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How to plan your Source to Pay implementation project

by | February 14, 2020

An efficient procurement operation is unquestionably of high importance for any business. You can significantly reduce costs and boost profitability by utilising the information gained from procurement performance measurements. It is also well known that a quality P2P solution will enable delivery of procurement goals and adherence to business process. 

During the last 200+ source to pay implementation projects we have completed, our source to pay implementation consultants have noticed that most organisations focus heavily on the “during” stage of an implementation. Having a deployment plan, defined goals and milestones when implementing a purchase to pay solution is vital. However, the two areas that get less attention, but are equally as important, are “Before” and “After.” But it’s not just about the implementation.

Companies are usually very eager to have the P2P solution implemented and ready to use. It’s tempting to rush the process and set a go-live date on a very tight schedule, but sometimes accelerating the process can increase the number of problems.

Deploying a solution takes time, attention to detail and patience.When implementing a source to pay solution we recommend dividing the project into 3 phases:

The planning phase – key things to consider before the start of the implementation

  • Take time to fully understand your company’s needs
  • Stakeholder Alignment and Change Management
  • Statement of Work – expectations from both your oragnisation and the solution provider
  • Choosing the right implementation partner

The implementation phase – areas of opportunity for your business

  • Early and ongoing communication and engagement with the stakeholders
  • SaaS Attitude
  • Policy Review
  • The mechanics of data and integration
  • Content
  • Internal motivation

After go-live phase – a source to pay implementation requires constant care, even after the implementation. Main important benefits:

  • Support and training
  • Continued supplier enablement
  • Performance management and continuous improvement
  • Updates and new releases
  • Internal resources to be used efficiently

Businesses must try to maintain a balance of effort across all 3 phases of a source to pay implementation project. By doing this they will be closer to achieving the expected results, costs will be kept under control and the business will have a system in place that is being used by everyone.

Our source to pay consultants have put together these 3 stages on a successful e-procurement implementation journey eBook. Download the eBook for more procurement insights!