We are often asked how to purchase services using Unimarket given that services are highly variable in nature and yet to be consumed at the time of order. However, services are not all the same and the best method for purchasing services really depends on the specific use case. To this end we have outlined the multiple ways services can be managed via the Unimarket platform.
Invoices
The most obvious option for managing services is via invoice approval after the supplier has completed the service and sent you an invoice. Often this is the simplest path, yet the downside is a lack of upfront spend approval and visibility.
Processing and approving invoices in Unimarket is made easy via the Invoice module, and delegated approval is electronically managed the same as purchase orders to ensure compliance and visibility.
Use Cases
Ad-hoc services, new suppliers, utility bills, basically any service!
Blanket Orders
Blanket orders are a good way to add additional control and visibility to services spend. A blanket order is best used if your organization knows it will spend a specified amount with a supplier over a specified period of time. For example, if you are undertaking a consulting or construction project you would define a blanket order for the budgeted amount and duration of the project. Using Unimarket you can route the blanket order for approval which will pre-approve the funds for the project and give your organization visibility of that upcoming spend.
Following approval of the blanket order, your organization can then share the blanket order number with the supplier and ask them to submit their invoices against that number. When the supplier submits their invoices there is a simple accept/decline of the invoice by the business owners of the blanket order. This ensures spend is managed and the value of each invoice is subtracted from the available funds on the blanket so you stay within the intended budget. No rouge overspend!
Use cases
Projects, consulting, long term supplier engagements like retainers, regular spend with a supplier where the amount is known , existing suppliers, spend for a specified timeframe e.g. quarter 1.
Request for Quote (RFQ)
Using an RFQ you can request a service from 1 or many suppliers at once and receive their electronic quotes back through Unimarket. This requires a bit of planning, however the advantage of this approach is that the quote amount goes onto an approved order so the spend is recognized up-front. The invoice should also match the amount in most cases which streamlines the invoicing process.
Use Cases
Planned services where the service is being requested upfront, purchasing where you want to drive supplier competition e.g. a quote for a marketing event.
Non Catalog Orders
It can be harder to raise a purchase order upfront for services not yet received. But its not impossible! Raising in order is a great idea to ensure you have the spend approved up-front and you are using an approved supplier. Unimarket has built several features to make it easier to purchase services using a non catalog order. Firstly we have the ability to specify a amount 'range' so you can allow for additional flexibility when the invoice arrives. Secondly, invoice matching will automatically route invoices for approval that don't match your order. This means that there is still value in having a pre-approved order (visibility), even if the invoice value differs.
Use Cases
Existing suppliers, services where you have an idea of the cost (phone quote etc).