Insights
20 Jun Let’s not over complicate dynamic discounting
I knew somebody a few years ago who ran a small, very successful business. When it came to negotiation he had a unique closing technique. Right at the end, when contacts were to be signed and hands shaken he'd go along to the final meeting with a briefcase and before he signed the contract he'd ask for one final reduction in the price. The reaction was predictable. After weeks, perhaps months of selling, discussing and fine tuning the deal, to be asked for a further discount on top of what was already agreed, the seller would invariably be perplexed and disappointed. Then the briefcase would be opened. Cash. The full amount in cash, now, if they'd take the revised offer. Did they accept the offer?15 Jun e-invoicing – time for a no cost option
Research published earlier this year by Basware indicates that costs of e-invoicing to suppliers is one of the dominant reasons for poor adoption of electronic invoicing. A huge 46% of respondents to Basware’s survey said a combination of cost to suppliers and supplier reluctance was the biggest challenges to automation. This is hardly surprising, for years the big e-invoicing networks have loaded the implementation and running costs on the suppliers and it is now limiting further growth. It’s time to take another look at the charges for e-invoicing generally and how it is distributed between buyers and suppliers.13 Jun Facebook shows a decline – does this mean social networks are dying?
Facebook won't go the way of MySpace - but it won't be the force it is today forever - the signs are already there. But does that mean that social networking is all hype? What does the future of social networking look like and what relevance will it have for purchasing and finance professionals?11 Jun Social media and the purchasing dinosaurs
There is a struggle between new and traditional media. No this isn't 1998 - it's 2011 and there is still a struggle. The dinosaurs in the purchasing media need to wise up very quickly before it's too late.08 Jun Lies, damn lies and statistics – interpreting accuracy claims for scanning
I once heard of an investment that was guaranteed to double my money. What wasn’t guaranteed however, was how long it would take to double!Caveat Emptor
You have to be very careful how you interpret claims made by vendors and claims made for the accuracy of a scanning based document management solution process are no exception. If you want to include scanning of invoices as a component of an AP automation program you need to know that you are likely to in excess of 80% 1st time match. But what does 80% accuracy mean?