Tarmo Saidla joins me from Procurement Flow, an Estonian startup focusing on:

The classic "to do", "doing", "done" kanban interface of the tool allows buyers and stakeholders to collaborate on projects without the need for silos and email-based communication. Buyers on the same team can work on the same requisition or project without the need to be copied on emails or attend unnecessary project meetings.

What's more, this tool doesn't require connectivity to an existing ERP system to get the key benefits from it.

I discover how this simple, but effective tool helps especially with remote-based teams and with one-time purchase requirements for key projects such as capex.

Eliminating maverick spend and early procurement involvement are major objectives to keep spend predictable and under control. Both of these are at the centre of what Procurement Flow facilitates.

NOTE: My side I had an audio glitch (I'm still learning this whole podcasting thing...I'm human!) So, if you're wondering why my audio is a bit distorted, now you know. I hope it doesn't detract from the podcast!

0:45

Is "Trello for Procurement" a fair description of Procurement Flow?

1:48

We discuss the fact that procurement is behind the curve vs. more progressive industry sectors (tech startups, for example) with regard to ditching email chains for managing workflows and tasks between team members.

3:13

How UX is behind everything in Procurement Flow's DNA.

4:43

Is it really possible to digitise within a day (as their website claims) by switching from an email based requisitioning system to using Procurement Flow?

6:19

Tarmo explains why he sees the biggest value of Procurement Flow as being to bring under control and give structure to the pre-PO part of the procurement process.

7:30

We explore the need for visibility of stakeholder requirements, as well as early procurement involvement, and how a user-friendly tool such as Procurement Flow can improve compliance by increasing the number of cases where procurement input happens before the last minute "I need a PO, can you negotiate this?"

8:15

How Procurement Flow can aid and facilitate collaboration, especially among remote working teams.

9:32

Tarmo explains 3 critical time-sucking activities in operational procurement, from sourcing through to PO placement, and how he is convinced that Procurement Flow solves all of these.

11:53

I ask how easy would it be to put together a business case for Procurement Flow if it doesn't drive any hard, P&L visible savings which can clearly be attributed to its use.

14:41

Who is Procurement Flow's typical ideal customer base?

16:14

How does Procurement Flow plan to grow, and what additional features are in the pipeline to keep improving the product?

19:11

To wrap up, I ask Tarmo which countries they are currently serving with their software.