10 things that Digital Procurement solutions CAN'T fix

The Procurement Software Podcast

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A key takeaway is the importance of assessing internal challenges, such as process inefficiencies, skill gaps, or outdated systems.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.

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