Verian

A Side of Mashed Potatoes

September 3rd, 2010 | No Comments

Ever been at a restaurant and found yourself not really starving but not exactly full? You could probably eat a portion of an entrée, but that’s all. You know everything else on the plate will be wasted. If the restaurant doesn’t serve items a la carte, you’ll be paying more and bringing home a doggie bag.

Since the recession started, I’m seeing the same thing in purchasing and AP. The economy is forcing many companies to implement major software implementations and upgrades step-by-step, over an extended period of time. Unfortunately, many are finding that solution providers only serve the whole enchilada.

Many large software providers sell their systems as packages. If you want a module for procurement, for example, you get (and pay for) three additional modules as well. As a result, customers are sold features, functionality and modules that they don’t need. And this economy, no business can afford to leave food on the plate.

That’s why purchasing and AP departments are demanding a la carte solutions. They want the freedom to implement just one element, like eProcurement, eInvoicing, workflow or expense reporting. Not only is it more cost effective, but organizations can plan more strategically and execute more effectively. Organizations I talk to also want the flexibility to quickly and easily activate additional modules down the road – when it makes sense for them.

So if you’re looking at a software menu, make sure that the provider offers its items a la carte – because there’s a lot more at stake then a side of mashed potatoes.

Adam Slick
Marketing Communications Manager
Verian Technologies