It is no surprise that many companies are seriously considering hiring an Ivalua consultant. One of the most powerful software platforms on the planet needs a little bit of expertise to help it do the best it can and give the most back out of the investment.
As you can imagine, not all consultants are created the same so it is a good idea to take a look around at the most viable options before you just choose the first one that pops up. Make sure that the one that you choose is a certified and qualified consultant for Ivalua. Otherwise, you might just be wasting your time.
- Search
- Evaluate
- Compare
- Choose
When you begin your search do so with the intent to find the best match for your company and the goals that you want to reach. When you find one that seems like a match, simply evaluate them and move on to the next candidate.
After you have met a few candidates that you like, take a minute to think about them and compare them to each other. Hopefully, you took some mental notes and can see where some have strengths that you would like to work with, and where some don’t.
Even if you get caught up in a place where you can’t decide keep in mind that if the person is a qualified consultant they will most likely be a good choice.
What Exactly is an Ivalua Consultant?
Ivalua is a software platform that helps businesses get the most out of their source-to-pay process. For most companies, this process is the heartbeat of the business. The better it runs, the more efficient and successful the business is.
Since the software is extremely complex and has so many features the best way to get to know it and use it in business is to have the help of an expert as you implement it.
A consultant will be educated and trained on the entire Ivalua platform and know everything about it from one end to the other. They will share their knowledge and experience with the business and help it grow by showing the people that are going to use it how to get the most out of it.
An Ivalua consultant will be an expert at:
- The Ivalua platform
- Software implementation
- Procurement solutions
Because the software deals directly with the procurement process and helps to automate the entire operation it is imperative that the consultant understands the fundamentals of procurement, how to implement the software program, and how to set up the admin side of the platform.
A consultant will stand alongside a business and help it to get the most out of its Ivalua investment. They won’t do the work for the business owner but they will guide them through the process from one end to the other and be there throughout the transformation.
What the Consultant Will Do
The first thing your consultant will do is meet with you and discover all of the things about your business that make it what it is. They will ask questions and find out key information that they will use in order to help with the implementation of the software.
During the administration stage of the setup, it will be important to know how to set the software up and what people will be using it so that it will work optimally for the company.
The structure of the software implementation will play a huge role in who can access what information in the application when they log in.
Ivalua is designed so that anybody can work from anywhere in the world where there is internet access. Although there is one centralized hub, it can connect and do business virtually anywhere.
Where to Find an Ivalua Consultant
There are a lot of reputable consultants available. Doing an online search might be a great way to find one. You can also try looking on the Ivalua website to see if they have any that they recommend.
One of the best ways is by word of mouth. If you know of any people that have already implemented the Ivalua platform you can ask them about the person that helped them install it. When you find one that has a good reputation and has already been through a few installations you might want to interview them.
Why a Consultant is Necessary
Although business owners are smart enough to do their own business on their own, there are a few functions within the Ivalua platform that are not so easy to understand unless a person has deep knowledge of the program.
For example, one of the most powerful functions of the application is the ability to automate the source-to-pay process. As anybody can imagine there is a lot to this function. The way that the platform is set up, to begin with, will be key in the way that the automation takes place.
Yes, the software is smart, but it has to be told what to do and how to do it. Most people don’t know how to simply program the platform to search databases, contact sources, manage contracts and do business. This is one of the many reasons why a consultant is such an important piece of the equation.
Help With Strategic Sourcing
Ivalua has a function that allows for seeking out and connecting with high-quality sources. Since each business will have its own unique needs and specifications it will be up to the consultant to help guide the business owner through the sourcing process so that they can see the way that everything works together in order to provide a clear picture of possible sources that are perfect for the needs of the company.
With all of the tools available for a company to make educated decisions on what sources will be the most reliable and have the best prices, it makes it easy to find the best possible sources and match them against each other.
When hiring a consultant it is important to communicate with them and get a view of their depth of understanding. It is important that you take the time to get them familiar with the needs of your company and the goals you would like to achieve.
Ultimately the consultant will strive to meet your needs and help you reach all of the goals you are working towards.
When You Choose
When it’s time to choose and you have found your perfect consultant taking the next steps will depend on the way that your consultant works. If they work for a company you can get things started through their means of administration. Some consultants work out of their own offices and are independent contractors.
In some cases, when you go to a consulting agency there will be a list of different people that you can choose from, or the agency might assign you the one that is best for your needs. It all depends on your situation and the type of help you will need in your business.
The rates and fees that you will have to pay for your consultant will vary from place to place, but most will be fairly similar in order to remain competitive.