Visit CAPS Research on the web at:
www.capsresearch.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Push for E-Tool Optimization
One common success factor for implementing e-tools is a thorough examination of
current processes.
Tempe, AZ, August 1, 2007 – How do you get the most value from the e-tools available
to your organization? When you couple the multiple uses for e-tools with varying
agendas that each segment of the business might have, the supply management professional
must set some priorities about using e-tools and the resources they require.
E-tools was the focus during a recent CAPS Research Critical Issues Partnership
Event where some of the issues discussed included: the drivers and value proposition
for e-tool initiatives; examples of the most common tools being employed; setting
priorities for e-tool projects and lessons learned from e-tool implementations.
Most of the companies who were represented at the partnership event reported the
drivers for implementing and using e-tools included: cost management, the complex
requirements being levied on the supply management organization both internally
and externally, risk mitigation, cross-functional applicability, user benefits,
and return on investment (ROI).
However, the best tools in the world won't be effective unless they are used properly.
User compliance and change management are important to the success of implementation.
The CAPS Research report provides examples of large global firms who have had some
success with e-tools. Tools have been used for supplier analysis and spend analysis,
contract management/approvals, electronic ordering and invoicing, SOX requirements/reporting
and e-sourcing/e-auctions.
When setting priorities about e-tool purchasing and implementation, some common
practices that author Roberta J. Duffy details are to: consider the global impact,
align the project with current executive focus, examine current processes and systems
and identify gaps, prioritize for the greatest potential benefit, consider who will
ultimately use the tools, consider the impact on suppliers and make sure someone
owns the process.
For the firms attending the CAPS Research event, some lessons learned from e-tool
implementation include: the importance of thoroughly examining current processes,
knowing your own limitations, ensuring data is accurate, engaging all parties during
training and education, considering what specific issues might arise as a tool is
implemented worldwide and ensuring compliance and buy-in.
- # # # -
This report is based on a CAPS Research Critical Issues Event in Somerset, NJ. Critical
Issues Partnership Program Conferences come from our sponsors' desire to bring subject-matter
experts (and those wanting information) together on a current crucial issue in supply,
in a one-day focused meeting, organized by CAPS Research and held at a sponsor company's
site.
Note: Click on the following link to access the Critical Issues report titled, “E-Tool
Optimization”, included are case studies describing 4 global firms who have been
relatively effective implementing e-tools:
http://www.capsresearch.org/publications/pdfs-protected/cir072007.pdf
If you’re a first-time visitor to the CAPS Research website you will be prompted
to register when you access reports. Otherwise, just enter your previously established
login data.
CAPS Research is a nonprofit research organization founded in 1986 to provide leading
research to our strategic-minded corporate sponsors and to the public. Our mission
is to work in partnership with a global network of executives and academics for
the discovery and dissemination of strategic supply management knowledge and best
practices. CAPS Research is jointly sponsored by the W. P. Carey School of Business
at Arizona State University, and the Institute for Supply Management™.
Media Contact:
Clare Donnalley
CAPS Research Marketing Manager
Voice: 800/888-6276 extension 3007
Main: 480/752-2277
Email:
cdonnalley@capsresearch.org
For more information about CAPS Research programs and products please contact us
at:
Research@capsresearch.org
To unsubscribe to press releases from CAPS Research send an email with REMOVE in
the subject line to:
Research@capsresearch.org