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publicize their bad or lazy due diligence practices.
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The consolidator approach radically changes that game. That method takes a long time and delivers a slowly evolving customer experience. In the past, software companies would build their network while simultaneously trying to build out functionality. They’ll quickly create their network next – a network whose constituents are already familiar due to their non-work consumer purchases.
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Why shouldn’t a worker be able to ask Alexa for more binder clips and have them delivered to their cubicle in 48 hours or less? The consolidators are creating/extending infrastructure to provide a great buyer/supplier experience from the outset. Now, major business-to-consumer networks are extending their solutions, adding consumer grade mobile buying experiences and more to get into businesses. Possessing a large buyer/supplier network used to be a big thing. It was interesting to see that others (besides my own firm) are now buying business supplies via Amazon Business.
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Here are some of the macro changes afoot that I noticed at the recent SAP Ariba Live event: Interestingly, the space is starting to morph due to the influx of new competitors, a new sense of social responsibility, digital transformation challenges and powerful new technologies. Validating a new supplier’s bona fides is still a challenge. Businesses are still trying to get rogue spending under control. Some aspects of procurement and supplier management don’t change.
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