5 Ways to Take Control of SaaS Sprawl

As organizations increasingly rely on cloud-based software solutions, the ease of subscribing to and implementing SaaS applications has led to a rapid bloat in licensed tech solutions. As a result, CIOs and CTOs are faced with increased costs, security risks, and integration complexities.

According to Gartner, 61% of software buyers plan to increase their technology investments in 2024. As businesses look to invest in new technologies and optimize their services and applications, they’ll need a comprehensive approach to SaaS management to reduce SaaS sprawl and create a well-managed software ecosystem.?

Here are 5 ways you can cut down on SaaS sprawl in your organization and unlock greater value from existing tools and services:

Assess and Inventory Your SaaS Applications

The first step in taking control of SaaS sprawl is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the SaaS applications being used within your organization. Conduct a thorough assessment and inventory of all the SaaS tools in use, including those procured by different departments or individual employees. This will provide you with a clear picture of your entire SaaS portfolio and the extent of SaaS sprawl and help identify redundancies or underused applications.

Centralize SaaS Procurement and Management

Centralizing SaaS procurement and management is crucial to regaining control over your software ecosystem. Establish a centralized process for evaluating, approving, and procuring new SaaS applications. This will ensure that all SaaS tools align with the organization’s goals and requirements. Consider implementing a platform like Acterys that lets you consolidate your SaaS applications and unify analytics and planning, providing better visibility and control.

Implement Clear Governance and Policies

Establishing governance and policies around SaaS usage is essential to prevent the uncontrolled proliferation of SaaS applications. Define guidelines for SaaS procurement, usage, and data security. This includes setting standards for data access, user permissions, and integration requirements. By implementing clear policies, you can ensure that SaaS applications are used effectively and in line with the organization’s overall strategy.

Regularly Review and Optimize SaaS Usage

SaaS applications should be regularly reviewed to assess their value and usage. Identify apps that are underused or no longer serving their intended purpose and consider consolidating or eliminating them. Regularly review subscription plans and negotiate with vendors to optimize SaaS costs and ensure that you are only paying for the features and licenses you truly need.

Foster Collaboration and Communication

Encourage collaboration and communication among departments and teams to avoid duplication of SaaS tools. Establish channels for sharing information and best practices regarding SaaS usage. This will help identify opportunities for consolidation and ensure that the organization is leveraging the full potential of its SaaS investments.

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