Vendor Optimization

Capture short term cost savings quickly and plan for future cost reductions

Clients normally use this service within the first 100 days of a new Chief Information Officer, a new Chief Financial Office or a new Chief Digital Officer.

It is a way to make an immediate contribution to the company within the first 100 days, while at the same time accelerate the learning curve regarding the all the software, hardware and services deals without having to spend a lot of time doing so.

The other time clients use this service is when they discover their digital or IT costs are not within industry norms. Most times a high cost-per-employee is a clear indication that vendor optimization is required.

Vendor Selection

Discipline and independence when deciding on a new platform, software or service.

Clients use this service when they are considering buying something new. It could be new software, entering into a SaaS contract, or signing up for new mobile services. Basically, this service is used anytime you are negotiating with a new vendor.

By combining a client’s subject matter expertise with our experience in preparing RFI’s, RFP’s, sharing market intelligence, negotiating methods and contracting, we optimize our client’s staff time and maximize savings, as well as improve the flexibility of contract terms and conditions.

Vendor Portfolio Strategy

A quick assessment of digital and IT services, vendors and costs needed to transition to a new “future state”

Clients use this service when they need to quickly estimate the cost of a project, multiple projects or a complete transformation to evaluate the feasibility of the initiative before taking the next step.

Clients like the fact that Vendor Portfolio Strategy provides a head start by creating a future state architecture, short list of potential vendors, pricing based on known market conditions and an implementation road-map with fully loaded budget for financial planning.

Vendor Management

Avoid surprises. Ensure your vendors are adhering to their Service Level Agreement (SLA’s), usage, pricing and other contractual agreements.

Clients use this annual service when they want to gain better control over the performance of their vendors. Did you know that a lot of discussion is spent on negotiating terms, but many times they are never tracked, nor are remedies or discounts explored when appropriate

Vendor management ensures that this does not happen. We help our clients achieve the financial, quality and responsive goals that are key to their ability to provide best in class service to their customers.

We track monthly performance to ensure contractual terms are being followed and provide an early warning if usage, service demand or another variable is exceeding its limit.

We also work with management to develop an annual vendor management calendar, that includes specific times for new product or service updates for each vendor, expiration of key licenses, timing of new purchases that maximize pricing and negotiating planning sessions.