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Inefficient and ineffective systems Probrand ’ s study revealed that most IT buyers feel held back by a lack of digitalisation – with almost two-thirds ( 63 %) still relying on manual systems to complete standard tasks , such as placing orders .

“ The results also showed that a quarter are spending the equivalent of one day each week just researching IT purchases – this includes comparing equipment specifications , checking prices and stock availability ,” Nethercot adds . “ Liaising with suppliers during the ordering process was also revealed as a huge drain on buyers ’ time – with 71 % saying they spend a significant amount of time emailing and 70 % saying the same effort was being spent on calls .”

But these weren ’ t the only duties taking up a lot of time .

“ The vast majority ,” Nethercot explains , “ said they were also burdened by tasks such as tracking orders , checking prices and stock , processing orders , and chasing returns and errors . Even straightforward tasks , like raising a PO number , are taking three days or more for most buyers – almost a fifth said this was taking longer than a week .

“ Standing still on digitalisation will undoubtedly leave businesses at a competitive disadvantage .

88 August 2023