IBM has expanded its procurement services with additional tools for strategic sourcing and procure-to-pay (P2P) processes. According to the company, the offerings equip businesses with additional options for reducing operating costs related to procurement. IBM's shared-services centers can perform numerous procurement and payables operations on behalf of clients. The new strategic-sourcing services include experts who can analyze a company's spend and negotiate improved contracts with suppliers. In the area of P2P, IBM offers shared services that make possible reductions in the procurement function, while increasing standardization and controls. IBM also provides call-center support for both employees and suppliers. According to a recent IBM survey of senior finance and procurement executives, 80 percent of respondents identified maximizing savings and reducing costs as the top priorities for their procurement function.
