There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened.
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Regardless of this theory is correct or not, advanced sourcing is not the universe … it’s not even the universe of enterprise applications (although it’s becoming a pretty significant part). As a result, your organization should not be scared to acquire, learn, and master it. However, given the continuing rather low uptake of strategic sourcing decision optimization and advanced hybrid spend analysis (that uses machine learning and embeds prescriptive analytics), one would think the average organization is quaking in their boots.

And the answer is not to wait until the application interfaces are simplified enough so that it’s just point-and-click to select a model, accept the default constraints, run the scenario, and accept the result. Just like a top n report in spend analysis will only identify a savings opportunity once, a canned optimization scenario will only identify a significant savings once.

Nor is it the answer to wait until your preferred provider proffers a solution to you. These are solutions you should be seeking on your own, not when your provider brings them to you because every day you wait is a day another opportunity passes you by. And with pressures mounting to generate value, how many opportunities can you afford to miss? None.

So don’t wait. Figure it out. It won’t go away. It won’t change instantaneously when you do. And you won’t have to learn it twice. So just do it.