Spendlinq makes Source to Pay future-proof

It’s now about three months since Piet Dijkstra joined Spendlinq. But the field is anything but new to him: he has more than twelve years of experience in the FMCG sector, where he often focused on streamlining Source to Pay processes.

What is new to him is advising other organisations. As an independent consultancy, Spendlinq provides strategic, technological and operational support to clients looking for the right (technological) solution to support people and processes. “We drive digital transformation, making sure we deliver a lasting result,” says Piet.

“There’s no shortage of Source to Pay initiatives, but in practice we see these projects often struggle to get off the ground,” he explains. “For example, because of the wrong approach to the selection process, poor collaboration between stakeholders or the wrong use of technology. Whereas – with the right knowledge and expertise – it can be so much better, faster and cheaper.”

“Our strength is that we’re constantly looking for improvements. With our background, we know Source to Pay processes better than anyone, we know which technology is available on the market and which solution best fits our clients’ situation.”

That conviction also underpins the work of Megan, who has been a Source to Pay consultant at Spendlinq since 2024. “What’s great about our work is that we really help organisations improve. We take an objective look at existing processes and systems, and show people there’s room for renewal. That awareness within the organisation is often the first step towards real change.”

Every organisation is different

Spendlinq advises on and supports the design, implementation and optimisation of Source to Pay processes or parts of them, regardless of the maturity stage or the technology in use. From strategic advice to system implementation, and from process design to change management.

For Megan, the appeal of the field lies in the variety. “At every organisation you come across similar processes, but no project is the same. Each organisation has different procurement categories, approval flows or systems, for example. That makes the work intellectually challenging.”

Piet adds: “Because Source to Pay processes touch every department, you quickly gain a broad insight into how an organisation works. Whether you’re working for a healthcare institution, a public organisation or a multinational, you’re always in the middle of the operation.”

From strategy to execution

That broad versatility is also visible in the projects Spendlinq works on. Consultants help select a new S2P platform, for example, support implementations or advise on the optimal setup of processes.

“In a short time I’ve already worked on a wide range of projects at organisations including Reclassering Nederland, FNV and Pharming Group,” says Megan. “From test coordination to training and from management setup to selection processes. That variety means I learn quickly and make an impact.”

Piet also sees great value in that variety. “In a short time I’ve got to know many different organisations. That doesn’t just make my work enjoyable and interesting, it also strengthens my expertise. You learn something new every time.”

Multidisciplinary working: stronger together

Spendlinq’s strength also lies in multidisciplinary collaboration within the team. Each consultant brings their own expertise. Think of change management, technological knowledge or experience with selection processes.

“We always work on projects in small teams. For every client, we tailor the approach to the organisation and the situation,” explains Megan. “That also means you learn from colleagues and the experience they bring from their backgrounds. I benefited a lot from working with one regular colleague in my first months. It gave me structure and confidence.”

Piet recognises that: “I was recently deployed on a project just before the go-live of a new system. Because colleagues were already involved, I was able to add value quickly. And if I have questions, I know I can go to anyone in the team – even outside the project.”

Growing and sharing knowledge

“To offer our clients the best solutions, it’s important to share knowledge with each other continuously,” says Megan. “Because we learn from projects and carry ‘best practices’ into new assignments, we know exactly how to avoid the pitfalls, what the success factors are and how to keep projects moving.”

“We also share all the knowledge we’ve gained with each other by topic in our resources. Think of our project approach, implementation templates and knowledge about software suppliers.”

Piet also appreciates the focus on substance. “We also have a lot of knowledge about technological developments and the solutions the market offers. It’s our role to assess them for how well they’d work for our clients. That’s why we maintain an active international network of software suppliers and stay sharp on what’s happening in the market. That way we can really advise customers well. And as a consultant, you keep growing yourself too.”

A team you can build on

Spendlinq is fully committed to growth and is always looking for entrepreneurial people with a drive for the subject matter and a heart for collaboration. Consultants join customer projects from day one and get plenty of room to take initiative.

“You’re not left to fend for yourself,” says Megan. “A lot is expected of you, but you always do it together. You learn at a rapid pace and can make a difference straight away at interesting Dutch organisations.”

“Our ambitions are big,” Piet adds. “As a team, we have one goal in mind: to be the best full-service provider in our field. But just as important: we’re simply good people to work with. We work hard and laugh hard.”

Source: Consultancy.nl