The Procurement Software Podcast

James Meads
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The Procurement Software Podcast

Procurement software, or "Procuretech", is a game changer. A key enabler and driver of rapid change in the profession. Want to find out how to significantly improve your operational efficiency and enable more to be done with fewer resources? This show is for Procurement, Purchasing, Supply Chain and Finance professionals, as well as C-Suite executives. We showcase all the best new software and bring you the latest trends and thought leadership from both myself and other industry leaders. We'll show you how technology can drive a competitive advantage. Show notes and further info available at: https://procurementsoftware.site/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/procsoft Connect with me at: https://linkedin.com/in/james-meads/ Book an intro call here: https://calendly.com/jamesmeads/30-minute-intro-call

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    10 things that Digital Procurement solutions CAN'T fix

    In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads dives into the essential, often overlooked aspects of digital procurement transformation that go beyond the software itself. He discusses 10 critical factors that organisations must address, such as people dynamics, internal politics, and deep-rooted organisational issues that technology alone can't resolve. Tune in for actionable insights on transforming procurement strategically 10 things Digital Procurement solutions CAN'T fix This week James explains how organisations often rush into software adoption based on analyst recommendations, convincing sales pitches or industry trends, without fully understanding their specific needs. Without a clear purpose, such tech initiatives can lead to wasted time, resources, and missed opportunities. James explains that establishing a well-defined objective is essential for ensuring a meaningful transformation. A key takeaway is the importance of assessing internal challenges, such as process inefficiencies, skill gaps, or outdated systems. By identifying specific pain points, organisations can tailor their strategy to address actual needs rather than following trends blindly. Engaging stakeholders from across departments—such as the CFO and IT, as well as the wider procurement team beyond senior leadership—further strengthens alignment with broader organisational goals, creating a solid foundation for securing resources and support. James also stresses the importance of developing a compelling business case that ties chosen software to identified organisational challenges. This clarity helps in securing buy-in from key decision-makers and guides more informed choices. Finally, digital procurement transformation is an ongoing journey. Regularly revisiting and refining strategies helps ensure that technology remains aligned with the organisation’s evolving objectives, enabling long-term, impactful change. Timestamps: [00:00:38] - Focus on People, Politics, and Organization [00:01:09] - 10 Things Digital Procurement Transformation Can't Fix [00:01:20] - No Vision of the Why [00:02:29] - Procurement Team's Capabilities [00:03:39] - No Investment in Learning and Development [00:04:47] - Lack of Mandate for Procurement [00:06:02] - "We've Always Done It This Way" Culture [00:08:05] - Misaligned Procurement KPIs [00:09:33] - Poorly Communicated Procurement Processes [00:10:50] - CFOs Who Only Recognize PPV Savings [00:12:25] - Rigid Inflexible Procurement Governance [00:14:50] - General Toxic Work Environment [00:16:26] - Conclusion and Call for Listener Stories And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.   Stay in touch! Download our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software...

    18 min

  2. 16 OCT

    Success with savings tracking (NOT in Excel) - Paul Gurr from Provalido

    In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads sits down with Paul Gurr, founder of Provalido, to dive into the nuances of building and managing a high-impact savings pipeline. From stakeholder alignment to identifying various different savings and value-driving categories, we drill down into key strategies and share insights to give your budgeting process a nudge in the right direction this Q4. Tune in to redefine your pipeline strategy! How to succeed with procurement savings pipelines Paul shares insights into how procurement can move beyond cost-cutting by embracing a structured, continuous ideation process that actively involves stakeholders from departments like finance, operations, and marketing. Engaging these perspectives unlocks creative, value-driven solutions that align with organisational goals and foster cross-functional collaboration. One of the key points discussed is the importance of leveraging suppliers’ expertise. Paul explains that suppliers can provide invaluable insights into market trends, innovative products, and potential efficiencies, helping organisations identify additional savings opportunities. Maintaining open lines of communication with suppliers can thus be a strategic advantage. Paul emphasises that building a high-impact savings pipeline isn’t a one-off project; it’s a dynamic, year-round process. Provalido’s platform is designed to support this by offering a centralised space where ideas can be scored, prioritised, and tracked. This structure not only enhances transparency and accountability but also builds trust among stakeholders by providing clear visibility into the progress of cost-saving initiatives. A standout takeaway from this episode is the breakdown of procurement's financial contributions into four categories: cost reductioncost avoidancedelayed cost increasesrevenue generation Paul explains how these categories require tailored approaches to maximise impact, demonstrating procurement’s ability to contribute strategically to the organisation. Ultimately, an effective procurement pipeline goes beyond cost savings, aligning with business objectives and adding long-term value. Timestamps: [00:02:25] Procurement tech's essential functions. [00:05:15] Performance management in procurement. [00:10:03] Financial benefits of procurement. [00:10:57] Cost reduction strategies in procurement. [00:15:53] Revenue drivers in procurement. [00:19:31] Continuous procurement ideation process. [00:22:18] Resource allocation in project management. [00:25:17] ROI in savings reporting. [00:27:57] Procurement department complexity. [00:30:47] Enterprise tech for SMEs. And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.   Stay in touch! Connect with Paul Gurr on LinkedInCheck out ProvalidoDownload our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech

    31 min

  3. 9 OCT

    Is Procurement still seen as a back office function?

    In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads tackles why procurement is often seen as a back-office function and offers insights on transforming it into a strategic powerhouse. Outdated perceptions, poor data quality, inadequate technology, and a lack of executive mandate keep procurement from reaching its full potential as a value-driving function. Tune in for actionable steps on elevating procurement to a strategic role! Is procurement still a back office function? James explores how aligning procurement with broader business objectives is essential for moving it beyond tactical tasks. When procurement operates in isolation, it risks being perceived as purely administrative, rather than as a critical contributor to the organisation’s success. To shift this perception, integration with overarching goals is crucial, enabling procurement to directly support strategic initiatives and deliver measurable impact. A key takeaway is the importance of accurate, reliable data in empowering procurement teams to make informed, fact-based decisions. With high-quality data, procurement can hold meaningful, value-driven discussions with stakeholders, advocating for its role as a strategic partner within the organisation. Strong data not only facilitates better decision-making but also helps procurement showcase its contributions more effectively. James also highlights the transformative role of modern technology. Many procurement teams still rely on archaic ERP systems that handle only tactical procurement tasks, leaving limited scope for strategic engagement. By adopting fit-for-purpose tools, teams can automate repetitive, low-value tasks, creating valuable time for high-impact initiatives like supplier relationship management and category strategy. Finally, James underscores the importance of a clear mandate from leadership. With executive support, procurement can proactively align its objectives with the organisation’s, evolving from an operational function to a strategic partner that drives long-term value and growth. Timestamps: [00:00:38] - Moving Procurement from Back Office to Strategic [00:01:31] - Why Procurement is Labelled as a Back Office Function [00:03:29] - Factors Contributing to Procurement's Back Office Label [00:05:17] - Importance of Well-Run Procurement Organisations [00:05:38] - Role of Procurement Technology [00:07:04] - Trends in Procurement Technology Adoption [00:08:38] - Achieving ROI on Procurement Tech [00:09:48] - Importance of Good Spend Data and Contract Visibility [00:10:54] - Tools and Resources for Procurement Tech [00:11:05] - The People Aspect in Procurement Transformation [00:12:39] - Centralisation in Procurement Teams [00:13:53] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.   Stay in touch! Download our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement...

    15 min

  4. 3 OCT

    How much automation should we expect in procurement?

    In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads delves into the transformative impact of automation in procurement, focusing on how emerging technologies are reshaping the industry. Tune in to learn how these technologies, paired with critical human skills, can help you future-proof your career and enhance efficiency in your procurement processes. Automation's game-changing impact on procurement efficiency This week, James explores the transformative power of automation in procurement, focusing on how emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation (RPA) are reshaping the field. He explains that while automation is taking over repetitive tasks, particularly in areas like Procure-to-Pay (P2P) and sourcing, it is also creating opportunities for procurement professionals to shift their focus to more strategic activities. James emphasises the importance of balancing automation with human skills, such as critical thinking and relationship building, which remain crucial for effective procurement. He also highlights how tools like generative AI are streamlining processes that once took hours, like drafting RFPs, making the procurement function more efficient. Additionally, James discusses how professionals can future-proof their careers by embracing these technologies while honing their interpersonal and strategic skills, ensuring they remain valuable in an increasingly automated landscape. Timestamps: [00:01:20] AI's impact on procurement roles. [00:04:08] Importance of interpersonal skills. [00:09:10] Generative AI in sourcing RFPs. [00:12:18] Automation in contract management. [00:16:22] Spend analytics automation improvements. [00:21:40] Automation in supplier relationship management. [00:25:24] Future-proofing procurement careers. And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.   Stay in touch! Download our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder appSign up for the Procurement Software NewsletterBook an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!Connect with James on LinkedIn

    29 min

  5. 26 SEPT

    Why rebates offer untapped potential - Mark Gilham from Enable

    In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James welcomes Mark Gilham from Enable to discuss the complexities and opportunities surrounding rebates in procurement. They explore how effective tracking and reporting of rebates can lead to significant savings for organisations. Tune in to discover practical strategies that can help your organisation navigate the opportunities of effective rebate and post-signature contract management. Rebates, and their procurement savings potential In this podcast episode, Mark Gilham from Enable highlights the importance of strong communication between procurement and finance teams when managing rebates. He explains that procurement often focuses on savings, while finance looks at the broader financial impact. Open dialogue is essential to ensure both teams are aligned, particularly when dealing with one-off rebates that can affect financial forecasts. Mark also stresses the importance of building strong relationships between the two departments to better understand each other's goals and challenges. Collaboration between procurement and finance can prevent misalignment and ensure smoother rebate management. Additionally, Mark discusses how technology, such as Enable’s platform, provides a single source of truth for rebate agreements and performance tracking. This transparency helps both teams access the same data, reducing misunderstandings and driving more informed decision-making, ultimately improving financial outcomes for the organisation. Timestamps:[00:01:10] Rebates and procurement challenges. [00:06:38] Procurement and rebate management. [00:09:05] Performance-based rebate structures. [00:12:36] Communication with finance teams. [00:18:30] Collaborative rebate management platform. [00:20:03] Contract management tool capabilities. [00:27:12] AI in procurement technology. [00:28:10] AI in rebate management applications. And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.   Stay in touch! Connect with Mark Gilham on LinkedInCheck out EnableDownload our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder appSign up for the Procurement Software NewsletterBook an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!Connect with James on LinkedIn

    34 min

  6. 18 SEPT

    Can Intake & Process Orchestration replace Source-to-Pay suites?

    In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads delves into the game-changing benefits of intake and process orchestration solutions for procurement teams. James highlights how these solutions improve supplier management, compliance, and overall efficiency while freeing procurement teams to focus on strategic decisions. Tune in for valuable insights to modernise and future-proof your procurement processes. Can Intake and Process Orchestration eat S2P suites?In this episode, we explore the growing impact of intake and process orchestration solutions on modern procurement. As traditional source-to-pay (S2P) systems face limitations in flexibility and user experience, organisations are turning to these innovative tools to create more efficient and adaptable procurement processes. We’ll discuss how these solutions allow for custom workflow design without the need for extensive coding, making them perfect for businesses with diverse or evolving procurement needs. With seamless integration into existing systems and applications—such as supplier quality and ESG tools—intake and process orchestration ensures smoother communication and improved collaboration across departments. The episode also highlights the automation potential of these solutions, reducing manual tasks and freeing up procurement teams to focus on more strategic work. We’ll explain how automation capabilities extend beyond simple processes, enhancing decision-making and driving overall procurement effectiveness. Join us to learn how intake and process orchestration solutions are setting new standards for procurement technology, offering adaptability, user-centric design, and greater transparency across the entire procurement journey. Timestamps: [00:01:41] Intake in procurement processes. [00:05:58] Process orchestration in procurement. [00:10:23] Intake and process orchestration solutions. [00:16:12] Future of procurement technology. [00:16:44] Market share of sourcing solutions. And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Download our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder appSign up for the Procurement Software NewsletterBook an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!Connect with James on LinkedIn

    18 min

  7. 11 SEPT

    How to make SAP more intuitive - Shaun Syvertsen from ConvergentIS

    In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James welcomes Shaun Syvertsen, CEO of Convergent IS, to discuss how organisations can enhance their procurement processes by improving the user experience of SAP. They delve into the complexities of the system and share insights on how to leverage procurement technology to simplify the intake-to-procure process for companies who use SAP as their ERP. Tune in to discover practical strategies and tools that can help your organisation navigate the evolving landscape of procurement software, especially tailored for the mid-market. How to make SAP more user-friendly on the front end This episode dives into the importance of having a clear procurement strategy before selecting any technology. Sean emphasises the need for clarity in your goals, ensuring alignment between technology solutions and your organisation’s needs. Key takeaways include: Defining Your Strategy: Be clear on your procurement approach before exploring technology options. Aligning with Goals: Make sure the chosen tools align with your organisation’s objectives to avoid adoption gaps. User Adoption: Sean discusses how user-friendly technology is crucial for ensuring employees engage with the system rather than bypass it. Expert Guidance: Investing in expert advice early on can save both time and resources by selecting the right technology from the start. Tune in to learn how a well-defined strategy can lead to successful procurement technology investments and drive long-term organisational success. Timestamps: [00:02:10] SAP user experience enhancement [00:05:14] Know your why before your what [00:10:02] Integration with SAP systems [00:12:30] Orchestration in procurement systems [00:17:59] User adoption and process design [00:20:16] Procurement transparency and efficiency [00:23:11] Orchestration solutions in procurement [00:27:29] Preventing SaaS sprawl in organisations [00:32:40] Reducing time to value with AI And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.   Stay in touch! Grab your ticket to ProcureCon EU in Barcelona with 10% off! Connect with Shaun Syvertsen on LinkedInCheck out ConvergentISDownload our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder appSign up for the

    38 min

  8. 4 SEPT

    Our Procurement Tech Maps: SME, Mid-Market, and now Enterprise

    In this week's episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads dives into the power of our Tech Maps and how they can simplify your search for the right procurement technology. Whether you're part of a small business, mid-market company, or a large enterprise, Tech Maps from ProcurementSoftware.site offer a tailored approach to finding the technology that best fits your needs. Tune in to learn how to leverage this valuable tool and explore the resources available to support your digital procurement journey. Procurement Tech Maps: SME, Mid-Market and Enterprise This week, we explore how Tech Maps can be a vital tool in navigating the complex procurement technology landscape. Designed to offer a clear overview of various market players, TechMaps help procurement professionals identify solutions that best fit their needs, without the noise of vendor endorsements or biases. We discuss how these maps categorise solutions by target market—whether SMEs, mid-market, or large enterprises—providing a tailored approach to finding the right tools. Beyond just listing companies, the Tech Maps offer a snapshot of the procurement tech ecosystem, helping you on the start of your journey towards making informed decisions. Additionally, the episode highlights the resources available to dive deeper, from a free software database to personalised consultations and detailed research options. By utilising Tech Maps and these supporting tools, organisations can confidently navigate their digital procurement journey. Tune in to discover how our Tech Maps can streamline your search for the perfect procurement technology solutions, tailored to your specific needs. Timestamps: [00:01:42] What should our Tech Maps be used for? [00:06:33] Procurement tech for different businesses. [00:09:02] Spend analytics in tech maps. [00:15:07] Understanding the procurement tech market. [00:17:28] Ways to Find Software Solutions. And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below.   Stay in touch! Grab your ticket to ProcureCon EU in Barcelona with 10% off! Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

    19 min
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About

Procurement software, or "Procuretech", is a game changer. A key enabler and driver of rapid change in the profession. Want to find out how to significantly improve your operational efficiency and enable more to be done with fewer resources? This show is for Procurement, Purchasing, Supply Chain and Finance professionals, as well as C-Suite executives. We showcase all the best new software and bring you the latest trends and thought leadership from both myself and other industry leaders. We'll show you how technology can drive a competitive advantage. Show notes and further info available at: https://procurementsoftware.site/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/procsoft Connect with me at: https://linkedin.com/in/james-meads/ Book an intro call here: https://calendly.com/jamesmeads/30-minute-intro-call

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