The third step is to analyze your data to identify trends, patterns, anomalies, and opportunities. Spend cube analysis, Pareto analysis, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership analysis are all techniques that can be used to gain insights into your spending behavior, performance, and potential. Spend analysis can help answer questions such as: how much do you spend on each category, supplier, or contract; how does your spending compare to your budget, market prices, or industry standards; what savings can be achieved by consolidating suppliers, standardizing products, or renegotiating contracts; how payment terms, delivery times, or quality standards can be improved; and what risks can be reduced (like supply disruptions, compliance issues, or fraud).