From ambition to lasting results: an integrated Source to Pay transformation

The digital transformation of Source to Pay processes can be a far-reaching journey for organisations. It affects not only processes and systems, but also how people work and the strategic direction of the organisation. That’s exactly why it’s important to approach this transformation in an integrated way. “At Spendlinq, we don’t believe in standalone advisory projects or purely technical implementations,” says Paul van Rietschoten, managing director and co-founder of Spendlinq. “We help organisations from start to finish, from strategy to successful delivery and lasting support so they can keep on improving. And we do that with a proven full-service concept built around 3 pillars: Strategy, Solution and Success.”

Strategy: laying the foundation

In practice, every transformation starts with the fundamental questions: what do we want to achieve, and what will it take? That’s exactly what Strategy is about. “In this phase, our strategy consultants help you make sharp choices. What are the organisation’s ambitions? What are the current bottlenecks in processes or systems? And how would a potential new solution fit with the existing IT architecture?” Paul explains.

This strategic phase determines which route the organisation takes. Paul explains: “We help you draw up a clear Source to Pay vision, which we translate into concrete process designs, objectives and preconditions. That includes carrying out a baseline measurement to get a clear picture of the starting position. And building a business case that covers both quantitative and qualitative benefits. We look at the entire chain and make sure a solid foundation is in place before any choices are made.”

On that basis, an independent selection of a suitable solution follows. “But only if it’s needed, because replacement isn’t always the best route. Sometimes it’s more effective to optimise the existing set-up or to make (better) use of the functionality in your current package. We guide organisations through that decision too, with no commercial interest in any specific supplier. That makes our advice independent, pragmatic and realistic.”

Solution: from strategy to operations

Once a choice has been made or a direction has been set, the next phase begins: Solution. This is the implementation phase, where plans are turned into working solutions. Spendlinq works with a team of specialists who are involved in Source to Pay implementations every day, for both new and existing systems. Think programme and project managers, functional implementation consultants and experts in integrations and reporting.

“What sets us apart is that we’re not tied to any one technology or supplier,” Paul stresses. “We know the market, we understand what different packages can do, and we make sure the chosen solution fits the processes, people and objectives of each individual organisation.”

Paul points out that in this phase it’s at least as important to pay attention to people and bring them along through the change. “Implementing a new system often means employees have to work differently, approval workflows run differently and processes become standardised. That’s why we also support adoption, communication and training, so the new way of working really lands in the organisation.”

Success: keep realising value

But it doesn’t stop there. “For us, a project doesn’t end with a successful go-live, but only when the solution works as intended and is used as designed,” says Paul.

The phase that’s often the most underestimated begins right after go-live: Success. This is where the initial set-up is rolled out further across procurement categories, business units and suppliers. In this phase, users need support, systems are refined further and the processes really start to run.

“In this crucial phase too, we support organisations with operational support. Think functional administration, user support, setting up new process flows and connecting suppliers to the chosen solution. We also pay attention to training and further development, so the investment keeps its value,” says Paul. “We see that many software suppliers scale back after go-live. Yet this is the moment when you can make the difference as an organisation.”

The right expertise in every phase

To deliver the right expertise in every phase, Spendlinq deliberately chooses a multidisciplinary team with specialists for every part of the transformation journey. From strategic advisor to implementation consultant and functional administrator: each with in-depth knowledge of the Source to Pay domain and of the sectors in which clients operate. “This combination means we can not only advise but also truly deliver, and keep supporting you afterwards.”

Paul concludes: “We offer organisations a single point of contact for the entire digital transformation, one that keeps the overview, connects the steps and continuously thinks along on improvement. Because Source to Pay transformation has no end date, but is an ongoing process of professionalisation. And in that, it’s of great value to have a partner at your side who knows how to get you from ambition to result, and who keeps all the links in balance along the way.”