Of all the technological damnations, this is probably one of the most annoying. Procurement is B2B, not B2C, and there is not an app for that. The only app we need in Procurement is an app for getting each and every person who says there’s an app for that diagnosed as mentally insane and committed. Because, when it comes to Enterprise Procurement, there is no app for that!
In order to make this crystal clear, let’s define exactly what an app is:
An app is a piece of software designed to run in a browser or on a mobile deice
So why isn’t this enterprise procurement? Again, let’s start with a definition.
Enterprise Procurement is the act of buying raw materials, components, goods, services, works, or other consumables from an external source to support the needs of the business and its consumers. This act involves a process that starts with (strategic sourcing), moves on to contract negotiation and management, involves supplier performance and relationship management, generates requisitions and purchase orders, that are followed by invoices and goods receipts, matches, payments, and inventory management.
You really think there is an app for that? Really?
Let’s be clear.
- Approving a requisition is not an enterprise procurement application.
- Viewing a report is not an enterprise procurement application.
- Checking the status of a shipment is not an enterprise procurement application.
- Placing an order is not an enterprise procurement application.
- And every other tinky-dink feature you can do in a browser is not an enterprise procurement application.
When it comes to enterprise Procurement, there are only platforms. Anything less is a waste of time, money, and bits. But the app bullsh!t is increasing by the day. It’s a damnation. See it for what it is.