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The Hidden Cost of Complacency. Are we too Comfortable with our ERP Vendors?

Explore how to challenge the status quo in enterprise software procurement, manage strategic suppliers, and uncover hidden opportunities for improvement.

ITAA were delighted to be asked to both exhibit and speak at the IT Procurement & Sourcing Summit in Amsterdam, Sep 29th – Oct 1st 2024

In case you missed it, Rob Gardner, an IT Procurement & Sam expert with 15+ years of experience and strategic insights across multiple industries, delivered a compelling and powerful presentation on:

‘The Hidden Cost of Complacency: Are we too comfortable with our ERP vendors?’

Here is a summary of the content:

Enterprise software often represents the crown jewel of an organization’s IT landscape, with significant investments dedicated to both implementation and ongoing maintenance. These expenditures frequently consume a large portion of the IT budget. This presentation explored the complex and nuanced relationship between enterprise software vendors and their customers, challenging the assumption that IT procurement professionals tend to avoid challenging the status quo.

Key challenges were discussed, including system complexity, sunk costs, and internal resistance to change, which make holding vendors accountable difficult. The session emphasized the importance of adopting more competitive procurement strategies that better align with business objectives and stakeholder interests.

Key takeaways

  • How to strategically manage supplier relationships while avoiding common pitfalls
  • Recognizing when stability may hide opportunities for improvement
  • Shifting your procurement approach for better outcomes

 

The speaker: Rob Gardner, Commercial Manager

Rob brings over 15 years of invaluable experience in procurement and team leadership across high-profile industries, including Insurance, Oil and Gas, Healthcare, Retail, and FMCG. With a proven track record of delivering significant results and driving strategic initiatives, Rob played a pivotal role in restructuring the procurement department for a leading private healthcare company, managing all indirect spend categories. His expertise also extends to renegotiating key contracts, exemplified by his successful renegotiation with a strategic technology provider, leading to a remarkable 20% reduction in delivery costs.

In addition to his impressive accomplishments, Rob has been integral to a multi-million-dollar AD&M programme, helping establish a new commercial ecosystem with several strategic service providers. His skills in forming and leading interdisciplinary teams and fostering highly collaborative supplier relationships make him a standout leader in the field.

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