Categories   >   Purchasing Software
Last Reviewed: November 15th, 2024

Best Purchasing Software Of 2024

What is Purchasing Software?

Purchasing Software, an essential component in the procure-to-pay process, streamlines and automates purchasing operations. It effectively addresses common issues like inefficient procurement, non-compliance with purchasing procedures, and the absence of spending visibility. Key benefits include: superior control over purchases, reduced paperwork, greater productivity, and significant cost savings. The software offers functionalities such as supplier management, order creation and tracking, inventory management, invoice processing, and reporting. Advanced integration capabilities and AI-driven analytics are among the emerging features amplifying its utility. Industries like manufacturing, retail, and healthcare realizing substantial benefits from its deployment. A notable limitation is that effective use often requires integration with existing business systems, an onerous process without proper IT support. Purchasing Software ultimately simplifies procurement processes, reduces operational costs and promotes business growth. Its value proposition lies in the powerful amalgamation of process efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and data-driven procurement decision-making.

What Are The Key Benefits of Purchasing Software?

  • Streamlines purchasing operations
  • Enhances supplier management
  • Automates order tracking
  • Simplifies invoice processing
  • Promotes compliance adherence
  • Provides real-time reporting
  • Improves inventory management
  • Increases operational efficiency
  • Reduces operational costs
  • Enables data-driven decision-making
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Overall

Based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub for 38 solutions, we determined the following solutions are the best Purchasing Software overall:

Ariba
Ariba
Start Price
$50
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Why We Picked Ariba

SAP Ariba is a comprehensive tool designed to help organizations with procurement, sourcing and supply chain management. User reviews suggest that data emailing and a steep learning curve are a couple major drawbacks of the product. The customer support is slow for light account users as well. Another con is that lags occur during basic navigation tasks. However, consistent product updates help solve such hindrances and consistently add new capabilities. It’s easy to use and can be easily synced with an ERP solution, which many users cite as a great advantage. All in all, it provides strong benefits but has some drawbacks that may make other solutions a better choice.

Pros & Cons

  • Regular Feature Updates: New features are regularly introduced in the software, which is an advantage according to all reviews on this aspect.
  • Easy to Use: More than 90% of reviews on this feature suggest that the software has an intuitive user interface and all features are easy to navigate.
  • ERP Synchronization: It’s easy to integrate with an ERP system, a chief benefit as all reviews on the topic indicate.
  • Data Emailing: According to 80% of reviews on email capabilities, sending generated data via emails is slow and cumbersome.
  • Learning Curve: It has a learning curve for new users, as all reviews on this aspect state.
  • Lags Sometimes: According to all reviews on speed, the website lags occasionally while opening windows or clicking on drop down menus.
  • Customer Support: User support is quite slow especially for light account users, according to all reviews on customer support.

Key Features

  • Buying and Invoicing: A configurable interface with built-in approvals keeps up-to-date with compliance and cataloging. Removes the difficulty in the procure-to-pay process by simplifying the management of each step and supports businesses agility and scalability through global spend and visibility tools. 
  • Financial Supply Chain Management: Streamline operations by eliminating manual entry and applying automation to complex processes. Link purchase orders to invoices, improve metric capture, comply with tax regulations, capture payment discounts and more. 
  • Strategic Sourcing: Integrates into procurement execution processes for increased visibility, more savings opportunities and spend segmentation. Enables teams to organize and standardize their source-to-contract tasks, as it aggregates purchase orders with proper classification. 
  • Direct Spending: Integrates with all processes from product design to manufacturing and delivery, which helps: 
    •  Speeds up the time to market and provides a head start on the competition. 
    •  Boosts supplier collaboration by identifying product shortages before they become costly problems. 
    •  Increases supply chain visibility to increase fill rates and reduce overall inventory levels. 
  • E-Procurement: Helps reduce bottom-line costs by delivering optimal negotiated savings rates. Decreases buying cycles by up to 50%, lowers supply costs by 10% and reduces processing costs by up to 60%. 
  • Intelligent Spend: Users can simultaneously handle spend by category as well as coordinate spend policies for supply chain operations with a fully unified view of all spend processes. Supports all critical spend categories, including direct and indirect materials, external labor, travel and other expenses. 
  • Buyer Services: Robust deployment services, solution consultations and adoption support enables a quick deployment and ensures that requirements are met right out of the gate. 
SAP SRM
SAP SRM
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Why We Picked SAP SRM

SAP SRM has garnered mostly positive reviews from users over the past year, praising its robust features and integration capabilities with other SAP modules, which many find helpful for streamlining their procurement processes and enhancing supplier collaboration. Users particularly appreciate the software's ability to improve compliance and spend visibility, leading to more significant cost savings and better control over procurement operations. However, some users find the user interface outdated and less intuitive compared to modern procurement solutions. The steep learning curve and high implementation costs are also common criticisms, making it less appealing to smaller organizations. For example, one user noted that "setting up a new profile takes time," highlighting the software's complexity. Overall, SAP SRM emerges as a comprehensive solution best suited for large enterprises with complex procurement needs due to its extensive features and integration capabilities, despite its drawbacks.

Pros & Cons

  • Robust Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other SAP modules, like ECC and HCM, streamlining operations and data flow for procurement activities.
  • Comprehensive Functionality: Offers strong contract lifecycle management, supplier evaluation, and procurement analytics in one platform.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Enables real-time collaboration with suppliers, facilitating communication and feedback loops.
  • Improved Spend Analysis: Provides tools for spend analysis and web-based reporting via NetWeaver BI, leading to better cost control and insights.
  • Steep Learning Curve: Users find it difficult to learn how to use due to its complexity.
  • High Implementation Costs: Implementing the software can be expensive, especially for large enterprises.
  • Performance Issues: Users report occasional performance issues, such as slow loading times or system unresponsiveness, hindering productivity.

Key Features

  • Catalog Management: Create customizable internal catalogs and access supplier-provided external ones. Manage and integrate product information data with accounting and finance operations. 
  • Procure-to-Pay: Enable a seamless process from purchase requisitions to supplier payment. Access streamlined inventory management and improve supplier relationships to help deliver efficiency and accuracy. 
  • Contract Management: Generate operational contracts and use them as a source of supply while tracking contract usage and performance and enabling compliance.  
  • Self-service Procurement: Access any product information using the multi-product catalog and enable purchase as per the procurement policy. 
  • Reporting & Analytics: Generate, manage and access reports as the operational and strategic purchaser role. Analyze data from these reports to handle costs and help conduct business effectively. 
Tradeshift
Tradeshift
Start Price
$3,600
Annually, Freemium
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Why We Picked Tradeshift

Tradeshift is a cloud-based platform that helps businesses manage their spending and supplier relationships. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, which include supplier management, order management, invoice management, and payment management. The platform's ability to automate tasks and streamline processes saves businesses time and money, while its real-time data and analytics provide valuable insights into spending patterns and supplier performance. However, some users have noted that Tradeshift can be pricey, especially for smaller businesses, and that it may not integrate seamlessly with all existing systems.

What sets Tradeshift apart is its focus on collaboration and supplier engagement. The platform makes it easy for businesses to connect and communicate with their suppliers, which can lead to stronger relationships and improved supply chain efficiency. Additionally, Tradeshift offers a range of financial solutions, such as dynamic discounting and supply chain financing, which can help businesses optimize their working capital. Overall, Tradeshift is a good fit for businesses of all sizes that are looking to improve their procurement processes and build stronger relationships with their suppliers. Its ease of use, comprehensive features, and focus on collaboration make it a valuable tool for any organization looking to take its procurement to the next level. Keep in mind that the software landscape is constantly evolving, so it's always a good idea to check for the latest information and updates before making any decisions.

Pros & Cons

  • Easy to Use: Tradeshift receives consistent praise for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, making it easy for both buyers and suppliers to navigate and utilize its features effectively.
  • Automation Capabilities: The platform's automation features, such as automated invoice processing and purchase order creation, streamline procurement processes, saving time and reducing manual effort for users.
  • Collaboration Tools: Tradeshift facilitates seamless collaboration between buyers and suppliers through features like shared workspaces, document sharing, and real-time communication, fostering stronger relationships and improving efficiency.
  • Global Reach: With its extensive network and support for multiple languages and currencies, Tradeshift enables businesses to connect and transact with suppliers and buyers worldwide, expanding their procurement opportunities.
  • Scalability: Tradeshift's cloud-based platform offers scalability to accommodate the evolving needs of businesses as they grow, ensuring that the solution can adapt to changing requirements and transaction volumes.
  • Limited Functionality for Procurement Teams: Tradeshift primarily focuses on accounts payable automation and e-invoicing, which may not fully address the broader needs of procurement departments, such as spend analytics, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
  • User Interface Complexity: Some users find the platform's interface to be complex and challenging to navigate, particularly for those new to e-procurement systems. The learning curve can be steep, requiring additional training and support.
  • Integration Challenges: Integrating Tradeshift with existing ERP or procurement systems can be a complex process, potentially requiring significant IT resources and customization. This can lead to implementation delays and additional costs.

Key Features

  • Supplier Onboarding: Tradeshift provides strong onboarding to a digital environment that they guarantee with a Service Level Agreement. Easy and intuitive invoicing interfaces along with a powerful seller experience makes onboarding easy. A dedicated team of onboarding experts can help get things running for a quick ROI. 
  • Financial Management: Control financial tasks with dynamic discounting, flexible financing and virtual credit cards. Users can switch between bank and user-funded solutions, leverage early payment programs with supplier segmentation, and connect multiple bank accounts to a single system for easy access. 
  • No Integration Needed: Adopt a modern and manageable buying experience into your e-procurement tools. There is no lengthy delay required to get up and running with this software. 
  • Marketplace Manager: Create a marketplace that lets employees shop while also accessing all supplier content and punchouts. It also allows for the creation of a public spot market to better collaborate while discovering new suppliers. 
  • Mobile Apps: Stay on the move with access to integrations and important documentation through internet-enabled devices. Don’t stay chained to a desk with Tradeshift Buy and Pay. 
  • AP Automation: Complete 100% of your invoice volume through digital transactions instead of relying on old analog scanning methods. Free up valuable employee time by cutting out tedious data entry tasks. 
  • Procurement: Tradeshift focuses on connecting suppliers with clients while providing searchable catalogs for use within supply chains. 
Zycus
Zycus
Start Price
$50,000
Quote-based, Annual
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Why We Picked Zycus

Zycus Source-to-Pay evokes mixed emotions among users. Some praise its comprehensive functionality, calling it a "one-stop shop" for procurement needs. They highlight its strengths like user-friendly catalog management, streamlined contract management, and end-to-end visibility, leading to smoother procure-to-pay processes. "It's like having a highly efficient assistant managing all our sourcing and spending," one user gushes. However, others find the platform's complexity daunting. The abundance of features can feel overwhelming, leading to slow adoption and low utilization. "It's powerful, but the learning curve is steep," admits another user. Customization options are also a double-edged sword. While Zycus offers flexibility, some find the configuration rigid, limiting tailoring to specific workflows. "I wish it could bend a little more to fit our unique needs," laments a user. Integration also presents challenges. Difficulty syncing Zycus with existing systems can create data silos and disrupt processes. One user complains, "It's like information gets stuck in traffic jams between Zycus and our ERP." Reporting and analytics capabilities also receive criticism. Limited pre-built reports and lack of customization options leave some users feeling blindsided by data. "I need better insights to make informed decisions, but the reporting tools are just clunky," one user sighs. Cost is another major concern. Zycus' hefty initial investment and ongoing maintenance fees raise questions about ROI. "It's a big financial commitment, and I'm not sure we're seeing the cost savings we were promised," admits a user. Despite these drawbacks, Zycus' strengths remain undeniable. Its comprehensive suite, user-friendly interface, and strong vendor management capabilities set it apart from competitors. But for Zycus to truly win over users, it needs to address complexity, improve integration, and offer more flexible and insightful reporting tools. Only then can it live up to its potential as a truly transformative procurement platform.

Pros & Cons

  • Streamlined Workflow: Zycus automates manual tasks, reducing cycle times and errors, freeing up procurement teams for strategic initiatives.
  • Deeper Supplier Insights: Gain 360° visibility into supplier performance, enabling better collaboration and risk management.
  • Cost Savings Opportunities: Identify and capture hidden savings through e-sourcing, spend analytics, and contract optimization.
  • Enhanced Compliance: Ensure adherence to regulations with automated controls, mitigating risks and penalties.
  • Scalable and Adaptable: Zycus's modular platform grows with your business, adapting to changing needs and procurement complexities.
  • Complexity and Learning Curve: Extensive features and modules can overwhelm users, leading to slow adoption and low utilization.
  • Customization Challenges: Rigid configuration options limit tailoring the platform to specific workflows and needs.
  • Integration Issues: Difficulty integrating Zycus with existing ERP and financial systems, causing data silos and process disruptions.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Limited pre-built reports and lack of customization options hinder data-driven decision-making.
  • High Cost and ROI Concerns: Hefty initial investment and ongoing maintenance fees raise questions about long-term return on investment.

Key Features

  • Streamlined Procurement Processes: Automate and simplify requisitioning, sourcing, contracting, and invoice management, reducing cycle times and costs.
  • Spend Visibility and Control: Gain real-time insights into spending patterns across categories, suppliers, and locations to identify opportunities for cost savings and contract optimization.
  • Supplier Collaboration: Enhance supplier relationships through self-service portals, e-sourcing tools, and collaborative contract management functionalities.
  • Risk Management: Mitigate procurement risks through supplier prequalification, spend analytics, and compliance tools.
  • Supplier Onboarding and Lifecycle Management: Streamline supplier onboarding, qualification, and performance management with automated workflows and centralized data management.
  • Supplier Collaboration and Communication: Foster stronger supplier relationships through secure self-service portals, real-time communication channels, and collaborative tools.
  • Supplier Performance Management: Track and evaluate supplier performance based on key metrics, identify improvement areas, and drive continuous improvement.
  • Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify and address supplier risks through prequalification assessments, compliance monitoring, and risk scoring tools.
  • Automated Sourcing: Reduce sourcing cycle times and effort through automated e-sourcing tools for RFQs, RFPs, and auctions.
  • Reverse Auctions: Drive competitive pricing and cost savings through dynamic reverse auctions that leverage supplier competition.
  • Sourcing Optimization Tools: Utilize advanced analytics and data-driven insights to optimize sourcing strategies, identify best-value suppliers, and negotiate better contracts.
  • Supplier Relationship Management: Foster stronger supplier relationships through collaborative sourcing processes, supplier feedback mechanisms, and post-award communication tools.
  • Centralized Contract Repository: Store and manage all contracts in a single, secure repository for easy access, version control, and auditability.
  • Automated Contract Management: Automate contract approvals, renewals, and compliance checks to improve efficiency and reduce risks.
  • e-Signature and Approval Workflows: Streamline contract execution and approval processes with electronic signatures and automated workflows.
  • Contract Analytics and Reporting: Gain valuable insights into contract performance, identify areas for improvement, and optimize contract terms.
  • Real-time Spend Analytics: Gain real-time visibility into spending patterns across categories, suppliers, and locations to make data-driven procurement decisions.
  • Advanced Reporting and Dashboards: Generate customizable reports and dashboards to track key performance indicators, identify trends, and measure the effectiveness of procurement initiatives.
  • Predictive Procurement: Leverage AI and machine learning to predict future spending patterns, identify potential risks, and optimize procurement strategies.
  • Benchmarking and Best Practices: Compare your performance against industry benchmarks and best practices to identify areas for improvement and drive continuous improvement.
Jaggaer
Jaggaer
Start Price
$45,000
Annually
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Jaggaer

Jaggaer helps manage the contract lifecycle end-to-end. It has an easy-to-navigate user interface, which is a noteworthy benefit of the tool. A comprehensive set of solutions and great support quality are some other pros most reviews mention. Users also like how the frequent software updates add more capabilities.
However, questionable data security is a concern to weigh. Users also say the reporting tools need improvement and that the system has cumbersome item search options. Apart from potential security issues, it's a good option for those looking for a comprehensive contract management product.

Pros & Cons

  • All-in-One Solution: It’s a one-stop solution covering all analytics and spend management requirements, according to all reviews on capabilities.
  • Support Quality: More than 95% of reviews on this topic state that the company offers highly responsive and effective support to users.
  • Software Updates: The system rolls out consistent and helpful updates based on user feedback, which is a plus according to all reviews about updates.
  • User Interface: It has a UI that’s easy to use and navigate, according to 100% of reviews on the topic.
  • Data Security: It stores user data on a third-party public cloud, which all reviews on the topic cite as worrisome for the potential of a breach of data security and compliance issues.
  • Reporting Capabilities: Approximately 65% of reviews suggest that reporting features such as document exchange, exception handling and spend history need better communication among suppliers and their customers.
  • Item Search: More than 80% of reviews referencing this feature indicate that it’s slow and cumbersome to perform item searches.

Key Features

  • Analytics: Includes an embedded AI software that provides complete visibility of outcomes, operational supply chain and spend activities. 
  • Contract Management:  
    • Spend Analytics: Provides access to view actionable insights anytime and anywhere for all spending. Helps identify saving opportunities and increase revenue via analytics. 
    • Supplier Management: Ensures optimal spend analytics by offering complete visibility of each supplier’s performance. 
    • Sourcing: Compare multiple scenarios and sourcing options, manage sourcing pipelines, and engage more with suppliers and evaluators, all of which help lower costs and build better relationships. 
    • Contracts: Digitize and streamline contracts, gain visibility across the lifecycle and create contracts with a single click. 
    • Category Management: Helps build, track and iterate for strategies handling digital procurement categories. Analytics helps drive all recommendations for future strategies and plans. 
  • Procure-to-Pay Management:  
    • E-Procurement: Simplifies the shopping experience for buyers with features such as smart buying suggestions, automated reordering on contract, proactive tracking, automated approval workflows and more. 
    • Invoicing: Create, approve and manage all invoices through configurable automation capabilities. Digitize invoices, whether manual or electronic, to execute touchless conversion invoicing processes. 
    • Inventory Management: Drive savings and improve shopping experiences with connected internal stockrooms and procurement. Facilitate stock tracking and management and purchasing compliance. 
  • Supply Chain Management: Automates supply chain management for purchasing direct materials. Includes: 
    • Supply Chain Collaboration: Enables electronic collaboration with suppliers and management of direct material purchasing operations. 
    • Quality Management: Collaborate with multiple suppliers and automate all quality management processes. 
Basware
Basware
Start Price
$15,000
Per Invoice Transaction, Annually
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Why We Picked Basware

Basware is a solution for companies looking for source-to-pay tools, e-invoicing, analytics and value-added services. It is easy to learn, which is a prominent advantage of the suite. Reviews suggest that it is easy and affordable to install as well. However, the program lags sometimes when transfering a lot of invoices at the same time. Support resolution is also slow according to user reviews. Altogether, it’s a fine choice for B2B companies looking for a purchase-to-pay and e-invoicing solution with a user-friendly interface and affordable price.

Pros & Cons

  • Implementation: All reviews on the topic suggest that it’s extremely simple and affordable to implement.
  • User Interface: The software has a clean, interactive and user-friendly interface, according to 100% of reviews on this aspect.
  • Easy to Learn: Every reviewer mentioning this aspect agrees that it’s quite easy to learn and adapt to, without any technical training.
  • Program Lags: The software may lag or freeze sometimes while transferring multiple invoices at once, according to all reviews on this aspect.
  • Support Ticket: Ticket and issue management is slow sometimes, as all reviews on the quality of support suggest.

Key Features

  • Procure-to-Pay: Offers automation for several features including point of order, purchasing, receiving and payments, accounting and more. 
    • Analytics: Provides access to spend and helps identify opportunities, optimize cash flow and make strategic, data-driven decisions. 
    • AI and Machine Learning: Replaces manual tasks, captures invoices, performs data extractions, saves time and reduces the probability of errors. 
    • Support Services: A customer care team of dedicated support specialists assists with identifying and resolving issues, as well as modifying business processes. Other features include customer service management that enables continuous improvements in organizational processes and offers several supplier enablement tools. 
    • Source-to-Pay: Supports strategic contract lifecycle management and sourcing to strengthen vendor relationships along with negotiation stages. Also offers electronic purchase requisition procurements, validation of invoice receipts and discount management on early payment. 
  • AP Automation:  
    • Discount Management: Several tools support supplier activation, automation, analytics and dynamic discounting to carry out discount management with ease. 
  • Network:  
    • E-Invoicing for Buyers: Connects users with suppliers to let them share invoices electronically. Receive invoices in any format such as XML, EDI, PDF or paper, which the solution converts to deliver as an electronic invoice. 
    • E-Invoicing for Suppliers: Receive POs and share invoices with buyers electronically. Ensures compliance and global operations. Improves transaction status visibility and timely payment performance. 
    • Network Interoperability: Provides open network interoperability with 220+ e-invoicing network partners globally. Includes country-specific networks as well. 
  • E-Procurement:  
    • Marketplace: Connect with suppliers through punchouts and catalogs to facilitate guided purchasing, e-procurement, price negotiations, supplier collaborations and more. 
    • Strategic Sourcing: Helps conduct and manage electronic auctions, collect, store and evaluate supplier information, manage projects and contracts, and onboard suppliers easily and quickly. 
  • Supplier Management: Enables centralized visibility over supplier information, with automated updating in real time. Includes end-to-end visibility for each supplier’s performance and facilitates timely receipt of payments. 
  • Working Capital: Leverage automated and integrated visibility into spending, a variety of discount programs for receipt of early payments, dynamic discounting and more. 
  • Travel and Expense Management: Submit travel plans for approval before reservations and capture, claim and take actions on submitted expenses and reports at any time via the mobile app. 
Quartzy
Quartzy
Start Price
$159
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Quartzy

Is Quartzy the answer to your lab's inventory woes? Users rave about its ease of use, especially when compared to the clunky, time-consuming process of managing inventory with spreadsheets. Quartzy's intuitive interface allows teams to transition from Excel sheets to a streamlined system within a single day. The platform's ability to track orders, shipments, and inventory levels in one central location eliminates the need to sift through confusing spreadsheets, saving valuable time and reducing the risk of errors.

Users highlight Quartzy's seamless integration with leading brands like MilliporeSigma, New England BioLabs, and Qiagen, making it a breeze to add products to their inventory. The platform's mobile accessibility allows users to track inventory levels, create barcode labels, and scan barcodes from their mobile devices, further streamlining the process. However, some users have expressed disappointment with the lack of rush shipping options for all items, which can be a drawback for urgent orders.

Quartzy is a perfect fit for research and development businesses, particularly those with small to large teams who are looking to simplify their lab management processes. The platform's user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and integration with leading brands make it an ideal solution for labs seeking to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and gain valuable insights into their inventory and purchasing patterns.

Pros & Cons

  • Easy to Use: Users find Quartzy intuitive and easy to navigate, even for those new to lab inventory management software. They appreciate the straightforward interface and clear instructions.
  • Streamlined Ordering: Quartzy simplifies the ordering process by allowing users to create requisitions, track orders, and manage inventory levels all in one place. This eliminates the need for multiple spreadsheets and manual tracking.
  • Improved Communication: Quartzy facilitates communication between lab members, vendors, and administrators. Users can easily send requests, track approvals, and receive notifications about order status.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: By automating tasks like ordering and inventory tracking, Quartzy frees up researchers' time to focus on their experiments. Users report significant time savings and increased productivity.
  • Cost Savings: Quartzy helps labs manage their budgets by providing insights into spending patterns and identifying opportunities for cost optimization. Users have reported reducing waste and unnecessary purchases.
  • Limited Customization: Some users have found that Quartzy's customization options are limited, making it difficult to tailor the platform to their specific needs. For example, they may not be able to create custom fields or reports that are relevant to their inventory management processes.
  • Steep Learning Curve: The platform's interface can be complex and challenging to navigate, especially for new users. This can lead to frustration and a longer time to become proficient with the system.
  • Integration Challenges: Users have reported difficulties integrating Quartzy with other systems they use, such as their laboratory information management system (LIMS) or their accounting software. This can create inefficiencies and require manual data entry, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.
  • Lack of Mobile App: The absence of a dedicated mobile app can make it difficult for users to manage their inventory on the go. This can be a significant drawback for researchers or lab personnel who need to access inventory information from their mobile devices.

Key Features

  • Inventory: Customize an inventory manager to track and submit order requests for lab supplies. Manage item quantities, location, expiration and other details related to products. 
  • Search & Filter: Seamlessly search, add and filter using an item name or catalog number for an efficient workflow. 
  • Quartzy Shop: Access a categorized list of over 10 million lab supplies from trusted vendors directly from one’s fingertips. 
  • Tracking: Customize and track product data as per their relevance to particular fields and labs using an interactive, virtual interface. 
  • Dashboard: Simplify navigation to view and process product information using a streamlined dashboard. 
  • Reports: Create and streamline back-ups of order histories. Generate custom reports to analyze and organize medical budgets and product information. 
Procurify
Procurify
Start Price
$1,000
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Procurify

Procurify is an easy-to-use system that improves budget management, provides useful templates for orders and simplifies item purchasing. It also offers user-friendly navigation, autofill features and more. However, reviews cite a slow system, difficulty in integration and the lack of inventory management as some drawbacks. It also loses newly received items due to list refreshes. Overall, it’s a good fit for companies that require frequent purchasing and expense management.

Pros & Cons

  • Ease of Use: According to all users mentioning this aspect, the system is very easy to use and has a low learning curve.
  • Purchasing: It’s easy and quick to order supplies, making the purchasing process smooth in the experience of all the reviewers referring to this feature.
  • Ordering: This feature helps keep things in order and provides ready-made templates to order multiple items, according to all reviews referring to it.
  • Autofill: All users mentioning this aspect say the system helps auto-fill fields and recurring orders.
  • Budget Management: It's easier and quicker to analyze and approve budgets, according to 60% reviews mentioning this feature.
  • Navigation: Navigation between systems and features is seamless, according to all reviews referencing this aspect.
  • Interface: More than 70% of users mentioning the interface report that the system has bugs and is slow.
  • Integration: More solutions need to be added as integration options, as more than 65% reviews that mention this feature note.
  • Receiving Items: All the reviewers mentioning this aspect observe that every time a new item is received, the main list refreshes and the item is lost.
  • Inventory Management: Every user mentioning this aspect say this feature would be better if it helped track inventory.

Key Features

  • Approval Process: Customize and decide approval flows, control who gives approvals, and set approvals based on location, departments, users and dollar thresholds. Get notified and check real-time impact of budgets before approval. 
  • Purchasing Workflows: Streamline item purchase, approval, receiving and requests and match invoices to POs for payment. Pay with 3-way matching, generate POs and search for records. 
  • Budget Tracking: Track budgets in real time, keep a check on expenses and set up budget by projects, departments and more. Check the impact of new items on the budget before purchase and access graphs on actual and committed spending. 
  • Expense Management: Monitor personal spending or spending on credit cards, loop paper receipts and upload statements on the mobile app. 
  • Vendor Management: Manage vendors and track their performance against set parameters, create purchase orders, check for received items before making payments and create catalogs to order items from the right place. 
  • Spend Analysis and Reporting: Log spending and purchases, leveraging reporting graphics to get insights on trends. Access spend analysis divided into set categories like departments, users and more. 
  • Audit Logs: Capture, record and manage the history of all purchasing documents, including what edits were made and who made the request, approved purchase and received the items. 
  • User Permission: Set and customize job roles based on requirements and at a glance view permissions that are enabled for specific job roles. Limit access to administrative pages to specific job roles. 
Ivalua
Ivalua
Start Price
$150,000
Annually
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Ivalua

Ivalua receives praise for its robust functionality and adaptability to complex procurement processes. Users appreciate its ability to handle intricate sourcing events, contract management, and supplier collaboration. Its strength lies in providing a comprehensive suite of tools that streamline procurement operations, from requisition to payment. However, some users note that Ivalua's extensive features can lead to a steeper learning curve, requiring dedicated training and support. Compared to competitors like Coupa and Jaggaer, Ivalua stands out with its focus on configurability and scalability, making it suitable for large enterprises with diverse procurement needs. This adaptability is crucial for organizations with global operations or intricate supply chains. Users highlight Ivalua's ability to integrate with existing ERP systems and its user-friendly interface as key differentiators. While the initial setup may require effort, the long-term benefits of a tailored procurement solution make Ivalua a worthwhile investment for organizations seeking to optimize their procurement processes and achieve cost savings.

Pros & Cons

  • Source-to-Pay Digitization: Streamlines the entire procurement process, from sourcing and supplier management to contract management and invoicing, into a single digital platform.
  • Spend Visibility: Provides comprehensive insights into spending patterns, allowing for better cost control and identification of saving opportunities.
  • Supplier Management: Offers robust tools for onboarding, evaluating, and collaborating with suppliers, fostering stronger relationships and improved performance.
  • Contract Management: Simplifies contract creation, negotiation, and execution, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.
  • Customization: Adapts to specific business needs and workflows, providing a tailored procurement solution.
  • Complex User Interface: The platform's interface can be overwhelming for new users due to its extensive features and functionalities. This complexity can lead to a steep learning curve and require significant training investment for effective adoption.
  • Customization Challenges: While Ivalua offers a high degree of customization, implementing and managing these customizations can be technically demanding. Organizations may require specialized IT expertise or external consultants to tailor the platform to their specific needs, potentially increasing implementation costs and timelines.
  • Reporting Limitations: Generating reports and extracting insights from data within Ivalua can be cumbersome. Users often find the reporting tools to be less intuitive and flexible compared to dedicated business intelligence platforms, making it challenging to gain comprehensive visibility into procurement performance.

Key Features

  • Source to Pay: Generate, observe and estimate value by internally connecting the S2P process for the complete operation. Cover all bases, from gaining maximum visibility to generating value, improving performance and developing a secure supplier base. 
    • Supplier Risk & Performance Management: Discover, onboard, manage and collaborate with suppliers to assign contracts while assessing risk data within a centralized, digitized space. Automate processes for real-time tracking to gain insights on categorized suppliers as per their risk types and resolve issues while following a streamlined workflow. 
    • Sourcing: Discover, track and source key suppliers and ensure contract compliance by accessing detailed insights using market research and contractual negotiations. 
    • Contract Management: Create, manage and negotiate contracts while collaborating across all facets and gaining maximum visibility. Access guided contract requests and automate processes by updating the contract repository. 
    • eProcurement: Digitize and optimize workflows, ensuring compliance while managing spend categories. Streamline purchase orders and update product catalogs while collaborating with suppliers. Control, manage and track budgets while analyzing real-time spend trends and data analytics. 
    • Invoicing: With features like one-click approvals, smart four-way matching and invoice automation, help create a streamlined invoicing process. Access eArchives for a lifetime reserve of invoices while seamlessly integrating into financial applications. 
    • Payments: Access real-time payment updates, transaction tracking and maximum visibility by enabling operational transparency in the supplier payment process. Minimize errors and frauds and grant B2B payments among cross-borders and domestic suppliers with full reconciliation. 
    • Spend Analysis: Generate personalized report analyses and ad-hoc and targeted KPIs to foster actionable insights. Access comprehensive reports and analytics based on sourcing, spend analysis, productivity, invoicing and accounts payable. 
  • Procure to Pay: Eliminate inconsistent data, maximize visibility and reduce unusual spending by digitizing the P2P process. Experience touchless, four-way smart matching along with invoice automation. 
  • Inventory Collaboration: Optimize and replenish stocks based on preset limits. Collaborate with suppliers and gain complete visibility across all inventory levels, from stock distribution to their locations. 
Proactis
Proactis
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Why We Picked Proactis

Proactis is a cloud-based solution for B2B organizations that require help with process automation and spend management. User reviews suggest that their customer support is slow to respond. Implementation can also be tricky based on how effectively the user can communicate their requirements. Great customization is a major advantage of the tool. A user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of features are some other pros that make it a holistic solution for those looking for a business spend management suite.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly: More than 80% of reviews on this aspect indicate that the software has a simple and intuitive interface.
  • All-in-One Product: The software provides process automation and spend management solutions, including easy integration with all types of procurement and ERP systems, according to 100% of reviews.
  • Customization: Its features such as forms, user’s landing pages and vendor catalogs are extremely customizable, according to all reviews on this topic.
  • Customer Support: All reviews on this aspect suggest that their support team is slow to respond and time-consuming sometimes.
  • Tricky Implementation: According to 100% of reviews on this feature, implementation of the software can be tricky depending on how it's discussed with the vendor’s team at the testing stage.

Key Features

  • Procurement Control: Tools for purchasing professionals support the overall purchase process. Includes contract and supplier management, sourcing as well as marketplace solutions to help streamline procurement processes. 
  • Source-to-Contract: Record and store contracts, obtain real-time data insights about the firm’s financial liabilities and keep a well-maintained contract portfolio. 
    • Sourcing: Supports strategic sourcing processes with tools to enhance, optimize and streamline contract sourcing. 
    • Project Management: Optimizes procurement projects from planning to implementation and delivery. Standard practice templates reduce manual work and offer a complete overview of projects to all team members. 
    • Vendor Management: Provides complete control over the vendor lifecycle, including vendor information, a vendor directory and web-based tools for vendor appraisals. Helps measure performance and finalize the best performing vendors consistently. 
    • Contract Management: Drive optimized value for supplier contracts, ensure end-to-end contract compliance, and record all contracts for complete visibility and informed contract management. 
    • Catalog Management: Onboard new suppliers easily through effective and efficient features that include automated contract management, self-service catalog maintenance and streamlined collaboration with all suppliers. 
    • ERP Integration: Offers seamless integration with single or multiple ERP apps. Integrates with Microsoft Dynamics, Exact, Unit4, SAP, Coda, Oracle and others. 
    • Source-to-Contract Spend Intelligence: Provides a comprehensive view of business spendings in real time. Facilitates management of operational as well as financial performance. 
    • Source-to-Contract Reporting: Facilitates better buying decisions through contract reporting that shows all insights within the client’s performance. 
  • Purchase-to-Pay: Increased compliance with authorized procedures, invoice process automation and more improves visibility and control of business spending. 
    • Procurement: Provides complete control over item procurement and ensures smart and efficient allocation as well as usage of budgets. Intelligent search tools help navigate and find products easily, with guided buying and order compliance. 
    • Workforce Hiring: Streamlines hiring processes, granting the ability to define agreements, draft hiring contracts and facilitate candidate selection, job profile listing, time keeping and more. Automation in these steps and administration saves time. 
    • Budget Management: Real-time insights with reporting and streamlined dashboards enable controlled spendings and improve decision making. 
    • Expense Management: Supports digital claims and expense filing. Employees can view incurred expenses that comply with taxation regulations and policies. 
    • Account Payable Automation: Includes fully managed invoices and allows converting PDFs and hard copies into electronic invoices that are accessible anytime and anywhere. 
    • Invoicing: Offers invoice capture and management, an e-invoicing portal and accelerated payment capabilities. These streamline the invoicing process from receipt to payment, optimize cash flows, improve overall productivity and minimize risks. 
    • Accelerated Payment: Helps suppliers receive early payments in return of small discounts to buyers. Improves supplier data and CSR. 
    • Purchase-to-Pay Mobile Application: Several apps let employees approve requisition purchase orders, view and take actions on invoices, and much more, from an Android or iOS mobile device. 
  • Sourcing Software: Includes several collaborative, flexible and reliable features that support effective sourcing procedures. Helps create structured, visible and easy-to-track processes. 
  • The Business Network: Enables simple, faster and cost-effective buyer-supplier relationships. Suppliers can connect with thousands of enterprises through one secure network. Buyers can connect with verified suppliers, collaborate and close the best deals. 

COMPARE THE BEST Purchasing Software

Select up to 2 Products from the list below to compare

 
Product
Score
i
SelectHub’s Analyst Rating is based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Purchasing Software, user reviews, and our own crowd-sourced data from our free software selection platform. Scores are periodically updated via ongoing selection projects and user activity within our platform.
Start Price
Free Trial
Company Size
Deployment
Platform
Logo
Ariba
$50
Monthly
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Ariba
SAP SRM
Undisclosed
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
SAP SRM
Tradeshift
$3,600
Annually, Freemium
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Tradeshift
Zycus
$50,000
Quote-based, Annual
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Zycus
Jaggaer
$45,000
Annually
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Jaggaer
Basware
$15,000
Per Invoice Transaction, Annually
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Basware
Quartzy
$159
Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Quartzy
Procurify
$1,000
Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Procurify
Ivalua
$150,000
Annually
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Ivalua
Proactis
Undisclosed
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Proactis

All Purchasing Software (38 found)

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Ariba

by SAP-ARIBA
Ariba
SAP Ariba is a cloud-based solution built to handle the end-to-end spend life cycle for businesses of all sizes. It also supports sourcing, procurement and numerous supply and distribution processes. It is scalable and comes with subscription or on-demand pricing options. It integrates with ERP and other back-office options so that users can hang onto preferred workflows. With a focus on collaboration with suppliers and trading partners, users can extend their influence and discover valuable networking opportunities.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
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Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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SAP SRM

by SAP, Inc.
SAP SRM
SAP SRM is a web-based supplier relationship management module of SAP that helps take care of both source-to-pay and purchase-to-pay solutions. It automates operations, manages supplier relationships and effectively optimizes processes. It also helps in creating and processing bid requests to enable role-based security access and monitoring tasks in real time.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$1,000 or more
Company Size
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Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Tradeshift

by TRADESHIFT
Tradeshift
Tradeshift is a web-based platform focused on boosting collaboration with suppliers and streamlining the invoicing process. Users can speed up payment approvals and report deliveries to boost the efficiency of their teams while cutting out tedious manual data entry. Users can leverage customizable rule-sets to ensure accurate invoicing practices before seeking approvals. It helps companies adapt to the unique and ever-fluctuating needs of sellers and small businesses while tailoring successful strategies through procure-to-pay inclusions.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: good
Cost Breakdown
$1,000 or more
Company Size
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Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Zycus

by Zycus
Zycus
Zycus Source-to-Pay automates and streamlines procurement processes, from sourcing and requisitioning to invoice management and payment. It caters to businesses of all sizes, particularly those seeking centralized control over spending and improved supplier collaboration. Benefits include reduced costs, increased efficiency, and improved compliance. Popular features include spend analytics, e-sourcing, contract management, and supplier portals. Users appreciate its intuitive interface, customizability, and robust reporting capabilities. Compared to similar solutions, Zycus boasts a comprehensive suite, ease of use, and a strong track record of delivering ROI. Pricing depends on deployment options and modules chosen, typically starting with an annual subscription fee per user. Pros: Reduces Costs Boosts Efficiency Improves Compliance Centralized Control User-Friendly Interface Cons: High Implementation Cost Steep Learning Curve Limited Customization Options Potential Data Migration Issues Scalability Concerns (Large Orgs)
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$1,000 or more
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Jaggaer

by JAGGAER
Jaggaer
Jaggaer offers a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline Supply Chain Management tasks, including procurement, sourcing, and supplier management. This platform is particularly well-suited for large enterprises and organizations with complex supply chains due to its robust capabilities and scalability. Users benefit from enhanced visibility, improved efficiency, and cost savings through automated processes and data-driven insights. Key features include advanced analytics, supplier collaboration tools, and contract management, which collectively foster better decision-making and stronger supplier relationships. Compared to similar products, Jaggaer is often praised for its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options, which cater to diverse business needs. Pricing typically varies based on the number of users and specific modules required, with options for annual or multi-year subscriptions, making it a flexible choice for different budgetary constraints.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$1,000 or more
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Basware

by Basware
Basware
Basware offers networked source-to-pay tools, e-invoicing, analytics and value added services. It facilitates automated operations and management, spend and supply chain visibility, supplier management, early payment discounts and more. It helps reduce paperwork, save time and effort spent in manual work, boosts working capital and enhances business ROI. It serves B2B companies of all sizes and industries.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$1,000 or more
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Quartzy

by Quartzy
Quartzy
Quartzy is a cloud-based lab management platform that helps save money and time by digitizing a lab’s workflow. It automates inventory and order management while simplifying the lab supply chain operation. From startups to government and non-profit organizations, it serves individuals and ventures related to life science.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
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Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Procurify

by Procurify
Procurify
Procurify is a spend management solution that helps improve spend culture by tracking expenses and purchases. It streamlines workflows and approval processes, as well as enables faster communication. Features include budget tracking, expense management, vendor management, audit logs, analysis, reporting and more. Easy integration with accounting offerings makes it easier to accumulate data in one place, while mobile access offers user convenience.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$500 - $1,000
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Ivalua

by Ivalua
Ivalua
Ivalua is a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline procurement processes for organizations. It is particularly well-suited for large enterprises and organizations looking to optimize their procurement and supply chain operations. One of the key benefits of Ivalua is its ability to provide a centralized platform for managing procurement tasks, which helps in enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. The software is popular for features such as supplier management, contract management, and spend analysis, which collectively contribute to making informed purchasing decisions. When compared to similar products in the market, users often highlight Ivalua's user-friendly interface and the flexibility it offers in customizing the platform to meet specific organizational needs. Pricing considerations for Ivalua typically involve a subscription model, which may vary based on the size of the organization and the specific features required, making it important for potential users to inquire directly for tailored pricing information.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$1,000 or more
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Proactis

by Hubwoo
Proactis
Proactis provides cloud-based, comprehensive business process automation and spend management solutions to B2B organizations. It operates through The Business Network, a free portal where organizations can set up business listings, showcase their products and connect with qualified buyers. In 2017, Hubwoo was acquired by the Proactis group. Since then, the partnership has resulted in enhanced offerings that involve end-to-end spend management and B2B e-commerce capabilities. It integrates with all types of procurement and ERP products. It comes with convenient-to-use inclusions that drive compliance requisitioning, adoption, and cost savings by reducing inefficiencies in the accounts payable process.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Logility

by Logility
Logility
Logility focuses on transportation and supply chain management, helping automate, streamline and optimize processes in order to cut costs and increase accuracy. It provides multiple avenues to improve supply chains and contains a wide array of planning and forecasting tools. It employs algorithmic planning to assess and mitigate risks while keeping users informed of any incoming business opportunities. Gain visibility into a variety of supply chain operations and use the valuable data gathered from each to make effective planning decisions.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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GEP SMART

by GEP, Inc.
GEP SMART
GEP SMART (formerly SMART by GEP) is a cloud-based, AI-powered supply chain system built on Microsoft Azure. It is suitable for larger corporations and leverages cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain and the IoT to educate and empower decision making. Its unified setup gives users a simplified location for all of their needs and tasks. It gives users the ability to monitor supplier performance and the entire purchasing process from requisition to approval. Users can automate source-to-pay processes and other tedious tasks to increase accuracy and cut down on the time and resources required for each. It provides cost-cutting inclusions that measure initiatives to their outcomes along with spend analysis and visibility through analytical reporting.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$1,000 or more
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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NetSuite WMS

by NetSuite, Inc.
NetSuite WMS
NetSuite WMS is a hybrid-deployment solution that helps businesses streamline operations using industry-wide best practices to minimize handling costs. Its multi-location management facility includes scope for inventory management, shipping management and returns management from a centralized platform. Integrated with the native NetSuite ecosystem, it optimizes unique workflows to drive efficient processes, eliminate paper-pushing and utilize stock, space and resources in the warehouse.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: good
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Coupa Procurement

by Coupa
Coupa Procurement
Coupa Procurement aims to bring the ease of consumer shopping to daily processes. With a focus on attaining full visibility, control and management of expenses, it can streamline and optimize time-intensive tasks. Key features include budget tracking, spend management, fraud detection and purchase requisitions. Its modern design makes adoption across an entire business easy, while visibility features provide valuable information regarding demand and planning. Simple purchase requisitions and order processes are trackable in real time as well.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$1,000 or more
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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GovWin IQ

by Deltek Inc.
GovWin IQ
GovWin IQ is a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline procurement and business development processes, particularly for companies aiming to secure government contracts. It offers a robust suite of tools for market intelligence, opportunity identification, and competitive analysis, making it highly suitable for businesses in the government contracting space. The platform's ability to provide detailed insights into government spending, upcoming contracts, and competitor activities helps users make informed decisions and strategically position themselves for success. Key benefits of GovWin IQ include enhanced visibility into government procurement activities, improved efficiency in identifying and pursuing opportunities, and the ability to track and analyze competitor movements. Popular features include a vast database of government contracts, advanced search capabilities, and customizable alerts for new opportunities. Users often highlight the platform's comprehensive data and user-friendly interface as significant advantages over similar products. Pricing for GovWin IQ typically varies based on the size of the organization and the specific features required, with options for annual subscriptions. This flexibility allows businesses of different scales to find a suitable plan that meets their needs and budget.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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E2open

by e2open
E2open
E2open's software provides businesses with a comprehensive solution for managing their supply chains. By offering a unified platform, it enables companies to optimize various aspects of their supply chain, including transportation management, demand forecasting, and inventory control. E2open caters to businesses of all sizes seeking to enhance efficiency and visibility within their supply chains. The software's ability to streamline operations and reduce costs makes it particularly beneficial for companies with complex supply chain networks. E2open's pricing structure is typically subscription-based, with fees varying depending on the specific modules and features selected, as well as the size and complexity of the user's supply chain. While user experiences with E2open are generally positive, some users have noted that the platform's extensive functionality can lead to a steeper learning curve.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: good
Cost Breakdown
$500 - $1,000
Company Size
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Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Synertrade

by Econocom Group
Synertrade
Synertrade Accelerate is a cloud-based solution that helps optimize the purchasing process. Users can oversee the entire procurement process, from managing suppliers to sending invoices. It includes features like spend analysis, procurement management, contract lifecycle management, catalog management, purchase requisitions, supplier enrichment, onboarding and more. It offers services in over 20 languages worldwide.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$500 - $1,000
Company Size
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Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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BMC Helix ITSM

by BMC Software
BMC Helix ITSM
BMC Helix ITSM is a sophisticated software solution designed to streamline IT Service Management processes. It excels in automating and managing tasks such as incident, problem, change, and asset management. This platform is particularly well-suited for large enterprises and industries like finance, healthcare, and telecommunications, where robust IT infrastructure is crucial. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and powerful features like AI-driven insights and predictive analytics, which enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. BMC Helix ITSM stands out for its flexibility, offering both cloud-based and on-premises deployment options. Compared to similar products, it is praised for its comprehensive functionality and seamless integration capabilities. Pricing details are not publicly disclosed, so potential users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Overall, BMC Helix ITSM is a versatile and reliable choice for organizations seeking to optimize their IT service management operations.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: good
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
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Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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GAINSystems

by GAINSystems, Inc.
GAINSystems
GAINSystems is a supply chain planning software organization that provides cloud-based or on-premise solutions to its users. It helps companies lower inventories and decrease operating costs with the use of machine learning and sophisticated algorithms. It delivers higher service levels and maximum plan accuracy through various functionalities that include inventory management, demand planning and forecasting, replenishment and production management, inventory and operations planning. It is designed for mid-size to large-scale businesses.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$500 - $1,000
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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ESM Solutions

by ESM Solutions
ESM Solutions
ESM Solutions offers cloud-based procurement management software designed to streamline purchasing processes for various organizations, including educational institutions, government bodies, and mid-sized businesses. The software is particularly beneficial for organizations dealing with a high volume of orders or complex procurement procedures. By automating tasks and providing greater visibility into spending, ESM Solutions helps organizations increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall procurement management. Key features include a user-friendly interface, customizable bid and RFP templates, vendor management tools, and integration with other business systems. Users appreciate the software's ease of use and comprehensive reporting capabilities. ESM Solutions is competitively priced within the mid-range of procurement software options, with pricing based on the number of users and selected features.
Cost Breakdown
$500 - $1,000
Company Size
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Deployment
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Platform
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Buyer's Guide

Purchasing Software Is All About Managing Purchasing Processes Within the Supply Chain

By Amrita Chakraborty, Technical Content Writer at SelectHub

Purchasing Software BG Intro

Looking for simpler ways to manage purchasing at your business? Investing in purchasing software that takes care of procurement processes might be an ideal solution.

In this guide, we highlight some key considerations and essential features that you should consider before you make a choice.

Executive Summary

  • Purchasing software helps control spend and improve operational workflows.
  • Its key features include spend management, catalog management, audit logs and more.
  • Establishing a clear set of requirements is essential before seeking vendors for your final purchase.
What This Guide Covers:

What Is Purchasing Software?

Purchasing software is a type of procurement system in the broader supply chain management software category. It’s all about acquiring and managing goods and services. Thus, making it an essential part of the entire procure-to-pay cycle.

Organizations invest in purchasing software to save time and make data-driven decisions. But how do they achieve that? By automating the purchasing process.

It cuts down the time spent on purchase requisitions and eliminates redundancy in the purchase order process. Thus boosting efficiency and productivity.

Purchasing software can come as standalone solutions or as part of a more robust procurement or supply chain system. They often integrate with third-party systems to centralize data and streamline your workflows.

Some potential integrations to look out for include:

Primary Benefits

Offering a centralized repository to keep track of purchase orders and approvals and providing complete visibility across all your transactions and suppliers are just some of the benefits of purchasing software. Let’s dive in deeper:

Purchasing Software Benefits

Improve Cost Control

Calculate order quantities to generate purchase orders and ultimately control the operational budget. Real-time cost control on projects results in reduced maverick spend.

Purchasing Software Categories

Enhance Spend Visibility

A clear audit trail keeps track of previous accounting summaries and helps maintain complete transparency across workflows. This enhanced spend visibility enables you to analyze and zero in on the high-demand products and set the procurement target for the upcoming cycle.

Automate Workflows

Create customizable workflows and operational efficiencies by using automation capabilities. Forgo the use of paper, leverage strategic sourcing and set up automated workflows to streamline processes.

Save Time

Irrespective of your business size, manual data entry and tracking can take time and effort. But implementing purchasing software helps reduce time spent on order processing and invoice management.

Key Features & Functionality

Before you decide to invest in purchasing software, it’s necessary to understand these systems’ different features.

Catalog Management

Make purchasing simpler with multi-supplier catalogs. Improve procurement contracts’ compliance by configuring, managing and defining access rights for digital catalogs.

Multi-supplier catalogs make searching convenient for buyers. This allows them to quickly browse through internal and supplier catalogs and associated online stores.
Spend Management

The purpose of spend management in purchasing is to mitigate financial risks, optimize costs, reduce vendor risks and improve supplier relations.

It helps identify business expenses by using automation to analyze, categorize and centralize spend data.
Purchase Order Management

From generating purchase orders to tracking purchase requisitions, the goal of purchase order management is to manage the entire purchase order life cycle.

It helps streamline the ordering process, eliminates overstocking, and ensures product availability before stockouts. This aids in managing inventory levels and, thus, improving cash flow.
Automated Approval Workflows

Instead of sifting through ledgers and spreadsheets, automated approval workflows place checks in spend processes and help eliminate bottlenecks.

Approval workflows comply with the existing accounting rules and offer level-based accessibility to data.
Audit Logs

Maintaining precise records of ongoing operations’ assets, finances and procurement strategy helps you eliminate fraud, improve accountability and ensure compliance.

Having a distinct audit log also helps you devise a framework for future operations.

Software Comparison Strategy

Most purchasing software solutions will come with similar core features, but that doesn’t make it any less stressful to determine which one is best for your company.

We can help with standard comparison strategies, but the decision ultimately comes down to your unique requirements. Which happens to be where we suggest starting your strategy.

Gather the primary users and key stakeholders to discuss your requirements for a new purchasing solution. How many employees need to use it? Are they familiar with purchasing software in general, or will they need extensive training?

Consider where your current purchasing problems lie and how purchasing software can resolve them.

Once you know your reason for acquiring new software, it’s important to research potential vendors. Sift through some user reviews or, better yet, reach out to colleagues to see what solutions others use.

Some vendors offer demos or free trials to give you a better sense of their systems’ real-world applications. A free trial lets you see how well your employees can navigate a product before making a final decision.

To get a deeper understanding of how to approach software selection, you can reference our Lean Selection methodology.

Cost & Pricing Considerations

There are some common factors that play a part in how vendors price their products. They aren’t exact, and each vendor will be different. But understanding the basics can help you prepare for what’ll impact your final cost.

Common pricing considerations include deployment and licensing types, add-on capabilities and vendor services.

Deployment and Licensing

You may have to decide between cloud and on-premise deployment. If that’s the case, these deployment types generally have different pricing structures and additional costs to consider.

Cloud solutions tend to be cheaper upfront than on-premise solutions because they don’t require additional hardware or IT resources for implementation and maintenance. They’re often priced on a subscription model — either per month or per user per month.

Per-month subscriptions can add up in the long run, though, especially if they’re per user and you have a large workforce.

On-premise solutions are usually costlier upfront. They require a one-time fee or infrequent licensing payments. Servers to house the software, implementation, maintenance and security fall on you as well. So you need hardware and IT resources.

However, on-premise solutions can be cost-effective in the long run if you have the resources and budget to bear the initial costs.

Add-on Capabilities

Out-of-the-box systems cover a lot, but the basics won’t always meet everyone’s requirements. If you need more than the core capabilities in your purchasing software, check with vendors to see what they offer and how much it will cost you.

Many vendors offer different packages or pricing tiers with varying degrees of functionality. So you may be able to find an advanced package that meets your requirements.

Another option is to customize a basic package with à-la-carte modules. It’s common for vendors to offer pre-built add-on capabilities at an additional charge.

Some vendors may even be willing to work on unique customizations for your needs. This option can help you get exactly what you’re looking for, but it’s likely to cost you significantly more than the other standard options.

Vendor Services

Make sure to consult potential vendors about their service charges as well. These can be anything outside of the price of the software. Among others, these can include:

  • Implementation
  • Data migration
  • Maintenance
  • Training
  • Integrations

Check on service pricing with vendors if you need these or any other services to get a better idea of what the final cost will be.

The Most Popular Purchasing Software

Now that you know the different features and benefits of purchasing software, how do you choose the best one? We have you covered! Below is a list of some of the most popular purchasing software solutions on the market. Let’s take a look:

Note: The below-mentioned products are our picks for procurement solutions with the best purchase order management capabilities.

Oracle Services Procurement

Serving various industries, Oracle Services Procurement caters to businesses of all sizes. It's a cloud-based application that uses automation to discover suppliers and seamlessly collaborate with them. It automates the entire procure-to-pay cycle and helps streamline workflows.

Oracle Services Procurement

Create and access sales orders, purchase orders and order history under one centralized database using Oracle Services Procurement. Source

Precoro

With a user-friendly interface, the cloud-based purchasing system of Precoro helps streamline procurement processes. Its key features include budget management, approval workflows, spend analytics and purchase order creation.

Precoro

Facilitate automatic purchase order creation and generate customizable approval workflows using Precoro. Source

SAP Ariba

Supporting sourcing, procurement and other supply chain processes, SAP Ariba helps digitize and simplify end-to-end cycles on an integrated platform. It uses robust analytics to manage supply chain disruptions and boost supplier collaboration.

SAP Ariba

Use SAP Ariba to create sourcing requests, events and RFI/RFP capabilities within one platform. Source

 

 

Questions To Ask

Seeking out the best purchasing software but trying to figure out where to begin? Start with some internal dialogues before investing in one. Here are some questions you can start with internally:

  • Do my employees require training to use this solution?
  • What problems can this software help us solve?
  • Do we need a solution that’s customizable?
  • Will we need the solution to scale with us in the future?
  • How flexible is our overall budget?

Purchasing Software Key Questions To Ask

Now that’s covered, it’s time to ask the vendors about their companies and products. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:

  • What comes standard with the software, and what’ll we need to pay additional fees for?
  • What sets you apart from other purchasing software providers?
  • What capabilities within the system are customizable?
  • Is this software compatible with my existing systems?
  • What deployment and pricing models do you offer?

Next Steps

From gaining complete spend control and visibility to using automation to drive workflow efficiencies, the benefits of investing in purchasing software are plenty. But finding the best one can take time and effort.

Using this guide as a quick reference, you can browse the different aspects of purchasing software before finalizing your choice.

Ready to take the next step and start comparing purchasing software? With our comparison report, you can compare and shortlist the top vendors.

Product Comparisons

Additional Resources

About The Contributors

The following expert team members are responsible for creating, reviewing, and fact checking the accuracy of this content.

Amrita
By Amrita Chakraborty
Technical Content Writer
Amrita is a Technical Content Writer and Market Analyst at SelectHub. She writes content for categories such as inventory management and procurement. When she is not working, Amrita spends her day bingeing shows, napping, writing about mental health, and petting cats.
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Vidhi
Technical Research By Vidhi Kanodia
Senior Analyst
Vidhi Kanodia joined SelectHub after graduating from Osmania University in Hyderabad. Building on the hands-on experience she gained there, she expertly reviews peer research work in categories like procurement, PLM, eCommerce, insurance, hotel management, risk management and legal software.
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Shashank
Technical Review By Shashank K K
Principal Analyst
After graduating with a Masters in Finance from Trinity College Dublin, K K Shashank's research and detail-oriented skills led them to SelectHub. He has diverse knowledge across various software categories like Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis, Ecommerce, Risk Management, PLM, Insurance and more since 2020.
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Ryan
Edited By Ryan McElroy
Content Editor
Ryan McElroy is a Content Editor and Senior Market Analyst at SelectHub who writes and edits content on various software types, along with their broader concepts and the industries they serve, including medical, construction, CMMS, supply chain management and legal. He studied at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) and earned his BA in Journalism in 2016. During his free time, you’ll find Ryan playing video/card/board games, sipping coffee and reading speculative fiction, or listening to music his loved ones often describe as “headache-inducing.”
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