But analysts warn would-be users not to be the first to jump at the promise of quick savings. But Gartner research advises companies to be cautious, as there will be no advantages in being an early adopter.
First movers have to build solutions using immature software.
He added that until the software matures, large amounts of time and money would have to be invested to achieve very small returns. The returns are unlikely to be anything like what vendors promise. Only a small number of businesses have managed to make returns so far, and it's usually through a post-implementation rationalisation of expenses. An eprocurement project will not upset existing power structures. This is because of the low level of importance traditionally placed on procurement of indirect goods, he added.