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SRM enabled by information and technology
Our research and engagement with companies, have confirmed information and technology are key enablers for SRM. The ability to collect, analyse, access, report and share data is absolutely essential, as is the enablement of processes and behaviours through technology. This continues to be one of the biggest challenges that businesses face in developing their SRM programme. Alongside investment in training, the ability of information and technology systems to truly enable SRM has been regarded as a significant barrier and an area making little progress. In this year’s report, 32% of respondents identify lack of information and tech- nology as a barrier, and it is reported as the single area making the least progress. As in previous years, the 2013 survey asked three questions on respondents’ use of supplier management information and technology solutions: 1. Firstly, to what degree are systems being used to support SRM activities?
2. How well do these systems support SRM? 3. What are the typical problems encountered?
We can see the degree to which systems have been used has hardly changed since 2011. This is surprising given that Gartner indicate approximate 9% future annual growth in procurement software solutions sales. This may imply that while procurement usage remains flat, usage is increasing outside of procurement in the business, which may be a silver lining.
Figure 5.0. Degree to which IT systems are being used to support SRM activities – buy side 2011 / 2012 / 2013
50%
■ SIGNIFICANTLY ■ MODERATELY ■ NOT MUCH ■ NOT AT ALL ■ DON'T KNOW
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2013
2012
2011
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