Modules: Full suite explanatory

To introduce the suits we offer in Source-to-Contract we have created the below graph. Think of it as a conversation starter with which you can explain to someone what we do and which processes we support, and how those processes interact with each other. You can also use it to tell the story and chronology of the rest of the modules.

The graph has a fairly high level of abstraction to give 95% of the readers an idea of ​​what we do. A lot of details are left out and many interpretations and applications are possible. These have all been discussed, but that does not make a process picture any clearer.

Of course, there are all kinds of cross connections, but we want to present this information in a simple way. It shouldn't be rocket science.

How Mercell sees the Source-to-Contract process

Procurement is an iterative process. By iterative we mean repetitive and improving, hence the circle. A need arises, you look for the product or service, you start using it and you learn from it. Where the entire process within the government repeats itself, because a contract must be renewed every 4 years, housing corporations and private clients may choose to improve the service or to build up long-term, intensive partnerships. In our process we recognize - just like the PDCA circle - different phases: Connect, Select, Control.

Connect

By Connect we mean connecting the purchasing department with the rest of the organization and vice versa. As a purchasing team you offer a digital portal for filling in and receiving purchasing needs from colleagues. In this phase, this means identifying or collecting those needs and setting up and directing the purchasing process. The purple color runs completely round, because as a buyer you take colleagues with you in the future and you remain central in all phases. You connect with your customer to add value to products and services. Mercell enables you to maintain that connection in all your activities.

Select

Then comes the next phase and it speaks for itself. As a buyer, you specify the product or service that will fulfill the need. You enter the market and select the best supplier.

Control

From that selection comes a commitment to agreements that you want to store and manage. This is the third stage. As a buyer, you want to be able to manage the contract, the supplier, and the performance - and adjust if necessary.

Over time, as needs change, one may have to tender again, or an internal customer is dissatisfied and then the process starts again from the beginning. Or you are satisfied and continue to work continuously on the relationship and the performance of suppliers. In the meantime, compliance should be a matter of course.

The control arrow could also go counter-clockwise, there is the possibility to repeat that phase continuously.

Our modules are linked to these phases in the process, but are also linked to each other.

Mercell acts as a central hub that brings these phases, modules, stakeholders and all associated data together, so that you as a buyer or purchasing department can make the right decision.

Reporting and integration cover all these modules. This way you can report on all modules, but you can also integrate them with other software in the organization.