Research from Probrand, an IT procurement platform, shows that 20% of IT managers are spending more than five days every month on manual procurement processes which is distracting them from higher value activities.
In addition, 63% of all buyers still rely on laborious manual processes to access basic information, such as prices, stock availability and product comparisons. Many also shared that they are wasting time fielding sales calls with some saying they receive as many as 40 unsolicited reseller calls every day.
While purchasing IT is a vital task, slow, outdated processes are holding IT managers back from performing valuable tasks that require their skilled input, such as network management, line management, design work, systems administration and technical engineering, according to the study, which included 100 IT buyers in UK organisations.
Ian Nethercot MCIPS, Supply Chain Director at Probrand, said: “The multi-tasking IT manager is already having to wear multiple hats and juggle an ever-increasing workload due to an industry-wide skills shortage. So, if they are having to rely on outdated manual processes, when digital alternatives are available, it’s wasting the time of people who are already stretched.”
He added: “We are on a mission to give all IT buyers transparency and efficiency by openly connecting them with distributors and vendors on one easy to use digital platform.”