tailor its managed services to meet the specific needs of individual businesses. This personalized approach can be advantageous in addressing unique challenges and optimizing the procurement process.

To learn more please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Services Representative.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024 from SafeSourcing; Your GLOBAL SOURCING PARTNER!

Monday, January 1st, 2024

 

picture of world

 

If you’d like to learn more about alternative sources of supply offshore or nearshore or anywhere around the world., contact a SafeSourcing customer services account manager to learn more about SafeSourceIt™ our 587,000 global supplier database and let us translate it into increased profits for you.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.