Spend Matters Study Examines Limitations of ERP SRM and P2P Systems

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - June 1, 2009) - Spend Matters, the leading source for spend management and procurement intelligence, today announced the publication of a research report entitled, "Beyond Requisitioning: Getting Past the Downstream Limitations of ERP Procurement Applications." The paper contrasts the strengths of recent ERP products including SAP SRM 7.0 and Oracle E-Business Suite Release 12.1 in the eProcurement area compared with their limitations in the areas of electronic invoice presentment and payment (EIPP), payables and working capital management.

According to Jason Busch, Spend Matters Editor, "ERP providers have come a long way in providing transactional procurement capabilities. But just as they did in the early stages of ERP maturation for eProcurement, companies should look to alternative solutions to maximize savings and returns where ERP solutions are not as strong. When ERP providers offer incomplete solutions or re-sell third party tools that lack certain capabilities, they are shortchanging customers."

Spend Matters' findings suggest that companies who get the most from their systems meld procurement and payables processes to enhance straight-through processing, drive new levels of organizational and supplier compliance, reduce supply risk and enhance controls over all aspects of working capital and cash flow forecasts.

In addition, the paper suggests new ways that some organizations are putting working capital to work by earning a 20% or greater APR on their invested capital through early-payment discount programs -- or preserving working capital when required.

"Procurement, accounts payable and finance organizations must work closely together to realize new types of opportunities that only leading capabilities in the areas of procurement and payables can provide," Busch says. "Companies are in a great position to benefit from examining ways of extending the capabilities of ERP procurement investments, achieving greater savings and control while reducing supply risk during the downturn."

Readers can download this free report and other complimentary research studies directly from the Spend Matters website: http://www.spendmatters.com/pages/perspectives.cfm

About Spend Matters

Spend Matters is the leading source for Spend Management intelligence and analysis, providing insight and opinion across a range of procurement and supply management issues. Founded in 2004, http://www.spendmatters.com is the longest running and highest trafficked social media news site in the sourcing and supply chain realm.

Contact Information: Media Contact: William Busch 215-508-7414