How it works
In this model, the technology procurement outsourcer acts as a
single source for all of a company's hardware and software purchases
- an external purchasing department if you like. A procurement agreement
is established with the outsourcer whereby the customer obtains
access to wholesale pricing and information for a set management
fee (usually a small fixed mark-up). Lacking sales force and showroom
overheads, but leveraging bulk purchasing power, the outsourcer
can save the customer significant money over time and spares them
all the 'hustling' synonymous with computer retailing.
Factual Information
Through their outsourcer, the customer obtains full access to 'inside'
information about product specifications and availability. The outsourcer
usually makes available raw price lists and stock levels to aid
purchasing research.
Asset Management
Another benefit of outsourcing is technology asset management.
In the traditional model where technology is bought from a multiplicity
of suppliers, asset recording: warranty details, serial numbers,
version numbers and proof-of-purchase information can be a nightmare
to manage. The outsourcer on the other hand is perfectly placed
to manage this information effectively.
Presales
Perhaps the only downside to procurement outsourcing is in the
presales area. Outsourcers will usually charge for hunting down
special products or confirming the viability of customer configurations,
a job that resellers often do for free. A good outsourcer will however
have an engineering services division to perform this task. Although
presales may now become an expense, the result is often superior
because qualified people, rather than sales people, are giving their
advice.
neXus and technology procurement outsourcing
neXus network is rolling out this model for small and medium size
businesses in Australia. For more information contact John
Dobbin