Hewlett Packard optimizes the procurement processes of its global inkjet printer production operations by gaining visibility into component costs and product usage.

Industrial buyers have long needed to negotiate the specifications and prices for key purchases. Now, more than ever, consumers expect a personalized experience from product configuration all the way through fulfillment preferences. It is not surprising, therefore, that organizations today are facing increasing challenges with the management of their quote-to-cash (Q2C) process. These challenges include the ability to deal with the intricacy of personalized product offerings as well the complexity of the fulfillment processes and closing out the transaction through the settlement process. By embracing and streamlining the Q2C process, organizations can create strong customer loyalty and increase the bottom line.

A recent report suggests that although online sales in the business-to-business sector are growing, those companies should be willing to invest more in e-commerce platforms.

The typical procurement organization invests heavily in supplier compliance but rarely reaps the value rewards. Compliance can often feel like a revolving door, with procurement teams evaluating the same risks and under-performing suppliers over and over again and never identifying the root causes or making real progress toward sustainability. Eventually, after a multi-year investment into a responsible sourcing program, procurement finds itself past the point of diminishing returns.