[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(10,10,10,0.59)” background_image=”https:\/\/ustechsolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IT-specialist-writing-code.jpg” background_blend=”darken” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|0px||0px|false|true” custom_padding=”150px|0px|150px|0px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”87%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”70px||70px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”50px||50px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”31px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#626262″ header_4_font_size=”21px” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.34)” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” width=”15%” width_tablet=”26%” width_phone=”58%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”0px” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||9px|||” custom_margin_phone=”||16px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”” text_line_height_phone=”1.8em” text_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Topic: IT Resourcing<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font_size=”50px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”31px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#626262″ header_4_font_size=”21px” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”34px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”7 minute read” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”}||divi||400″ icon_color=”#E5E5E5″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”20px” content_max_width_tablet=”” content_max_width_phone=”179px” content_max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#E5E5E5″ header_font_size=”16px” header_line_height=”1.3em” body_text_color=”#E5E5E5″ body_font_size=”15px” image_icon_custom_margin=”|||10px|false|false” image_icon_custom_padding=”||||false|false” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_margin=”||8px|||” custom_padding=”|||340px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||340px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” body_line_height_tablet=”” body_line_height_phone=”0.5em” body_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment_tablet=”” module_alignment_phone=”” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
By Jake Ellis<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” sticky_position=”top” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_progress_bar dsm_tracker_bg_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” dsm_progress_height=”6px” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”140deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#c70000 0%|rgba(253,19,129,0.82) 35%|#fc0093 47%|rgba(253,29,119,0.9) 64%|#ff9900 93%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dsm_progress_bar][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||39px|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”42px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”42px|||||” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ specialty_columns=”3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
A<\/span><\/strong>re you building too little IT, buying too much\u2014or vice-versa?\u00a0<\/strong> Are Line of Business departments now too influential when it comes to IT procurement decisions?\u00a0 Are Central IT and Procurement teams being side-lined?\u00a0\u00a0 Is an alternative seismically better approach to IT procurement being ignored?\u00a0 In this article we lift the lid on IT procurement discussions in 2024 and what decision makers should be thinking about.<\/p>\n IT procurement has always been a necessary evil in organizations.\u00a0 The activity comes with the laborious challenges of selecting the right vendor and technology assets for your business, setting the right price and contract terms, etc.<\/p>\n The role of procurement teams to get all these balances right is hugely impactful on the end result stakeholders want, namely a unifying digital ecosystem that does everything, \u2026and reliably too! Yet, as the technological landscapes shift and new business challenges emerge, the adequacy of traditional IT procurement methods is being called into question.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_tablet=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_phone=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” custom_padding=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Organizations have two choices when trying to find the perfect IT platforms, either build a custom solution tailored to their precise specifications or to buy off-the-shelf software that seems to fit the bill. This is like deciding whether to make a special tool for a job or use tools that are already out there but might not be perfect.<\/p>\n Buying software is faster and might seem easier, but it could mean that you end up with something that doesn’t do everything you need. These ready-made programs might not grow with the business or work well with other systems, potentially leading to a tool-shed full of single-function tools that overlap or leave gaps in functionality. On the flip side, the decision to build can be daunting. This requires significant investment in time, skills, and resources, and there’s always the chance it won’t keep up with changes in the business over time.<\/p>\n When it comes to making build or buy decisions for IT, often it\u2019s who shouts loudest gets their way.\u00a0 That\u2019s not a great way to run IT procurement!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_tablet=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_phone=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” custom_padding=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To keep up with the pace of innovation, technology purchases have seen a significant shift towards decentralized decision-making.\u00a0 Line of Business (LoB) departmental leaders, often accused of complaining about the shortcomings of technology they are required to use, are taking it on themselves to fix their own problems by sourcing appropriate apps and tools.\u00a0 To try and speed things up, IT and procurement leaders\u2014often sick of being accused of holding progress up\u2014can be understandably inclined to \u2018step out of the way\u2019 and (as far as they can) leave LoB heads to their own devices.<\/p>\n This self-servicing of IT creates its own challenges. When departments make independent IT decisions operating in silos, it can lead to a fragmented data and applications infrastructure, where compatibility and security may be compromised.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_tablet=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_phone=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” custom_padding=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The self-servicing of IT by departments can encourage a behaviour whereby organizations research, buy and even implement IT solutions before looping in the procurement and central IT teams. This “after-the-fact” approach to procurement and IT architectural decision making can lead to significant roadblocks further down the line.<\/p>\n Without a coordinated strategy, the result can be a mishmash of systems that are difficult to maintain and integrate. The task of training employees on a variety of platforms, as well as having to manage numerous software licenses, means these technologies don’t scale well and can often come with hidden costs.\u00a0<\/p>\n The role of procurement experts is critical from the beginning. They have the skills to negotiate and understand the details of contracts, which are vital for protecting the organization’s interests. Bypassing their expertise can result in inefficient resource use and added demands on the organization’s IT infrastructure and support teams.<\/p>\n The real fix is to make procurement and central IT departments an integral\u2014not to be ignored or avoided\u2014part of IT purchase conversations from the outset.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_tablet=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_phone=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” custom_padding=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To fix the scattered way departments are making IT choices presently, we need new rules and protocols that make the process clear and consistent. These rules should aim to help departments to realize their innovation opportunity while still making sure choices fit the whole company’s goals.<\/p>\n One approach is to categorize IT decisions based on their risk and complexity.<\/p>\n For example, for low-risk functional tasks, department heads could be offered pre-vetted SaaS tools without needing long-winded approvals, particularly when these apps reside on cloud services already pre-checked for performance, resilience and security, etc.\u00a0 Conversely, for more complex decisions, particularly those involving Systems of Record that perform mission-critical data processing, a more rigorous scrutiny process should be applied\u2014given that these decisions impact core business operations.\u00a0<\/p>\n This categorization hinges on creating a set of criteria that evaluates the complexity and integration requirements of each IT solution. For solutions that are self-contained and meet specific criteria, be it security, compliance, or functionality, procurement can allow departments the freedom to act within a defined boundary. This autonomy, however, comes with a checkpoint: if a solution requires integration with existing systems, it triggers a more involved evaluation process, needing procurement’s sign-off.<\/p>\n A graduated scrutiny approach ensures that both high and low-risk procurements receive the appropriate level of attention and expertise. In this way, organizations can accelerate decisions while improving safeguarding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_tablet=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_phone=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” custom_padding=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Any new operating protocol demands a collaborative approach between procurement and IT departments. All stakeholders in IT decisions must accept the important role other contributors perform, otherwise it doesn\u2019t work. The role of procurement and IT in this context is to act as gatekeepers for all the right reasons, ensuring that selection choices and integrations are thoughtfully planned and every system of record is robust enough to support the company’s long-term data needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_tablet=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_phone=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” custom_padding=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n However, the likelihood of encountering a platform that operates in isolation, without the need for integration or data sharing with other systems, is slim. That’s why it’s important to be clear about the different kinds of IT solutions your business uses and why it is essential to separate them this way.<\/p>\n Categorizing decisions not only aids in swift adoption and implementation but also opens the dialogue about data frameworks and system integration. A solution that fits neatly into the organization\u2019s data framework without needing extensive integration and adaptation is a rare find. As a result, understanding what systems you currently use to integrate with others, alongside your wider data framework, becomes pivotal. Through this approach, procurement can effectively balance the scales between agility in departmental innovation and maintaining a cohesive, secure, and integrated IT ecosystem.<\/p>\n This strategic categorization and the nuanced understanding of integration requirements are not just procedural enhancements, they are fundamental to creating a collaborative environment where procurement and IT work together. This collaboration is essential to future-proofing your organization’s IT investments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_tablet=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_phone=”15px||15px||true|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” custom_padding=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”6px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”dt-first-paragraph” _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The old ways of buying IT solutions just don’t cut it anymore. Letting departments pick their own IT solutions has its benefits, but it needs to be matched with big-picture planning. Otherwise, this freedom can turn into inefficiencies that slow down your organization’s overall operations and long-term plans.<\/p>\n The best path is one where the fast needs of different departments and the big-picture thinking of procurement and IT experts comes together. Being smart and thoughtful about technology purchases is essential for a company’s ability to keep up with the fast-moving digital landscape. In essence, a well-informed collaborative approach to IT procurement is vital\u2014not just advantageous\u2014for the ongoing success and adaptability of an organization.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font_size=”27px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#0A0A0A” header_4_font_size=”21px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”15px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”27px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Upcoming events<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_level=”h3″ custom_padding_tablet=”25px||25px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”25px||25px||true|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” toggle_font_size_tablet=”” toggle_font_size_phone=”25px” toggle_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_module=”244399″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”ProcureCon IT Sourcing (East)” open=”on” open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” open_toggle_background_color=”rgba(10,10,10,0.64)” closed_toggle_background_color=”rgba(10,10,10,0.61)” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” toggle_icon=”5||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_font_size=”15px” background_color=”rgba(10,10,10,0.41)” background_enable_color=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/ustechsolutions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/procurementleader.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” background_blend=”overlay” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” toggle_level=”h4″ toggle_font=”|600|||||||” toggle_font_size=”19px” toggle_line_height=”1em”]<\/p>\n June 3-4, 2024<\/p>\nBuilding vs. Buying
Line of business departments are taking it on themselves to find better IT
Why this is a problem
How can we bring this all back together?<\/h2>\n
Working together is crucial
Why this leads to categorization
Final Thoughts