Agile Sourcing

  • Published on: 13 March 2018
  • By: Angela Wyatt

As outsourcing relationships evolve to meet the new demands of the age of digital transformation, traditional ways of sourcing procurement are also having to change.

The demands on businesses are continually changing and at an ever increasing rate. In response, IT is having to adapt to new ways of working with significantly increased flexibility, speed and agility. In this new world, stagnant outsourcing arrangements, set out in “chapter and verse” in the contract are not fit for purpose. Instead the arrangements need to establish the legal framework but provide for ongoing change and transformation based on a transparent and trusting relationship.

In response, sourcing processes have to change, traditional RFP processes take too long, cost too much and deliver less than optimal results thanks to lengthy documented processes, arm’s length discussions and a “sales-led” supplier engagement.

Here at Quantum Plus we often run agile sourcing approaches which are fit for purpose in today’s technology-led world and seek to expose and solution not only the hygiene factors (a good sourcing strategy, a good process, a good contract and great relationship management), which are traditionally addressed in a well-run RFP process, but also the hidden factors affecting outsourcing relationships:

  • We don’t think the same
  • We don’t speak the same language
  • We don’t want to same outcome
  • We are not part of the same team

Our research shows that once the hygiene factors are addressed, it is these hidden factors that determine whether a sourcing relationship thrives in the mid to long term – see our blog The Future of Technology Sourcing for more information.

What is Agile Sourcing

Agile sourcing is a sourcing methodology that addresses the hidden factors whilst significantly speeding up the procurement of outsourced services, building in greater alignment and developing stronger relationships, between customer and suppliers.

The overall solution and value proposition is created in collaborative workshop sessions, driven by the supplier, but with high level guidance and key points of the agenda, provided by the customer.

Suppliers are challenged to solution and differentiate their service, in these workshops, using their true differentiators and value-adds, and to create a proposition truly aligned with the client desired outcomes for the relationship and their business objectives.

Contractual terms and conditions are pro-actively developed during the process, reducing any material “surprises” and significantly shortening the contract drafting and negotiation process.

This early build and test of the culture, communication and relationship, focuses on the hidden factors and secures the success of the arrangement through the transition phase and into the ongoing implementation phase, for both parties. This in turn generates more transformation, flexibility, strategic input and support for both the solution and the relationship.

Quantum Plus’s Agile Approach

We have run many agile sourcing approaches for our clients and seen how numerous suppliers throughout the industry have performed, providing us with great insight of what works well and what to avoid.

 

Our methodology brings benefits to all parties:

  • Maximum value to the customer, enabling the best solution to be created for them and their business.
  • Significantly reduced bid timescales and (for suppliers who are able to engage effectively with the process), a much increased win probability.

For more information on how we can support you in successful agile sourcing (whether buy or supply side), please contact us on enquiries@quantumplus.co.uk or 01789 201630.