An updated SolutionMap release — but what is SolutionMap? (And what it isn't...)
Procurement digital transformation is a challenging endeavor. There are countless stories and discussions about failures (lack of adoption and/or results). The procurement world is not immune to this phenomenon.
While there are multiple reasons for failure (lack of strategy, lack of tangible business case, etc.), one often mentioned is the outcome of the vendor selection process. Vendor selection is complex, as companies often have to navigate a maze of confusing terminology and vendor pitches. These may not always align with their specific requirements and needs, which go beyond 'features and functions' to include 'relationships' elements and considerations. Therefore, a strategic approach that focuses on 'best fit' (functional and strategic) rather than just immediate tech needs is crucial.
What SolutionMap is
SolutionMap by Spend Matters stands out as a comprehensive methodology designed to help organizations evaluate and select procurement solutions and providers to understand how their offerings compare to peers and typical user needs. It offers detailed data-backed insights on various vendors in a technology segment. Data includes positioning, technical capabilities AND customer feedback.?
What SolutionMap is not
SolutionMap is not “yet another map"
Vendors featured in SolutionMap undergo an exhaustive, meticulous, transparent and robust process (this is how new vendors describe it, not our words!). The process includes several data-collection steps (RFIs and surveys), multiple collaborative (between vendors and analysts) scoring rounds, and product demonstrations. Also, data is regularly updated every 6 to 9 months to ensure its accuracy and relevance.
In a nutshell, SolutionMap is not a map of logos collected via an internet search and a quick review of websites.
SolutionMap is not one-size-fits-all
The output of the SolutionMap assessment fuels our proprietary dataset and feeds our approach delivered through products and services. Products include Spend Matters Insider and TechMatch, which support various needs but have a common denominator: one-size-fits-all fits no one!
SolutionMap does not represent a whole market (needs and offerings) as a simplistic 2x2 but aims to put data into different perspectives:
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SolutionMap is not a black box
Procurement is complex and all about trade-offs. Therefore, unlike other industry ‘rankings,’ SolutionMap provides in-depth insights and details to ensure that organizations have all the information they need to make the proper short-listing decisions.?
SolutionMap is not about aggregating a ‘dry’ multidimensional score to plot it on a single graph. SolutionMap makes the details available: vendor demographics and benchmarks at a granular level are examples.?
It is because the devil is in the details, and finding the best fit requires understanding how vendors differentiate for the requirements that matter the most to a specific organization.
Explainability and transparency are critical in a decision-making process!
I have had the relatively unique opportunity to experience SolutionMap (and Spend Matters) as I have been:
Because of these multiple perspectives, I believe that SolutionMap is outstanding and unique. Have a peek and judge for yourself!
Useful links:
CEO at Spend Matters
2 个月Good article, Bertrand Maltaverne - #SolutionMap by Spend Matters isn't 'yet another map' indeed. It all comes back to the philosophy simply put as 'what do you trust, your gut or your data?!?'. To me, you can start considering your gut/soft aspects of a #ProcureTech product and supporting services once you KNOW that the solution will meet your needs. Getting into the true functionality and capabilities is key here - and 2x2 is just a bit of marketing fodder.