Client story How an E-procurement Company Streamlined Purchasing and Reduced Costs
By Insight Editor / 15 Aug 2019 / Topics: Data center Modern infrastructure
Facts at a glance
Client industry:
E-procurement software
Size of company:
1,500 employees
Challenge:
The client needed to simplify its e-procurement process and develop a better inventory system.
Solution:
- Single-source customer portal
- Hot Swap program
- Bulk purchase discounts
Results:
- 3% to 5% annual savings, totaling $250,000
- Improved inventory system
Solution area:
Insight’s Supply Chain Optimization solutions simplify the process of procuring, maintaining and replacing the technology clients invest in to run their business.
A company’s ambitions can often outpace its technical capabilities.
One business, which provides payment processing platforms to help its customers accept digital payments and manage their online businesses, faced this issue. As demand continued to grow, it needed a more innovative, efficient inventory system — and a state-of-the-art supply chain.
Identifying areas of improvement
In past years, the company purchased from multiple sources and its IT department spent excessive time on procurement instead of other important projects. This hampered the company’s ability to satisfy customer needs and effectively track inventory.
It also used open bins where employees picked peripherals and other related equipment. This “old school” approach prevented accurate equipment count and caused sudden shortages. Employees and customers paid the price for this lack of accountability.
Having previously worked with Insight, the business’s IT director trusted our regional touch and global capabilities. He asked our team to develop an innovative approach that truly recognized the business’s unique product offerings and dynamic company culture.
Far-reaching solutions
Insight has a powerful weapon in its arsenal: a one-stop portal to help businesses procure all necessary inventory. Implemented and in use, this solution relieves the client’s most immediate problem of purchasing products from multiple sources in a haphazard way.
Our team also researched which items were used most by the company’s employees and leveraged the data to create updated supply chain standards.
The new, disciplined inventory approach allows the client to track all usage and restock items before running too low.
In addition, we proposed installing on-site IT vending machines to replace the outdated bins.
By simply swiping their IDs at a machine, employees will gain instant access to a new mouse, monitor, keyboard and more. As a result, the company will experience greater inventory control, overcoming the shortfalls that once plagued the business.
Fast repairs
Many of the items used by the client are easily repairable. In the case of a malfunction or breakdown, products are immediately sent to Insight’s Apple-certified national repair center. The center dispatches a “loaner” until the repaired equipment is returned to the employee. This Hot Swap program is designed to be as convenient as possible, easing stress and improving overall employee efficiency.
Tracking first-year results
The client is thrilled with its 3% to 5% annual savings, which already totals about $250,000. Using the new single-source portal and bulk discounts, it has purchased $500,000 of Apple MacBook devices, $215,000 in LG monitors and another $200,000 in related power, networking and peripheral tools.
Employees are pleased to get essential products in a more timely manner, and the client has accelerated its mission to help customers effectively accept payments and manage business online.
