and, historically, had always worked with multiple independent systems to order items and services and create invoices, each with its own set-up and process. But with this fragmented system, the organisation ran into problems. There was little control over purchases, and approval of orders often took place after – not before – the receipt of the invoice, resulting in unnecessarily high costs for the business. So, the business introduced a single ordering and payment process for the entire organisation, meaning employees could directly place their orders in ‘web shops’ of preferred suppliers. Everything became processed within a single application. Authorisation was automatic, and it became easier to gain insight on which suppliers are responsible for the most expenditure. This great level of transparency and authorisation put a complete stop to maverick spend in the business and gave an up-to-date overview of expenditure and outstanding commitments. Crucially, too, for the staff who were shifting systems, ordering was made easier. The effects of streamlining processes with technology can be dramatic. This is especially true for firms that are undergoing changes of magnitude. Availability and oversight of data is a rare thing in manual or outmoded finance and operations functions. Yet for years law firms have acted blind. Until now, most finance directors in professional services firms would not be able to tell you in real time how much money was leaving their firm and why. In a period of recession, where cost management is paramount, that is a major handicap. Not all revolutions are overtly disruptive. The quiet ones effect clear change over time. That is exactly what is happening in the legal profession as – at last – operations catch up with client services. SPECIAL FEATURE 41 About Ilija Ugrinic Ilija Ugrinic is Commercial Solutions Director at Proactis, having joined the company in 2014. Ilija draws upon more than 20 years’ worth of experience in spend control and eProcurement, helping automate and optimise processes for many leading organisations across the public, not-forprofit and private sectors. About Proactis Proactis is a leading Source-toPay software solution provider for mid-market organisations across a range of service-led industries. Proactis’ end-to-end modular platform enables customers to control spend and manage supplychain risk; improve compliance and governance of their purchasing activities; reduce the cost of goods and services; and deliver efficiencies, all through process digitisation and automation. Contact Proactis Riverview Court, Castle Gate, Wetherby, Leeds, LS22 6LE, UK Tel: +44 01937 545070 www.proactis.com
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