Global Procurement Application

Situation

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical company with a global footprint, faced significant challenges in streamlining and centralizing their procurement processes. They lacked a system that could effectively handle procurement requests across the diverse geographical areas they operate in, inhibiting effective financial control and preventing the company from leveraging the best vendor rates. Existing off-the-shelf solutions failed to meet their bespoke requirements, prompting the need for a custom solution.

Solution

We developed a custom application named the Global Procurement Application (GPA) on Microsoft's Power Platform, with SharePoint as the data source to keep costs low and ensure seamless integration with the client's existing infrastructure. The GPA has been designed to offer an intuitive, visually-pleasing interface that not only streamlines the procurement process but also enhances user experience and satisfaction.

The GPA features a dynamic, custom dashboard that displays all procurement requests along with their status and key information at a glance. To ensure user-friendly functionality, we implemented dynamic input fields that adjust based on previous selections, providing a highly personalized and intuitive user experience.

A built-in approval process further streamlines the procurement workflow, enhancing efficiency and transparency. Additionally, the GPA includes aesthetically designed loading and maintenance splash screens for an optimal user experience.

We also understood the importance of effective communication in the procurement process. So, we integrated a live chat function directly into the GPA, enabling real-time communication between requestors and approvers right within the application. This feature ensures all discussions are recorded and attached to the relevant procurement request, enhancing traceability and accountability.

Recognizing our client's global operations, we designed the GPA to be multilingual, enabling users worldwide to utilize the application in their preferred language. Furthermore, an in-built exchange rate conversion function simplifies international transactions, boosting financial accuracy and control.

User settings screens and feedback forms are also part of the GPA, offering users the ability to personalize their experience and provide valuable feedback for continuous application improvement.

Outcome

The bespoke Global Procurement Application has transformed our client's procurement operations, providing a centralized, efficient, and user-friendly platform for handling procurement requests. With better financial controls and enhanced visibility into procurement requests, the company can now secure better vendor rates, leading to substantial cost savings. The custom application's multilingual and multi-currency functionalities have ensured a seamless user experience across the globe, significantly boosting user satisfaction and productivity.

This successful deployment demonstrates the power of custom application development using the Power Platform and SharePoint. With a focus on user-centric design and functionality, we were able to deliver a solution that not only met but surpassed our client's requirements.