On-time implementation
From early October until 1 December 2022, the DIG team mirrored STEAG’s procurement system, says Head of Purchasing Processes and Performance, Klaus Merfeld: “To that end, we needed to copy our entire database and recreate all our mappings.” Now orders can easily be assigned to the right department via the company code. “This matters because it means different people are involved in the approval process. Having this opportunity also allowed us to standardise our approval process across all our locations.” Jörg further emphasised the tight turnaround time to make this change happen: “That’s also thanks to how well DIG and Unite worked together.”
Great usability is what makes Unite’s API stand out
Klaus feels he made the right choice with Unite’s marketplace: “OCI punchout wasn’t going to be an option for us because we wanted users to be able to search for products in our Power Order Shop – that’s what we call DIG’s customised e-procurement platform.” This is why Unite’s API was implemented: “The API gives our colleagues convenient access to external catalogues.” The high-performing data exchange is another plus, adds Jörg: “Now we can change orders without having to leave the platform. We’re also impressed with the high-speed data transfer, as it allows us to quickly access Unite’s large assortments.” The ability to seamlessly integrate Unite into the customised e-procurement platform is one benefit. “The Single Creditor option is the other,” says Jörg. “Having a go-to contact at Unite, less supplier admin work and tons of filtering options is what won us over!” Especially the latter matters to expert departments at STEAG, Klaus explains: “In the case of IT items or occupational safety equipment, we’re subject to specific standards, which means we can’t buy them via Unite.” Together with DIG, Unite was able to put requirements like that into place.
Optimising tail spend
Being able to automate procurement processes for consumables proved valuable once again when the energy sector was experiencing rising challenges as a result of the war in Ukraine. “It helped us drastically reduce the amount of free-text orders, which in turn reduced our colleagues’ workload,” says Jörg. “Next, we want to look into the Unite BusinessShop option that features customised assortments and negotiated prices.” An option that’s likely to further increase the marketplace’s total revenue share: “We offer 40 catalogues on the platform, but we do the bulk of our indirect purchasing through Unite.”
