Spendlinq helps organisations connect the entire Source to Pay chain

It’s a well-known challenge in the corporate world: departments that should be strengthening each other largely work alongside one another instead. The problem shows up not only in the technology landscape, but also in the processes and in how people work with them.

“Technology, people and processes need to be perfectly aligned to maximise efficiency and value creation,” says Paul van Rietschoten. “A lack of integration between the various systems and departments is the number one challenge organisations run into.”

From an independent position, Spendlinq guides organisations looking for the right (technological) solution to support people and processes. “Whether it’s strategic, technological or operational support – we act as a driver of digital transformation and make sure the result lasts,” says Van Rietschoten.

Always looking for improvement

Technology obviously plays a central role in digital transformation, but there’s far more to it than that.

“With more than 20 years of experience in the market, we saw that initiatives often risk failing because of the wrong approach to the selection process, poor collaboration between stakeholders and the wrong use of technology,” explains Van Rietschoten. “Whereas – with the right knowledge and expertise – it can be so much better, faster and cheaper.”

Spendlinq was founded on this thinking. “Our strength is that we’re constantly looking for improvements. With our background, we know Source to Pay processes like no one else, we know which technology is available on the market and which solution best fits our clients’ situation.”

That solution doesn’t necessarily have to be an entirely new system. “In some situations, it may well be the people and processes that need extra attention, and new technology isn’t even necessary. Or a smart technological addition can give your existing software a second life.”

Multicoloured

When it comes to the all-important integration of both departments and systems, Van Rietschoten has seen a positive development in recent years in the rise of ‘best-of-breed’ solutions that connect seamlessly with one another.

“Think of specialised software for Contract Lifecycle Management, Contingent Workforce and Accounts Payable Automation, for example. If you wanted to use those side by side in the past, it called for expensive and complicated custom work. But integration has since become standard functionality.”

That means the choice is no longer black and white between either one ‘best-of-suite’ Source to Pay solution or many specialised solutions, but “multicoloured”, as Van Rietschoten puts it. “And that’s good news for organisations. There are now endless combinations possible, including one that fits the specific needs and ambitions of your organisation and your people.”

From design to implementation

Spendlinq helps clients determine what works best for their organisation. “We offer a full-service proposition: we advise and support you in designing, implementing and optimising Source to Pay processes or parts of them, regardless of your maturity stage or the technology you use,” says Van Rietschoten.

Almost two years in, he’s pleased to see that the service is hitting the mark. “There turns out to be an enormous need for the unique combination of expertise in the Source to Pay domain on the one hand and knowledge of innovative technology on the other.”

For example, at a national public implementation agency, the Spendlinq team guided the replacement of the existing Purchase to Pay solution. “We handled the project management and the functional implementation of a new system.”

The firm also carried out a major project for a national interest organisation. “We helped with strategic advice, process analysis, package selection and the eventual implementation of a new system covering the complete Source to Pay process.”

The human factor in transformation

To make sure systems and processes properly support the people within the organisation, change management also plays an important role in Spendlinq’s assignments – both for employees and for management.

“Leadership and vision are decisive”, says Van Rietschoten. “Management must have a clear vision of the reasons for, approach to and goals of the digital transformation, and of how to communicate this to all stakeholders.”

“Employees deserve attention too. Changes to processes and systems can trigger resistance. To prevent that, you need to bring people along from the start. Employees must also – with or without training – acquire the digital skills they need, so that they truly understand and use the new processes and technology.”

This also calls for a cultural change, he stresses. “The company culture must encourage people to step beyond their own boundaries and those of their department. Digital transformation requires shared goals and knowledge sharing. Collaboration and communication are crucial.”

Challenges and opportunities

Looking ahead, Van Rietschoten sees plenty of challenges and opportunities coming up in the Source to Pay field.

“Compliance remains a constant challenge, for example all the new ESG requirements that oblige companies to improve and report on the sustainability performance of their organisation and supply chain. And of course security deserves ever more attention. This mostly concerns policies and measures aimed at protecting the data, systems and networks involved.”

Opportunities lie largely in the many new technologies that keep entering the market. “Things are moving very fast at the moment”, says Van Rietschoten, “from AI to machine learning, advanced analytics, virtual assistants and much more.”

“Innovations like these will change the field profoundly. We help organisations deal with the challenges this brings and separate the wheat from the chaff: what is hype and what can truly add value to your organisation? And of course we then help you realise that value.”

Many talents, one goal

With all these developments, Van Rietschoten looks to Spendlinq’s future with confidence.

“Over the coming years, Spendlinq is fully committed to growth, both in the Netherlands and internationally. Crucial to that is finding and retaining the best qualified people – entrepreneurial consultants who know the Source to Pay domain like no other, or want to get to know it.” Van Rietschoten is convinced that Spendlinq can in this way grow into “the first name organisations think of for questions about the digital transformation of Source to Pay processes”.

“And of course we also simply want to build a great and enjoyable company together”, he adds immediately. “Our people are the heart of our company. Each with their own talents and expertise, but what we share is the enthusiasm, commitment and creativity to achieve one goal together: to be the best full-service provider in our field.”

Source: Consultancy.nl