Relying on its expertise trade and technological, on the state of the solutions market and the Projects In progress, and on its knowledge of current and future developments (regulatory, technical, economic, etc.), Acxias has identified three major trends in the field of digital purchasing in 2022.
Accelerating e-invoicing
Whether in the perspective of the generalization planned from mid-2024 or simply to optimize treatments, the deployment of the electronic invoice on the purchasing-supply-accounting chain will accelerate in companies. Especially since between 2024 and 2026, depending on their size, suppliers will also be required to transmit their e-invoices as well as the data associated with the administration. For contractors, electronic invoicing makes it possible to accelerate exchanges and processing, with the possible support of innovative solutions d'artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic automation (Robotic process automation in English, RPA), reducing errors. In addition to a reduction in administrative costs, this results in compliance with payment deadlines, to the benefit of the supplier relationship.
Reduction of supply chain risks & Relocation
With the consequences of the health crisis (supply disruptions, shortage of materials, rising prices, supplier failures, etc.), improving risk management has become a priority. The objective is to secure the supplier panel, by strengthening the control and monitoring of potential referenced partners, but also by bringing in new ones to have alternatives in case of problem or relocate certain purchases. Digital platforms can help identify and qualify new suppliers, by multiplying the sources (websites, databases of "data providers", Business networks, etc.) and harnessing the capabilities of emerging procurement technologies, including artificial intelligence. The Suppliers participate themselves in their SEO, via collaborative features.
UX Optimization & Interface Simplification
If this is not a functional trend per se, the improvement of theuser experience (User eXperience in English, UX) of digital solutions is a growing concern for purchasing. Especially since, at least on the perimeter of indirect categories, purchases are increasingly delegated to operational staff (prescribers, end users), not always comfortable with these solutions to which they often access occasionally. This trend is reflected in the deployment of electronic catalogues, the implementation of "e-commerce like" interfaces or the use of "digital adoption" tools (Digital adoption platform in English, DAP) accompanying the user in the navigation, indicating the path and providing him with information.