Modules: Full Suite Explanatory
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To introduce the suit we offer in Source-to-Contract we’ve 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.
You could include all of these, 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.
Within the government the process repeats itself automatically, because a contract must be renewed every 4 years. The private sector might choose to improve the service or to build up long-term, intensive partnerships. In our process we recognise - just like a PDCA circle - different phases: Connect, Select, Control.
Connect
Connect is about connecting the purchasing department with the rest of the organisation, and vice versa.
As a purchasing team you offer a digital portal for receiving purchasing needs from colleagues. In this phase, this means identifying or collecting those needs and setting up and directing the purchasing process. You connect with your customer to add value to getting those products and services. Mercell enables you to maintain that connection in all your activities.
Select
The next phase speaks for itself. As a buyer, you specify the product or service that will fulfil the need. You enter the market and select the best supplier.
Control
From that selection phase 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.
The cycle
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.
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. This enables you as a buyer or purchasing department to 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 organisation.