2013 Global SRM Research Report - Six pillars for success

113

The level of dissatisfaction is increasing sharply for information and technology support for SRM activities . In addition, 75% of sell side respondents report that less than half of the customers with SRM programmes have an effective system, enabling any form of collaboration.

Figure 5.1. How well current IT systems are supporting SRM – buy side

56%

■ VERY STRONG ■ ADEQUATELY ■ POORLY ■ VERY POORLY

50%

48%

40%

33%

1

30%

20%

9%

8%

4%

3%

2%

2013

2012

2011

This implies that either solutions are not keeping pace as SRM activities mature and / or that the level of support is actually decreasing. In our experience, there is also a third factor which is expectations are increasing as SRM teams are becoming increasingly exposed to best in class solutions outside of the procurement or work arena. Rapid development of Enterprise Social Networks, Software as a Service solutions, and the advent of mobile and social plat- forms mean that expectations are high and the increased focus on this is unlikely to abate. Our third question addressed the problems encountered when trying to use existing IT systems, applications or software to support SRM activity. As in previous years, a lack of required functionality, as well as use of a range of disparate systems, remains the major concern. This year there is a significant increase in dissatisfaction with system access for both stakeholders , and suppliers . While this is a concern, it is also a positive trend that the business and suppliers should have access to the solutions. This demand can be easily addressed and is a great ‘leading’ indicator of engagement.

Figure 5.2. Typical problems encountered using IT systems – buy side

56%

SYSTEMS ARE DISPARATE / NOT INTEGRATED

54%

LACK OF REQUIRED FUNCTIONALITY

2

28%

INACCESSIBLE TO SUPPLIERS

28%

LACK OF UP TO DATE INFORMATION

1

21%

INACCESSIBLE TO INTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS

14%

OTHER

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