# Graphite > Less friction. More business. --- ## Pages - [Paid Social Media Intern - Summer 2025](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/careers/paid-social-media-intern-summer-2025/): Paid Social Media Intern – Summer Why Graphite? Graphite is revolutionizing how businesses do business. We’ve launched a supplier information... - [Social Media Manager](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/careers/social-media-manager/): Social Media Manager Why Graphite? Graphite is revolutionizing how businesses do business. We’ve launched a supplier information network with 500,000+... - [Marketing Manager](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/careers/marketing-specialist/): Marketing Manager Why Graphite? Graphite is revolutionizing how businesses do business. We’ve launched a supplier information network with 100,000+ suppliers... - [Patented Network](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/patented-network/): - [Pain-free Supplier Management.](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/): - [AI Driven Procurement](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/ai-procurement/): AI in procurement can take your supplier management to the next level. Learn about Graphite’s AI-driven procurement solutions. - [Manufacturing](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/manufacturing-supplier-management/): - [Vendor Validation](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/vendor-data-validation/): Automate your vendor validation process with Graphite Connect. Ensure accurate vendor data and reduce fraud risk. Streamline your supplier management today. - [Higher Education](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/higher-education/): - [Retail](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/retail/): With Graphite Connect, top retail procurement teams cut onboarding times, manage compliance more efficiently, and free up their time to focus on what matters: driving growth. - [Food & Beverage](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/food-and-beverage/): - [Team](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/team/): - [Prevent Bank Fraud](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/prevent-bank-fraud/): Fraud management & prevention is not an easy task, especially when it comes to the banking industry. Graphite’s bank fraud prevention software can simplify it - [Supplier Scores & Insights](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/supplier-scorecard-software/): Discover how supplier scorecard software from Graphite Connect can improve your supplier management with real-time insights and streamlined evaluations. - [Supplier risk management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/supplier-risk-management/): Supplier risk management is a key component of procurement processes. Graphite’s numerous features make it the perfect supplier risk management tool. - [Vendor Identity Verification](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/vendor-verification-process/): Streamline your vendor verification process with Graphite Connect. Ensure accuracy, prevent fraud, and onboard suppliers quickly with our secure verification. - [Enhance Project Collaboration](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/enhance-project-collaboration/): The right supplier collaboration software allows you to easily coordinate with internal stakeholders and follow up with suppliers on pending actions. - [Supplier Sustainability Compliance](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/supplier-sustainability-compliance/): Graphite Connect streamlines supplier sustainability compliance. Improve transparency, manage risks, and ensure ethical practices in your supply chain. - [Contract Renewals and Negotiations](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/contract-renewals-and-negotiations/): Discover how Graphite Connect streamlines contract renewals and negotiations, with its world-class supplier contract management software. - [Technical Account Manager](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/careers/technical-account-manager/): Technical Account Manager Why Graphite? Graphite is revolutionizing how businesses do business. We’ve launched a supplier information network with 100,000+... - [Third Party Risk Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/third-party-risk-management/): Vendor management solutions you can trust. Our third-party risk management software helps you turn risk reviews into action - [Platform overview](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/): - [Integrations](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/integrations/): - [Supplier Information Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/supplier-information-management/): Gain speed, security, and convenience with the Graphite vendor information management software. Leverage the power of AI to validate and share supplier data. - [Supplier Relationship Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/supplier-relationship-management/): Graphite’s supplier relationship management platform will ensure seamless collaboration between your organization and each of your suppliers. - [Guided Procurement Orchestration & Intake](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/procurement-intake-orchestration/): Managing procurement requests can be a harrowing task especially when the numbers are high. Guided procurement orchestration and intake can simplify things. - [Supplier Onboarding](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/supplier-onboarding/): Expedite the onboarding of new vendors with Graphite’s supplier onboarding software. - [Knowledge Base](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/knowledge-base/): - [Accelerate Supplier Onboarding](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/accelerate-supplier-onboarding/): Accelerate supplier onboarding with Graphite. Faster onboarding, at lightning speeds, with the best supplier onboarding solution. - [Media & Entertainment](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/media-and-entertainment/): Looking to improve your media and entertainment vendor management system? Graphite helps you manage supplier risk in any industry. - [Tech](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/tech/): Technical Vendor Management was never easier for procurement teams. Take the pain out of IT vendor management with Graphite - [Increase Managed Spend](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/spend-under-management/): Less work, better spend management. Graphite’s managed spend solutions help strengthen stakeholder relationships without loss of control. - [Graphite for [Need]](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/use-case/): - [Third-party Data](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/integrations/third-party-data/): How it works Graphite centralizes validated, supplier-managed data along with third-party data so your team can quickly evaluate, select, and... - [Project Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/integrations/project-management/): How it works Graphite connects directly with your project management applications, so you can track your projects in one place.... - [ERP](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/integrations/erp/): How it works Graphite centralizes validated, supplier-managed data along with third-party data so your team can quickly evaluate, select, and... - [Gas Stations & Convenience Stores](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/gas-stations-and-convenience-stores/): Fuel and food are important commodities. This makes gas station and convenience supplier management extremely critical and Graphite can help. - [Graphite for [Industry]](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/industry/): - [Automate Supplier Validation](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/automated-supplier-validation/): With Graphite's automated vendor validation, you cut the time spent each year on validations by hundreds of hours. - [Solutions](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/): - [Customer Stories](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/customer-stories/): Learn from our raving fans of the benefits of Graphite and the impact it has driven for their procurement teams. - [Request a Demo](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/request-a-demo/): Shorten supplier onboarding by 70% with validated supplier data. Graphite Connect is a social network for suppliers and buyers - see a demo! - [Resources](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resources/): Welcome to the Graphite Connect Blog. Check in for frequent articles that will help your procurement team operate at the highest level. - [Supplier Data Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/supplier-data-management/): Graphite Connect enables procurement teams to automatically validate and easily manage supplier data in a central location. - [Suppliers: RFP Response](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/rfp-response/): Faster RFP Response. Jumpstart your RFP process by creating a supplier profile within Graphite Connect that’s visible to qualified buyers. - [Graphite FAQ](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/support/): Suppliers FAQ. You’ll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about creating a supplier profile. - [Casey's & Graphite Connect](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press/caseys-graphite-connect/): Casey's connects with suppliers instantly. Graphite Connect is built like a social network; we are the LinkedIn for buyers and suppliers. - [News & Events](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press/): Press on Graphite Connect and related topics. Check out our blogs to read Best Practices and the latest trends, products, and articles! - [Partners](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/partners/): We partner with best-in-class solutions, enabling clients to build and manage their vendor onboarding. Check out our page to know more. - [Blog](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/): Insights on Graphite Connect including Best Practices and the latest trends, products, and articles. Check out our blog now. - [Sales Development Representative](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/careers/sales-development-representative/): A Sales Development Representative (SDR) is a self-starter with credible lead follow-up and sales development experience. Join us! - [Careers](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/careers/): Graphite is a scrappy, experienced team that welcomes knowledge, experience, collaboration, and contribution. Join us! - [Risk Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions-for-risk-management/): We offer real-time risk management, stress testing, and capital allocation solutions. Our software has been used and manages a good number of assets... - [Solutions for Suppliers](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions-for-suppliers/): Graphite offers real-time risk management, stress testing, and capital allocation solutions. Our software has been used and manages a good number of assets. - [Solutions for Buyers](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions-for-buyers/): Graphite is an excellent solution for buyers. It's an open-source project that offers a wide variety of features and plugins to meet the needs of any organization. - [Supplier Diversity](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/supplier-diversity/): Graphite can help you identify, qualify, and develop your diverse talent pool--helping you meet the needs of your customers, clients, and communities. - [About](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/about/): You spend time making connections, filling out surveys, assessing risk, and closing deals often relying on multiple programs and manual processes. ## Posts - [Orchestration Unplugged: Should Procurement Invest or Wait? (Part 2)](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-13/): Natasha, Conrad, and Zach explore how orchestration is reshaping procurement, from intake to legacy tool integration. - [Entertainment Procurement Strategy: Balancing Cost, Quality, and Compliance](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/entertainment-procurement-strategy-balancing-cost-quality-and-compliance/): Develop a strong entertainment procurement strategy to balance cost, quality, and compliance. Learn how Graphite Connect can optimize supplier management. - [Orchestration Unplugged: Is Procurement’s New Buzzword Just Hype? (Part 1)](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/procurement-orchestration-guide-part-1/): What is procurement orchestration, and is it worth the hype? In this episode, we break down what orchestration really means, how it compares to intake, and what procurement leaders should consider before investing. - [How to Build a Scalable Procurement Strategy in the Software Industry](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-build-scalable-procurement-strategy-in-software-industry/): A strong software industry procurement strategy streamlines vendor management. Learn how to build a scalable procurement process with Graphite Connect. - [Tech Stack Remix: Fine Tuning Your Procurement System ](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-11/): Tune into the latest Proc-N-Roll episode as our hosts dive into the evolution of the procurement tech stack and where it is today. - [Savings to Value: Cranking Up the Volume](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-10/): Tune into the latest Proc-N-Roll episode where our hosts, Natasha, Conrad, and Zach dive into driving value through savings. - [Don't Stop Believin' in Procurement Basics](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-9/): Tune into the 9th episode of Proc-N-Roll where Natasha, Zach, and Conrad do a deep dive into procurement basics and why they are essential. - [Stakeholder Spotlight: From Resistant to Rockstar](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-8/): Tune into episode 8 of Proc-N-Roll where our hosts dive deep into managing stakeholders, in turn making them procurement's biggest groupies. - [Feedback That Doesn't Suck](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-7/): Listen in to Episode 7 of the Proc-N-Roll Podcast as our hosts dive into how to give and receive feedback. Learn from our hosts. - [The Essential Skills that Make or Break a Procurement Career](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-6/): Tune into episode 6 of Proc-N-Roll with Natasha, Conrad, and Zach to hear how being radically open to feedback can be your secret weapon. - [It's All About Risk](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-5/): Tune into the 5th episode of Proc-N-Roll where hosts Natasha, Zach and Conrad deep dive the risks in procurement. - [Procurement in 2025: Predictions and Priorities](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-4/): Join procurement experts Natasha, Conrad and Zach as they predict what we will see in Procurement in 2025. Listen now! - [Procurement 2.0: How the Rules Have Changed and Why You Need to Adapt!](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-3/): Tune into episode 3 of Proc-N-Roll, where Natasha, Conrad, and Zach deep dive on how the rules have changed in procurement. - [Procurement Transformation: How to Drive Real Change](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-2/): Access Episode 2 of Proc-N-Roll here to see Procurement Transformation tactics and how to drive real change. - [Are You Ready to Proc-N-Roll?](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/are-you-ready-to-proc-n-roll/): In this inaugural episode of Proc-N-Roll, hosts Natasha, Zach, and Conrad share their unique journeys in the field with their... - [Understanding DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act): A Guide for Procurement](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/dora-digital-operational-resilience-act/): Learn how the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) protects your business. Discover compliance tips and how Graphite Connect simplifies the process. - [What's a Good Contingency Planning Process Under DORA?](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/contingency-planning-process-under-dora/): Discover how to create a contingency planning process for DORA compliance. Learn actionable steps and see how Graphite Connect can protect your business. - [The Role of Incident Reporting Risk Management in DORA Compliance](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/role-of-incident-reporting-risk-management/): Streamline incident reporting risk management with Graphite Connect. Meet DORA compliance requirements effortlessly while reducing time and errors. Explore today! - [Doing Your Third-Party Risk Due Diligence Under DORA](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/third-party-risk-due-diligence/): Simplify third-party risk due diligence with Graphite Connect. Automate vendor assessments, track compliance and meet DORA standards more easily. - [How to Conduct a Third-Party Vendor Assessment Under DORA](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-conduct-third-party-vendor-assessment/): Discover how Graphite Connect simplifies third-party vendor assessment under DORA. Automate your process and reduce risks to protect your operations today! - [What is Supplier Information Management (SIM)?](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-information-management/): Learn what supplier information management (SIM) is and how it can streamline your supply chain. Discover the benefits of SIM with Graphite Connect. - [9 Essential Supplier Performance Management KPIs to Track](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-performance-management-kpi/): Discover the 9 essential Supplier Performance Management KPIs to track with Graphite Connect. Improve supplier relationships using data-driven insights. - [Key Benefits of Supplier Performance Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/benefits-supplier-performance-management/): Discover the benefits of supplier performance management with Graphite Connect. Improve efficiency, reduce risks, and build stronger vendor relationships. - [11 Supplier Performance Management Best Practices](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-performance-management-best-practices/): Discover supplier performance management best practices with Graphite Connect. Streamline vendor relationships for long-term success. - [A Complete Guide to Supplier Performance Management (SPM)](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/complete-guide-supplier-performance-management/): Discover how Graphite Connect can help your business master supplier performance management. Learn key strategies for improving performance and reducing risks. - [RFP Process Best Practices: 10 Steps to Success](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/rfp-process-best-practices/): Streamline your operations with these 10 RFP process best practices. Learn how Graphite Connect can simplify supplier management and improve efficiency. - [How to Create and Use a Vendor Selection Criteria Matrix](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-create-vendor-selection-matrix/): Streamline your vendor selection with a vendor selection matrix. Learn how Graphite Connect simplifies supplier evaluation and supports data-driven decisions. - [Supplier Onboarding Risk Assessment: Understand and Minimize Risk](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-onboarding-risk-assessment/): Simplify the supplier onboarding risk assessment process with Graphite Connect. Learn how you can evaluate and minimize risks when bringing new suppliers into your business. - [The Vendor Selection Process in Project Management Explained](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/project-management-vendor-selection-process/): Streamline your vendor selection process in project management with a supplier management platform. Learn the steps, benefits, and key questions to ask. - [What is Supplier Onboarding? Benefits, Challenges, and Tips for Success](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/what-is-supplier-onboarding/): What is supplier onboarding? Learn how Graphite Connect can streamline it. Discover tips to improve supplier relationships and operations. - [New Vendor Onboarding Checklist: Everything You Need to Know](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/vendor-onboarding-checklist/): Discover the essential vendor onboarding checklist from Graphite Connect. Learn tips for efficient onboarding that improves your vendor relationships. - [A Guide to Navigating the New Vendor Onboarding Process ](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/guide-to-vendor-onboarding-process/): Streamline your vendor onboarding process with this detailed guide from Graphite Connect. Learn how to master efficient supplier integration. - [How to Make a Vendor Onboarding Form](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-make-vendor-onboarding-form/): Create an efficient vendor onboarding form with tips from Graphite Connect. Streamline your process, reduce errors, and build strong vendor relationships. - [Supplier Onboarding Tools: A Features Checklist](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-onboarding-tools/): Streamline your supplier onboarding with Graphite Connect. Discover the best supplier onboarding tools to save time, increase accuracy, and boost compliance. - [The Illicit Industry of the Dark Web: A Hidden Economy of Data Theft, Ransom, and Fraud](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/vendor-data-theft/): Procurement, purchasing and AP teams need to become more well-versed in how fraudsters are using the dark web to commit vendor data fraud. - [The RFP Bidding Process in Procurement Explained: A Guide to Success](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/rfp-bidding-process-explained/): Master the RFP bidding process with our step-by-step guide. Learn how Graphite Connect simplifies supplier management and accelerates your procurement efforts. - [Vendor Onboarding: Best Practices for Onboarding New Suppliers in 2024](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/vendor-onboarding-best-practices/): Discover vendor onboarding best practices to streamline your process. Learn how Graphite Connect can help you onboard suppliers quickly and efficiently. - [How to Develop an Efficient Supplier Onboarding Process](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/develop-efficient-supplier-onboarding/): Easy steps for building an efficient supplier onboarding process to maximize supplier value and build a thriving strategic sourcing program. - [How to Influence Stakeholders and Win Trust to Support Your Procurement Process](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/stakeholders-how-to-win-trust-and-build-influence/): Creating successful procurement processes often boils down to knowing how to influence the procurement stakeholders. It’s a process that we explain in our guide - [Shorten Your Supplier Onboarding Process with Simpler Questionnaires](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/shorten-your-supplier-onboarding-process/): Learn how your business can save time and shorten supplier onboarding times by eliminating manual processes and simplifying supplier questionnaires. - [Streamline Procurement Process with Smart Supplier Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/streamline-procurement-with-smart-supplier-management/): Learn how to streamline your procurement process with Graphite’s smart supplier management solutions. - [What is Tail Spend in Procurement?](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/tame-tail-spend-to-unleash-savings/): What is tail spend in procurement and why is it seen as the silent budget killer?. Let’s delve into these sSmall, often-overlooked purchases. - [Unlock Deeper Value with Preferred Suppliers](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/unlock-deeper-value-with-preferred-suppliers/): Learn how to manage and promote preferred suppliers to your organization’s stakeholders effectively to increase performance and reduce spend. - [The Importance of Supplier Experience Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-experience-management-2/): Procurement's focus is shifting toward supplier experience management. Learn how you can ensure your business succeeds in this new era. - [Why Supplier Experience Management is Important](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-experience-management/): Procurement's focus is shifting toward supplier experience management. Learn how you can ensure your business succeeds in this new era. - [The Benefits of Regular Supplier Risk Monitoring](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/keep-supplier-risk-in-check/): Supplier risk is constantly changing. Regular supplier risk monitoring is crucial for an organization to stay ahead of ever-changing supply chain threats. - [How To Build a Solid Case for Procurement Transformation](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/build-a-case-for-procurement-transformation/): Ready to kick off your next procurement transformation project? Before diving into the design, build a solid case for the changes you want. - [The Magic of Smart Project Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/smart-procurement-project-management/): Learn five best practices to develop smart procurement project management for your team to deliver significant outcomes. - [5 Tips to Simplify Supplier Contract Negotiations](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/simplify-contract-negotiations/): The most influential factors to any supplier contract negotiation are in motion before a meeting ever takes place. - [How to Negotiate With Suppliers and Create a Real Impact for Your Business](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/negotiating-supplier-contracts-101/): Knowing how to negotiate with suppliers is more about developing supplier contracts that benefit everyone rather than getting vendors to commit more than needed. - [How to Conduct an Internal Procurement Opportunity Analysis to Gain Procurement Insights on Key Stakeholders](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/strategic-procurement-insights-with-swot-analysis/): An internal procurement opportunity analysis helps teams understand key internal stakeholders to better prioritize their strategic procurement initiatives. - [Foster Trust & Overcome Challenges with Internal Stakeholders](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/overcome-challenges-with-internal-stakeholders/): Position procurement as trusted partners, sitting on the same side of the table as internal stakeholders to overcome challenges. - [What is Stakeholder Mapping & How to Make a Stakeholder Map](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/master-stakeholder-mapping/): If you want to learn how to make a stakeholder map, you must understand what stakeholder mapping is. Luckily, we can help you with both in this guide. - [TAME: An Effective Supplier Risk Management Framework](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/conquer-supplier-risk-using-the-tame-framework/): There are four supplier risk management options under the TAME framework: Transfer, Accept, Mitigate, and Eliminate. - [How to Use a Supplier Risk Assessment Matrix](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/define-and-measure-supplier-risk/): It's essential to measure supplier risk as a part of risk management in procurement and the best way to do this is to use a supplier risk matrix. - [How to Become a Certified Diverse Supplier](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-become-a-certified-diverse-supplier/): A diverse, competitive marketplace is beneficial to both suppliers and buyers alike. For a buying corporation, diversity in their suppliers... - [Accelerate P2P and ERP Onboarding with Graphite](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/accelerate-erp-and-p2p-onboarding/): Graphite onboards suppliers, verifies information, and syncs data into your P2P and ERP tools for a de-duplicated, accurate supplier record. - [Managing Tail Spend in Procurement to Control Costs & Boost Efficiency](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/manage-tail-spend/): Managing tail spend helps is critical to control costs and improve proficiency. Our tail spend management framework can help you reduce unnecessary expenses. - [How Graphite Creates Golden Supplier Records](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/graphite-golden-supplier-records/): Graphite can start addressing your data problems immediately, even if your ERP issues are not resolved. Supplier records are within reach. - [How to Ensure Security When Adopting New Technology](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-ensure-security-when-adopting-new-technology/): How are new technology or tools and applications introduced to your organization? “Procurement holds the purse strings,” says Aaron Oyler. - [Think of Procurement Security as a Main Ingredient, Not the Icing](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/procurement-security-is-a-main-ingredient-not-the-icing/): Engaging security and IT in your procurement process helps to ensure products and services acquired meet procurement security needs. - [Updating Your Supplier Banking Information with Graphite](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/bank-failures/): You can quickly identify your suppliers who banked with now-closed banks and expedite updating your master record with verified banking information. - [Is your Supplier Information Management System Creating a Bottleneck?](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/is-your-supplier-information-management-creating-a-bottleneck/): One of the most essential tasks in procurement is supplier information management to keep your supplier data accurate and up to date. - [Getting one step ahead in supplier information management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/get-ahead-in-supplier-information-management/): Graphite Connect allows procurement teams to implement a streamlined supplier information management process and centralized supplier data. - [5 Supplier Performance Metrics Every Vendor Scorecard Should Include (and How They Fuel Supplier Performance Management)](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/5-supplier-performance-criteria-every-scorecard-should-include/): Good performance leads to ongoing collaboration and innovation. Utilize the right performance metrics to create your supplier scorecards. - [Do You Have a Supplier Improvement Plan?](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/respond-to-poor-supplier-performance/): What to do when you encounter poor supplier performance? Supplier Improvement or remediation plans should be built into your regular meeting schedule. - [The 5 Stages of Effective Supplier Lifecycle Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/the-5-stages-of-effective-supplier-lifecycle-management/): The goal of effective Supplier Lifecycle Management (SLM) is for both you and your supplier to gain maximum value from the partnership. - [Supplier Segmentation and Why It Matters](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-segmentation-and-why-it-matters/): Supplier Segmentation based on their potential impact on your business is the first step in effectively managing the relationship. - [Supplier Performance: Spot Weaknesses and Curb Risk](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-performance-management-spot-weaknesses-and-curb-risk/): Effective supplier performance management enables you to give your suppliers clear feedback so they know what’s expected of them. - [5 steps to Increase Procurement Stakeholder Visibility](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/increase-stakeholder-visibility-on-your-procurement-team/): Proper procurement stakeholder visibility is an issue many teams face when there are unclear processes and decentralized storage of supplier data. - [Creating a Vendor Offboarding Checklist](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/guide-to-supplier-offboarding/): The purpose of a vendor offboarding checklist is to help you removes a supplier's access to your systems, data, and infrastructure when terminating a contract. - [How to Measure the Effectiveness of Your Procurement Team](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-measure-the-effectiveness-of-your-procurement-team/): One of the biggest ways your procurement team can become more effective is by buttoning up your processes. - [What You Should Know Before Diving into an ERP Transition](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/managing-erp-transitions/): How to implement a new ERP Transition system without disrupting your business’s important daily operations. - [Being a Gatekeeper in Vendor Management: Maximizing Supply Chain Resilience by Preempting Risks](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-be-an-expert-risk-gatekeeper/): Add value to your company by turning your procurement team into seasoned gatekeepers in vendor management. - [Your Guide to a Positive Procurement Reputation](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/improve-procurements-reputation/): It’s your job to help stakeholders see beyond that small scope and understand your value to improve procurement's reputation. - [Where Are You on the Procurement Maturity Scale?](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/the-procurement-maturity-scale/): Where is your company when it comes to procurement maturity? Did you know that your team’s capabilities indicate which tier you are in? - [5 Best Practices for Building a Top-Notch Strategic Sourcing Team](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/build-a-top-notch-strategic-sourcing-team-2/): Strategic sourcing team experts don’t just partner with internal stakeholders. They also focus on creating mutually beneficial partnerships. - [Building a Strategic Sourcing Team: 5 Best Practices](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/build-a-top-notch-strategic-sourcing-team/): Strategic sourcing team experts don’t just partner with internal stakeholders. They also focus on creating mutually beneficial partnerships. - [Supplier Discovery: How to Find Suppliers Willing to Invest in Your Business](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-find-suppliers-willing-to-invest-in-your-business/): Suppliers can be strategic partners in your business, follow our supplier discovery guide on how to find suppliers who are willing to invest in your business. - [Shrink Your RFP Response Time & Win More Contracts](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/shrink-your-rfp-response-time/): Graphite Responder can help you speed up your RFP response time without tapping already stretched resources, all for free. - [4 Easy Steps to Enhance Your Procurement Intake Process](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/four-steps-to-streamline-your-intake-process-2/): With a smooth and efficient intake process, your key stakeholders won’t remember how they managed without you. - [4 Procurement Intake Process Steps Your Company Needs to Make Everything Streamlined and Efficient](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/four-steps-to-streamline-your-intake-process/): With a smooth and efficient procurement intake process, your key stakeholders won’t remember how they managed without you. - [An F1 Pit Crew Team Does the Same Job as Your Business Procurement Department](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/procurement-is-the-pit-crew-for-your-business/): F1 pitcrews prioritize efficient and precise systems. In this, they aren’t different from successful business procurement teams! Let’s analyze these parallels. - [Your Step-by-Step Guide to New Supplier Onboarding Process](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/step-by-step-guide-to-supplier-onboarding/): The new supplier onboarding process can be tricky simply because there are so many things to monitor. But, you can still simplify it through proper strategy. - [3 Tips to Grow Your Spend Under Management with Graphite](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/grow-your-spend-under-management/): Trying to streamline your spend management? All it takes is 3 strategies deployed carefully to grow your spend under management. - [Procurement in a Changing World](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/procurement-in-a-changing-world/): Procurement is changing, spurred on by numerous procurement reforms, growing trends, and other unforeseen circumstances in the market. - [Effective Vendor Management Can Boost your Bottom Line](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/boost-your-bottom-line-with-effective-supplier-management/): Effective vendor management is critical to improving your bottom line and boosting procurement efficiency. But what does it entail? Graphite explains! - [How to Improve Your Supplier Vetting Process?](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-suppliers/): Your choice of vendors can make or break your company. This is why you need to focus on your supplier vetting process. - [How to Optimize Your Supplier Onboarding Process](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-optimize-your-supplier-onboarding-process/): Optimize your supplier onboarding process with a standardized process, built-in risk management, and smart technology. - [Procurement's Evolving Role: Tracking Value Beyond Cost Savings](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/procurements-evolving-role-tracking-value-beyond-cost-savings/): While cost savings are still a priority, more business leaders are beginning to expect procurement teams to track value objectives. - [Intelligent Vendor Risk Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/intelligent-vendor-risk-management/): Companis put themselves at risk when they don’t implement an effective third party risk program including Vendor Risk Management (VRM). - [Complete Onboarding Questionnaires Faster than Ever](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/complete-onboarding-questionnaires-faster-than-ever/): With Graphite Connect, suppliers can elimitate redundant onboarding questionnaires and significantly reduce response times. - [3 Ways to Speed Up Supplier Onboarding](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/3-ways-to-speed-up-supplier-onboarding/): Onboarding a new supplier can be time-consuming,but with the following three things, you can dramatically speed up supplier onboarding. - [Top 10 Procurement Questions Your Team Should Be Able to Answer](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/10-procurement-questions-your-team-should-be-able-to-answer/): It’s up to you and your team to answer procurement questions and share meaningful data that offers value and helps stakeholders. - [How to “Right-size” Procurement to Align with Business Goals](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-right-size-procurement-to-align-with-business-goals/): Regardless of the stage, it’s up to procurement to deliver support and value that aligns with the core business goals. - [Unlocking Procurement Value with the Hierarchy of Procurement Needs](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/prove-procurements-value-to-build-trust-and-unlock-opportunities/): Procurement has a hierarchy of needs. To satisfy those higher needs, teams must first prove procurement's value to leaders and stakeholders. - [How to Start a Supplier Diversity Program in 5 Steps](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/5-easy-steps-to-set-up-your-supplier-diversity-program/): The purpose of a supplier diversity program is to not only promote a more equitable world, but also it encourages the growth of under-represented businesses in a sustainable manner. ## ## Press Articles - [Utah Leaders in Procurement at Ancestry](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/utah-leaders-in-procurement-at-ancestry/): Join the Leaders in Procurement Community (it's free!) at Ancestry on June 17th for an evening of networking, learning, and fun! - [Graphite Connect to Sponsor Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: Chicago 2025](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/procurement-and-supply-chain-live-chicago-2025/): Graphite is excited to announce it's partnership with Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: Chicago.Visit the Graphite Booth at the event! - [London Leaders in Procurement Kickoff](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/london-leaders-in-procurement-kickoff/): Attend the inaugural London Leaders in Procurement Event hosted by KPMG and Graphite on May 8th exclusively for procurement professionals. - [Graphite Launches AI Extract: Revolutionizing Supplier Onboarding](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-launches-ai-extract-revolutionizing-supplier-onboarding/): AI Extract transforms how procurement and compliance teams handle supplier documentation, dramatically reducing manual effort and improving accuracy. - [Graphite Connect Named to the Prestigious 2025 World Procurement Awards Shortlist](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-named-to-the-prestigious-2025-world-procurement-awards-shortlist/): Recognition Underscores Graphite’s Commitment to Transforming Supplier Management Lehi, UT – March 17, 2025 – Graphite, the leader in supplier... - [Transform Your Supplier Data into AI Gold](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/ai-webinar-announcement/): Save the date for March 25th, 10 am MT. Join industry experts Susan Walsh (Classification Guru) and Conrad Smith (Graphite) live. - [Graphite and Link Logistics Team Up in New York](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-and-link-logistics-team-up-in-new-york/): Join Graphite and Link Logistics on March 19th for an exclusive NYC procurement networking event. Connect with peers at the happy hour! - [Graphite on 3 Trends You Can't Afford to Ignore in Supplier Onboarding](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/3-trends-you-cant-ignore/): On Feb 19th, discover how network-driven solutions are revolutionizing supplier onboarding. Learn to eliminate manual processes, ensure data.. - [Graphite Connect to Sponsor World Procurement Congress 2025](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-world-procurement-congress-2025/): See the Graphite Solution in person at the World Procurement Congress this May at the Intercontinental - London, O2. - [Graphite Connect to Sponsor Americas Procurement Congress 2025](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-apc-2025/): Catch the Graphite PIT Crew in action at America's Procurement Congress this March in Miami, Florida. Schedule an on-site demo now! - [Graphite Connect to Sponsor ProcureCon Indirect West 2025](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-procurecon-indirect-west-2025/): Meet the Graphite PIT Crew at ProcureCon Indirect West this March in Las Vegas, NV. Schedule an onsite demo now! - [Graphite Returns to ProcureTech Cup 2025!](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-returns-to-procuretech-cup-2025/): Join us live on the latest episode of 'The Road to the ProcureTech Cup' on Friday, January 17th at 10 am MST. - [Graphite Presents 2025 Vendor Fraud Research from The Hackett Group](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/2025-vendor-fraud-webinar/): Tap into the latest Vendor Fraud research with The Hackett Group for a virtual webinar on January 30th at 9 am MST. - [Graphite Connect on Improving Procurement's Reputation](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-on-improving-procurements-reputation/): Join Graphite Co-Founders as they explore Orchestration and how it can improve Procurement's Reputation on Dec 4th. - [Procurement Leaders to Host Graphite Connect and Wenger Manufacturing for Virtual Webinar](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-wenger-webinar/): Join Wenger Manufacturing and Graphite Connect on the Procurement Leaders webinar on Dec 12th at 10 AM EST. - [Graphite Connect Named to SpendMatters 50 Vendors to Watch List for Third Consecutive Year](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-named-to-spendmatters-50-vendors-to-watch-list-for-third-consecutive-year/): Lehi, Utah — October 8, 2024 – Graphite Connect is thrilled to announce its inclusion in SpendMatters’ prestigious 50 Vendors... - [Graphite Connect to Sponsor DPW Amsterdam 2024](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-dpw-amsterdam-2024/): Meet the Graphite PIT Crew at DPW Amsterdam this October 8-10th to discover breakthrough supplier management technology. - [Graphite Connect to Sponsor SIG Global Executive Summit 2024](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-sig-global-executive-summit-2024/): Join Graphite Connect at SIG GES Fall 2024 with customer Allied Solutions to discover how to make the business case for procuretech. - [Graphite Connect Challenges Traditional Supplier Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-challenges-traditional-supplier-management/): Transform your supplier management approach. Learn innovative strategies for segmentation, relationship building, and resource optimization. - [Graphite Connect to Host Utah Leaders in Procurement](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-host-utah-leaders-in-procurement/): Graphite Connect will co-host the Fall Utah Leaders in Procurement Networking night with Pluralsight on October 3rd. - [Graphite Connect to Sponsor Tomorrow's Procurement Leader 2024](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-tpla-2024/): Graphite will exhibit at Procurement Leaders: Tomorrow Procurement Leader 2024, Americas in Austin, TX, on September 24-25th. - [Graphite Connect to Host New York Leaders in Procurement](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-host-new-york-leaders-in-procurement/): Graphite Connect will partner with Paramount to host the first New York Leaders in Procurement Event on September 12th. - [Graphite Connect to Sponsor ProcureCon Indirect East 2024](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-procurecon-indirect-east-2024/): Graphite Connect to exhibit at ProcureCon Indirect East in Orlando, FL September 9-11th. Come visit our booth! - [Graphite Connect to Host the 1st Virtual Leaders in Procurement Event](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-host-the-1st-virtual-leaders-in-procurement-event/): Leading Economist to Decode Economic Trends for Enterprise Procurement Excellence in upcoming Virtual Leaders in Procurement Event. - [Webinar: Supercharge Your Supplier Diversity Program](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/webinar-supercharge-your-supplier-diversity-program/): Lisa Westgate and Conrad Smith to host webinar on August 11th identifying the 4 challenges supplier diversity programs face. - [Webinar Announcement: Building Your Procurement Tech Stack - AI & Orchestration](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/webinar-announcement-building-your-procurement-tech-stack-ai-orchestration/): Join us on July 11th for a webinar with Dave Hearn Pure Storage and Graphite's own Conrad Smith as they explore building procurement tech - [Graphite Connect to Host the next Bay Area Leaders in Procurement](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-host-the-next-bay-area-leaders-in-procurement/): Graphite to host the Bay Area Leaders in Procurement June networking event with Box.com. Join in person on June 13th at 2 pm. - [Graphite Connect to join the Hackett Group Webinar](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-join-the-hackett-group-webinar/): Join the Hackett webinar on June 19th, featuring discussions on empowering procurement with speed and security. - [Graphite Connect and Ancestry.com to host a Webinar](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-and-ancestry-com-to-host-a-webinar/): Join Ancestry.com's exclusive webinar featuring the transformation of supplier management with Graphite Systems. - [Graphite Connect to Host Utah Leaders in Procurement Event](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-host-utah-leaders-in-procurement-event/): Graphite to Host the Utah Leaders in Procurement with Intermountain Healthcare on May 22, 2024, in Midvale, UT. - [Graphite to Sponsor World Procurement Congress 2024](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-to-sponsor-world-procurement-congress-2024/): Graphite is shortlisted for the Procurement Technology Provider Award at the World Procurement Awards 2024. Graphite to exhibit at WPC 2024. - [Graphite Connect to Sponsor at Quartz Network Spring SCOPE Summit](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-at-quartz-network-spring-scope-summit/): Graphite to sponsor the Quartz Network Spring SCOPE Summit in Las Vegas, NV. Connect with fellow procurement leaders and explore solutions. - [Graphite Connect to Sponsor at Americas Procurement Congress 2024](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-at-americas-procurement-congress-2024/): Graphite Connect will be a sponsor at Americas Procurement Congress 2024 in Miami, Florida, from March 25-27th. - [Graphite Connect to Host Bay Area Leaders in Procurement Event](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-bay-area-leaders-in-procurement-event/): Graphite Connect will be hosting the Bay Area Leaders in Procurement Event at the San Francisco Autodesk Gallery on March... - [Graphite Connect to Sponsor at ProcureCon Indirect West 2024](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-at-procurecon-indirect-west-2024/): Graphite Connect will be a sponsor at ProcureCon Indirect West 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 11-13th. - [Graphite Connect SuiteApp Achieves ‘Built for NetSuite’ Status](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-achieves-built-for-netsuite-status/): Graphite's SuiteApp, built using the Oracle NetSuite Platform, helps securely integrate supplier data and peer-reviewed responses. - [Graphite Connect Approves Proprietary Supplier Management Patent](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-patent-announcement/): Graphite announced the approval of a patent for its network-based supplier onboarding and buyer/supplier relationship management. - [Casey’s Selects Graphite Connect to Bring Simplicity and Speed to Procurement](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/caseys-pr/): Casey's selected Graphite Connect to bring more efficiency, simplicity, and transparency to onboarding and managing suppliers. - [Graphite Connect partners with Per Angusta, enabling end-to-end supplier management automation for procurement teams](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-partners-with-per-angusta/): Graphite Connect partners with Per Angusta, enabling end-to-end supplier management automation for procurement teams... - [Graphite Connect Partners with RapidRatings to Offer Deeper Visibility into Third-Party Supplier Risk](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-partners-with-rapidratings/): Graphite Connect Partners with RapidRatings to Offer Deeper Visibility into Third-Party Supplier Risk... - [Graphite on the Road](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-on-the-road/): Conrad Smith, our CEO, has been on the panel circuit giving talks about how Graphite can transform the way businesses do business. - [Graphite Connect and Procurement Foundry Announce Strategic Partnership](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-and-procurement-foundry-announce-strategic-partnership/): Graphite Connect and Procurement Foundry are excited to announce a partnership combining in-depth knowledge in procurement technology. - [Graphite Recognized as a 2021 Gartner® Cool Vendor for Strategic Sourcing Technology](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/gartner-cool-vendor/): We’re excited to announce that Graphite, a leading vendor of procurement management software, has been recognized in the 2021 Gartner® Cool Vendors™ report. ## Resources - [Webinar - Top 3 Onboarding Trends](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/supplier-onboarding-webinar/): Access our on demand webinar with the Graphite co-founders, Aaron and Conrad as they dive into what a true procurement network is. - [Webinar - 2025 Vendor Fraud Trends](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-2025-vendor-fraud-trends/): Watch our webinar with The Hackett Group analyzing Vendor Fraud in 2025 On Demand. Recorded on Jan 30, 2025. - [The Ultimate Guide to Supplier Performance Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/the-ultimate-guide-to-supplier-performance-management/): Learn how to identify weak points in your current program and deliver more strategic value to your organization today. - [Webinar - Leveling Up in 2025](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/leveling-up-in-2025/): Watch the On-Demand recording of our webinar with Procurement Leaders and Wenger Manufacturing recorded on December 12, 2024. - [Webinar - Opening the Door to Orchestration](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-opening-the-door-to-orchestration/): Graphite co-founders share their take on Orchestration and improving procurement's reputation. Watch on-demand now! - [Webinar - Procuretech that your C-Suite Can't Ignore](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-procuretech-that-your-c-suite-cant-ignore/): Danielle Salyers reveals her proven framework for securing C-Suite approval on procuretech investments. Watch webinar on-demand now. - [Webinar - HealthEquity's Path to Elevating Strategic Procurement](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-healthequitys-path-to-elevating-strategic-procurement/): Access the On-Demand recording of The Hackett Group's Digital Transformation in Action Webinar featuring HealthEquity. - [Webinar - The New Playbook for Supplier Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-the-new-playbook-for-supplier-management/): In this Graphite webinar, discover effective segmentation techniques, relationship-building tactics, and resource optimization methods. - [See Graphite in Action](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/see-graphite-in-action/): On-demand access to a Graphite Demo. Join Graphite's CEO and Solutions engineer to see how Graphite Connect helps onboard suppliers faster. - [Webinar - Unlock the Secretes to Supplier Diversity Success](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-unlock-the-secretes-to-supplier-diversity-success/): Join Conrad Smith and Lisa Westgate as they identify 4 challenges of Supplier Diversity programs recording On-demand - [Webinar - Revolutionizing Procurement: Insights from Industry Veterans](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/revolutionizing-procurement-insights-from-industry-veterans/): Join procurement experts Dave Hearn and Conrad Smith to learn about end-user focus, leveraging technology and building teams. - [Procurement From the Lens of a CFO: John Murphy](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/procurement-from-the-lens-of-a-cfo-john-murphy/): Watch the recording of John Murphy, former Adobe CFO and Active Board Member, address the Bay Area Leaders in Procurement, June 13th, 2024. - [Webinar - Procurement in the Fast Lane](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-procurement-in-the-fast-lane/): Discover how to deliver results quickly while also safeguarding sensitive data and mitigating risks. - [Webinar - Ancestry's Digital Ambition Journey](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/ancestrys-digital-ambition-journey/): With a little help from Graphite, Ancestry.com has transformed their supplier management system into a well-oiled machine. - [Choosing the Best Supplier Portals for Your Business: How to Pick and Which Features to Look for?](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/how-to-choose-the-best-supplier-portal/): Discover what features and capabilities the best supplier portals share. Learn how to pick the right supplier portal software. - [How to Create a Procurement Savings Strategy (With Example)](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/maximize-bottom-line-savings-in-procurement/): A procurement savings strategy can help your organization maximize bottom-line savings and uncover more opportunities in every purchasing decision. - [Webinar - ESG in Procurement](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-esg-in-procurement/): Graphite Connect CEO Conrad Smith meets with DitchCarbon founder Marc Munier to discuss how procurement plays a role in managing carbon emissions. - [Mastering Key Procurement Metrics That Matter Most to Business Leaders](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/master-the-metrics-that-matter/): Master key procurement metrics to ensure success in cost, productivity, and speed. - [How to Conduct Procurement Opportunity Analysis With SWOT Framework](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/swot-in-procurement/): Supply chains need to be refined regularly. The upgrades, though, can’t be arbitrary. Enter procurement opportunity analysis based on the SWOT framework. - [Navigating the Procurement Cybersecurity Battleground: Safeguard Your Company](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/navigating-the-procurement-cybersecurity-battleground/): Every day, hackers are snatching data and throwing wrenches into business operations. Learn how to boost procurement cybersecurity. - [ESG Compliance in Procurement: Paving the Way for a Greener Future](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/esg-compliance-in-procurement/): Learn how your company can reduce emissions, stay in line with environmental laws, and reach your ESG compliance and sustainability goals. - [What is Cost Savings and Cost Avoidance? Cost Savings vs Cost Avoidance Explained!](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/cost-savings-and-other-misleading-metrics/): What is cost savings? How do you resolve the debate of cost savings vs cost avoidance and where does cost reduction fit in? Seasoned procurement leaders answer! - [The Ultimate Procurement Transformation Roadmap with Challenges, Strategy and Best Practices](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/driving-successful-procurement-transformation/): Want a seamless procurement transformation? Consider following this procurement transformation roadmap based on expert advice! - [4 Tips for a More Effective Contract Negotiation in the Procurement Process](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/effective-contract-negotiation/): Master contract negotiation in the procurement process with 4 essential tips developed by experts exclusively for procurement professionals. - [Using Internal Stakeholder Management to Build Successful Partnerships and Unlock Latent Potential](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/partnering-with-internal-stakeholders/): Check out this article to learn how to build successful partnerships with internal stakeholders as a procurement professional. - [4 Steps of Third-Party Risk Management Process](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/robust-risk-management/): This article aims to dive deeper into the third-party risk management process including identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks to an organization's assets and resources. - [Supplier Relationship Failures – Recorded Webinar](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/supplier-relationship-failures/): There was language in these contracts about leveraging capital across the supplier relationship failures. Graphite. - [Combining Procurement and Security to Mitigate Risk](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/bake-security-into-procurement-to-deliver-visibility-mitigate-risk/): Procurement and security look like two separate issues but they’re not. Ensuring IT security in the procurement process can prevent digital mishaps! - [Manage Supplier Information Like a Pro](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/manage-supplier-information-like-a-pro/): Keeping supplier information accurate and up to date can feel impossible, but with the right processes, this task can be a proactive approach. - [The Ultimate Guide to Effective Supplier Lifecycle Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/supplier-lifecycle-management/): Supplier Lifecycle Management (SLM) is an end-to-end approach used to manage suppliers transparent, organized, and integrated way. - [Running an Efficient Supplier Onboarding Program](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/efficient-supplier-onboarding/): Create a list of preferred suppliers and centralized supplier management, making your supplier onboarding program more efficient. - [What is Strategic Sourcing and How to Execute Your Strategic Sourcing Plan?](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/become-strategic-sourcing-experts/): Strategic Sourcing vs Procurement: Transform your team into strategic sourcing experts with Graphite and grow impact, not shift impact. - [Procurement's Foundation is Data - Recorded Webinar](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/procurements-foundation-is-data/): So to me, the data foundation below everything you're trying to do, enables collaboration that we couldn't do before. - [Data Discipline: The Foundation of Spend Management](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/data-discipline/): Quality data drives the success of procurement. The success of your procurement department is built on using good data to negotiate. ## Testimonials - [Danielle Salyers](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/testimonial/danielle-salyers/): - [Hilary Hoffman](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/testimonial/hilary-hoffman/): - [Sheel Patel](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/testimonial/sheel-patel/): - [Jarred Warren](https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/testimonial/jarred-warren/): ## --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages ### Paid Social Media Intern - Summer 2025 - Published: 2025-04-21 - Modified: 2025-04-21 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/careers/paid-social-media-intern-summer-2025/ Paid Social Media Intern - Summer Why Graphite? Graphite is revolutionizing how businesses do business. We’ve launched a supplier information network with 500,000+ suppliers and we are rapidly growing. Graphite Systems was formed around EPIC things: Employees, Products, Innovations, and Customers. We’re aiming to conquer monumental achievements and we know that starts with a culture and company of EPICness. Position Overview We are seeking a motivated and creative Social Media Intern to support our marketing efforts across various channels. This role will involve assisting with content creation, social media management, and more, with a focus on driving brand awareness and engagement. Responsibilities: Content Creation Support: Assist in developing and writing compelling content for various platforms, including social media posts, case studies, and email campaigns, focusing on topics relevant to the procurement industry. Social Media Management: Help manage and grow Graphite Connect’s social media presence (LinkedIn is MAJOR for us, YouTube, etc. ) by creating content, scheduling posts, and engaging with followers. Performance Tracking: Support in measuring the effectiveness of marketing efforts through analytics, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and adjusting campaigns as needed to achieve business goals. Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams to align marketing initiatives with business objectives and customer needs. Brand Development: Ensure consistency in messaging and brand voice across all marketing materials and channels. Qualifications: Recently completed a degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field. Strong writing and editing skills. Familiarity with social media platforms, especially LinkedIn and YouTube. Basic understanding of digital marketing principles. Ability... --- ### Social Media Manager - Published: 2025-04-21 - Modified: 2025-04-21 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/careers/social-media-manager/ Social Media Manager Why Graphite? Graphite is revolutionizing how businesses do business. We’ve launched a supplier information network with 500,000+ suppliers and we are rapidly growing. Graphite Systems was formed around EPIC things: Employees, Products, Innovations, and Customers. We’re aiming to conquer monumental achievements and we know that starts with a culture and company of EPICness. We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Social Media Manager to support our marketing efforts across a variety of channels. The ideal candidate will have a passion for creating engaging content — webinars, white papers, ebooks, videos, podcasts — and driving successful marketing campaigns. This role will involve content creation, social media management and more, with a focus on driving brand awareness, lead generation, and engagement. Responsibilities: Content Creation Develop and write compelling campaign briefs to drive content for various platforms, including case studies, whitepapers, ads and email campaigns, with a focus on topics relevant to the procurement industry. You are a content strategist at heart and are familiar with content creation platforms like Riverside, Zoom Webinars and Figma. Social Media Management Manage and grow Graphite Connect's social media presence (LinkedIn is MAJOR for us, YouTube etc. ), including creating content, scheduling posts, and engaging with followers. You have experience managing an executive's profile and building thought leadership brand. Performance Tracking & Reporting Measure the effectiveness of marketing efforts through analytics, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and adjusting campaigns as needed to achieve business goals. Collaboration Work closely with cross-functional teams to align marketing... --- ### Marketing Manager - Published: 2025-04-21 - Modified: 2025-04-21 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/careers/marketing-specialist/ Marketing Manager Why Graphite? Graphite is revolutionizing how businesses do business. We’ve launched a supplier information network with 100,000+ suppliers and we are rapidly growing. Graphite Systems was formed around EPIC things: Employees, Products, Innovations, and Customers. We’re aiming to conquer monumental achievements and we know that starts with a culture and company of EPICness. We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Marketing Manager to support our marketing efforts across a variety of channels. The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the procurement industry and a passion for creating engaging content and driving successful marketing campaigns. This role will involve content creation, campaign management, social media management and more, with a focus on driving brand awareness, lead generation, and engagement. Responsibilities: Content Creation Develop and write compelling campaign briefs to drive content for various platforms, including blogs, website pages, case studies, whitepapers, ads and email campaigns, with a focus on topics relevant to the procurement industry. Campaign Management Plan, execute, and monitor marketing campaigns across multiple channels. Social Media Management Manage and grow Graphite Connect's social media presence (LinkedIn, YouTube etc. ), including creating content, scheduling posts, and engaging with followers. Performance Tracking & Reporting Measure the effectiveness of marketing efforts through analytics, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and adjusting campaigns as needed to achieve business goals. Collaboration Work closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, product, and customer success, to align marketing initiatives with business objectives and customer needs. Brand Development Ensure consistency in messaging and brand voice... --- ### Patented Network - Published: 2025-04-18 - Modified: 2025-04-18 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/patented-network/ --- ### Pain-free Supplier Management. - Published: 2025-03-26 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/ --- ### AI Driven Procurement > AI in procurement can take your supplier management to the next level. Learn about Graphite’s AI-driven procurement solutions. - Published: 2025-03-25 - Modified: 2025-04-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/ai-procurement/ --- ### Manufacturing - Published: 2025-03-06 - Modified: 2025-03-06 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/manufacturing-supplier-management/ --- ### Vendor Validation > Automate your vendor validation process with Graphite Connect. Ensure accurate vendor data and reduce fraud risk. Streamline your supplier management today. - Published: 2025-03-05 - Modified: 2025-03-05 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/vendor-data-validation/ --- ### Higher Education - Published: 2025-03-05 - Modified: 2025-03-05 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/higher-education/ --- ### Retail > With Graphite Connect, top retail procurement teams cut onboarding times, manage compliance more efficiently, and free up their time to focus on what matters: driving growth. - Published: 2025-03-05 - Modified: 2025-03-05 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/retail/ --- ### Food & Beverage - Published: 2025-03-05 - Modified: 2025-03-05 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/food-and-beverage/ --- ### Team - Published: 2024-12-13 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/team/ --- ### Prevent Bank Fraud > Fraud management & prevention is not an easy task, especially when it comes to the banking industry. Graphite’s bank fraud prevention software can simplify it - Published: 2024-11-06 - Modified: 2025-02-05 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/prevent-bank-fraud/ --- ### Supplier Scores & Insights > Discover how supplier scorecard software from Graphite Connect can improve your supplier management with real-time insights and streamlined evaluations. - Published: 2024-10-02 - Modified: 2025-01-10 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/supplier-scorecard-software/ --- ### Supplier risk management > Supplier risk management is a key component of procurement processes. Graphite’s numerous features make it the perfect supplier risk management tool. - Published: 2024-10-02 - Modified: 2025-02-11 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/supplier-risk-management/ --- ### Vendor Identity Verification > Streamline your vendor verification process with Graphite Connect. Ensure accuracy, prevent fraud, and onboard suppliers quickly with our secure verification. - Published: 2024-10-02 - Modified: 2024-12-06 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/vendor-verification-process/ --- ### Enhance Project Collaboration > The right supplier collaboration software allows you to easily coordinate with internal stakeholders and follow up with suppliers on pending actions. - Published: 2024-09-30 - Modified: 2025-01-30 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/enhance-project-collaboration/ --- ### Supplier Sustainability Compliance > Graphite Connect streamlines supplier sustainability compliance. Improve transparency, manage risks, and ensure ethical practices in your supply chain. - Published: 2024-09-30 - Modified: 2024-12-20 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/supplier-sustainability-compliance/ --- ### Contract Renewals and Negotiations > Discover how Graphite Connect streamlines contract renewals and negotiations, with its world-class supplier contract management software. - Published: 2024-09-27 - Modified: 2025-04-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/contract-renewals-and-negotiations/ --- ### Technical Account Manager - Published: 2024-08-13 - Modified: 2025-02-03 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/careers/technical-account-manager/ Technical Account Manager Why Graphite? Graphite is revolutionizing how businesses do business. We’ve launched a supplier information network with 100,000+ suppliers and we are rapidly growing. Graphite Systems was formed around EPIC things: Employees, Products, Innovations, and Customers. We’re aiming to conquer monumental achievements and we know that starts with a culture and company of EPICness. About the role: A Technical Account Manager (TAM) is a multifaceted role that combines technical expertise with project and customer relationship management. TAMs are expected to be proactive, customer-focused, and capable of ensuring continuous product adoption and satisfaction for customers. This position will be a strategic consultant for Graphite’s customers. TAMs must be able to identify the customer’s key business goals and objectives, make plans to help the customer reach those goals, and execute on those plans. What you will be doing: Client Relationship Management: Act as the primary point of contact for clients, building and maintaining strong, strategic relationships Conduct regular check-ins and feedback sessions to facilitate high customer satisfaction and identify areas of improvement Hold quarterly business reviews with key customer stakeholders Identify customers’ business objectives and goals and help the customer reach them Technical Expertise: Collaborate with internal teams (engineering, product, and support) to resolve complex technical problems Have a firm understanding of Graphite’s platform and act as an escalation point for support issues as needed Train clients and internal team members on technical products and services Project Management: Plan and execute multiple complex, long-term projects to facilitate smooth implementations and... --- ### Third Party Risk Management > Vendor management solutions you can trust. Our third-party risk management software helps you turn risk reviews into action - Published: 2024-08-08 - Modified: 2025-02-25 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/third-party-risk-management/ --- ### Platform overview - Published: 2024-08-07 - Modified: 2025-04-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/ --- ### Integrations - Published: 2024-08-07 - Modified: 2025-04-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/integrations/ --- ### Supplier Information Management > Gain speed, security, and convenience with the Graphite vendor information management software. Leverage the power of AI to validate and share supplier data. - Published: 2024-08-01 - Modified: 2025-04-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/supplier-information-management/ --- ### Supplier Relationship Management > Graphite’s supplier relationship management platform will ensure seamless collaboration between your organization and each of your suppliers. - Published: 2024-07-22 - Modified: 2024-12-06 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/supplier-relationship-management/ --- ### Guided Procurement Orchestration & Intake > Managing procurement requests can be a harrowing task especially when the numbers are high. Guided procurement orchestration and intake can simplify things. - Published: 2024-07-22 - Modified: 2025-04-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/procurement-intake-orchestration/ --- ### Supplier Onboarding > Expedite the onboarding of new vendors with Graphite’s supplier onboarding software. - Published: 2024-07-22 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/product/supplier-onboarding/ --- ### Knowledge Base - Published: 2024-06-19 - Modified: 2024-06-19 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/knowledge-base/ --- ### Accelerate Supplier Onboarding > Accelerate supplier onboarding with Graphite. Faster onboarding, at lightning speeds, with the best supplier onboarding solution. - Published: 2023-09-26 - Modified: 2025-01-23 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/accelerate-supplier-onboarding/ Faster onboarding. Vendors at the speed of business. As business continues to move faster and faster, onboarding is often left in the dust. Increased risk and due diligence topics, slow supplier communication, and tedious data management leave teams scrambling to keep up. With supplier-managed data, automated supplier validation and risk assessments, and a direct ERP integration, Graphite Connect equips teams with the tools needed to address critical slowdowns experienced throughout supplier onboarding. See Customer Success Stories HealthEquity reduces supplier onboarding time by 70% with Graphite. Prior to implementing Graphite, HealthEquity’s supplier onboarding process was complex and disorganized. Their supplier onboarding process was fragmented, with limited visibility and poor risk management. With Graphite, HealthEquity was able to automate risk and due diligence assessments, resulting in a more unified and efficient process, reducing lead times significantly and enabling better decision-making across procurement, risk, compliance, legal, and finance teams. Read the story --- ### Media & Entertainment > Looking to improve your media and entertainment vendor management system? Graphite helps you manage supplier risk in any industry. - Published: 2023-09-15 - Modified: 2025-01-29 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/media-and-entertainment/ --- ### Tech > Technical Vendor Management was never easier for procurement teams. Take the pain out of IT vendor management with Graphite - Published: 2023-08-23 - Modified: 2025-01-29 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/tech/ --- ### Increase Managed Spend > Less work, better spend management. Graphite’s managed spend solutions help strengthen stakeholder relationships without loss of control. - Published: 2023-08-21 - Modified: 2025-02-05 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/spend-under-management/ Less work, better spend management. Managing spend can be tough; many teams’ procurement solutions make it difficult to keep pace with the rest of the business. Slow procurement solutions, if left unchecked, can frustrate stakeholders and lead to rogue spend. Graphite’s accelerated onboarding experience, paired with a centralized intake portal and customizable purchasing workflows, gives teams the power to centralize spend and strengthen stakeholder relationships without loss of control. See Customer Success Stories --- ### Graphite for [Need] - Published: 2023-08-21 - Modified: 2023-08-21 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/use-case/ --- ### Third-party Data - Published: 2023-08-19 - Modified: 2024-05-22 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/integrations/third-party-data/ How it works Graphite centralizes validated, supplier-managed data along with third-party data so your team can quickly evaluate, select, and onboard suppliers. Once a supplier is onboarded, their information syncs with your ERP and other critical systems to ensure you have accurate supplier data whenever and wherever you need it. --- ### Project Management - Published: 2023-08-19 - Modified: 2024-05-03 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/integrations/project-management/ How it works Graphite connects directly with your project management applications, so you can track your projects in one place. When a project is updated in Graphite, that update is synced wherever you need it for full project visibility. --- ### ERP - Published: 2023-08-19 - Modified: 2024-06-07 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/integrations/erp/ How it works Graphite centralizes validated, supplier-managed data along with third-party data so your team can quickly evaluate, select, and onboard suppliers. Once a supplier is onboarded, their information syncs with your ERP and other critical systems to ensure you have accurate supplier data whenever and wherever you need it. --- ### Gas Stations & Convenience Stores > Fuel and food are important commodities. This makes gas station and convenience supplier management extremely critical and Graphite can help. - Published: 2023-08-16 - Modified: 2024-12-20 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/gas-stations-and-convenience-stores/ --- ### Graphite for [Industry] - Published: 2023-08-16 - Modified: 2023-08-16 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/industry/ --- ### Automate Supplier Validation > With Graphite's automated vendor validation, you cut the time spent each year on validations by hundreds of hours. - Published: 2023-08-11 - Modified: 2025-01-23 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/automated-supplier-validation/ Manage data faster than ever before. Validating vendor data is challenging for any business; waiting for supplier responses can take weeks or even months. Eliminate that wasted time with Graphite’s automated vendor validation. Graphite validates vendor banking info, tax ID, and other critical commercial data. By automating validations with Graphite, teams can reclaim valuable time to focus on other projects while maintaining data integrity and preventing fraud. See Customer Success Stories Casey's saves hundreds of hours a week with Graphite validations. With suppliers spread across multiple industries, including food, IT, transportation, construction, and fuel, supplier data validation was more than the Casey’s team could take on. With Graphite’s automated supplier validation, the Casey’s team saves hundreds of hours a week that they can use to work on other vital projects. Read the story --- ### Solutions - Published: 2023-08-03 - Modified: 2023-08-03 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/ --- ### Customer Stories > Learn from our raving fans of the benefits of Graphite and the impact it has driven for their procurement teams. - Published: 2023-05-22 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/customer-stories/ --- ### Request a Demo > Shorten supplier onboarding by 70% with validated supplier data. Graphite Connect is a social network for suppliers and buyers - see a demo! - Published: 2023-04-13 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/request-a-demo/ --- ### Resources > Welcome to the Graphite Connect Blog. Check in for frequent articles that will help your procurement team operate at the highest level. - Published: 2023-04-07 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resources/ --- ### Supplier Data Management > Graphite Connect enables procurement teams to automatically validate and easily manage supplier data in a central location. - Published: 2022-11-02 - Modified: 2024-09-10 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/supplier-data-management/ --- ### Suppliers: RFP Response > Faster RFP Response. Jumpstart your RFP process by creating a supplier profile within Graphite Connect that’s visible to qualified buyers. - Published: 2022-11-02 - Modified: 2025-01-29 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions/rfp-response/ --- ### Graphite FAQ > Suppliers FAQ. You’ll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about creating a supplier profile. - Published: 2022-11-02 - Modified: 2024-04-02 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/support/ --- ### Casey's & Graphite Connect > Casey's connects with suppliers instantly. Graphite Connect is built like a social network; we are the LinkedIn for buyers and suppliers. - Published: 2022-09-08 - Modified: 2023-01-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press/caseys-graphite-connect/ Accelerate your supplier onboarding by up to 70% The social network that fixes your onboarding delays,bad data, and user experience. Casey's connects with suppliers instantly Eliminate bottlenecks and easily access all the information you need from supplier-managed profiles. Graphite Connect is built like a social network; we are the LinkedIn for buyers and suppliers. Casey's has centralized and streamlined required approvals Utilize flexible workflows with total visibility for cross-team collaboration. Stay connected Avoids surprises and gets alerts when supplier information changes and when supplier risk increases. Verified, safe, secure data Prevent fraud and payment failures with automated validation and authorization checks. How Casey's uses Graphite Suppliers are onboarded in Graphite. Data is validated for accuracy and maintained by suppliers. Supplier data feeds into Casey's critical business systems, eliminating duplicate records and bad data. For additional information on the partnership, check out the official press release. Less friction, more business. Graphite Connect’s award winning technology makes exchanging information fast, easy, and secure. Schedule a demo Connect with Casey's. Create a supplier profile for free on Graphite Connect and submit a connection request today. Become a supplier --- ### News & Events > Press on Graphite Connect and related topics. Check out our blogs to read Best Practices and the latest trends, products, and articles! - Published: 2022-06-28 - Modified: 2025-03-19 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press/ --- ### Partners > We partner with best-in-class solutions, enabling clients to build and manage their vendor onboarding. Check out our page to know more. - Published: 2022-06-27 - Modified: 2024-12-05 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/partners/ --- ### Blog > Insights on Graphite Connect including Best Practices and the latest trends, products, and articles. Check out our blog now. - Published: 2022-01-18 - Modified: 2024-02-09 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/ --- ### Sales Development Representative > A Sales Development Representative (SDR) is a self-starter with credible lead follow-up and sales development experience. Join us! - Published: 2021-12-07 - Modified: 2024-09-09 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/careers/sales-development-representative/ Sales Development Representative Why Graphite? Graphite is revolutionizing how businesses do business. Within two years we’ve launched a supplier information network with 100,000+ suppliers and we are rapidly growing. Graphite Systems was formed around EPIC things: Employees, Products, Innovations, and Customers. We’re aiming to conquer monumental achievements and we know that starts with a culture and company of EPICness. The SDR’s primary responsibility is to increase the pipeline of new qualified opportunities for our Sales teams. The SDR should be a self-starter with a track record of successful, credible lead follow-up and sales development experience. This role is based out of our Lehi, Utah office. General Responsibilities: Prospect, educate and qualify new business prospects, marketing generated leads and targeted existing customers to create sales-ready opportunities Utilize a consistent contact attempt process via phone, LinkedIn and email to follow-up, nurture and qualify leads and opportunities Stay current with the industry and market technologies to ensure you are a trusted resource to prospects and customers Use Hubspot and other tools to document prospect interactions, ensuring efficient lead management Develop and maintain daily plans to maximize phone time, including pre-call planning, adhering to metrics and customizing scripts to market segments and prospect types Reach and exceed key performance indicators including calls scheduled, calls completed, qualified opportunities and deals won from your meetings What you will need to be successful: At least 1 year of sales or customer-facing experience Familiarity with email and phone prospecting techniques A strong desire to achieve new opportunity creation... --- ### Careers > Graphite is a scrappy, experienced team that welcomes knowledge, experience, collaboration, and contribution. Join us! - Published: 2021-11-30 - Modified: 2025-04-21 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/careers/ Benefits Graphite is a scrappy, experienced team that enjoys working collaboratively and welcomes the knowledge, experience, and contribution each team member brings. --- ### Risk Management > We offer real-time risk management, stress testing, and capital allocation solutions. Our software has been used and manages a good number of assets... - Published: 2021-11-10 - Modified: 2023-09-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions-for-risk-management/ --- ### Solutions for Suppliers > Graphite offers real-time risk management, stress testing, and capital allocation solutions. Our software has been used and manages a good number of assets. - Published: 2021-11-04 - Modified: 2023-09-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions-for-suppliers/ --- ### Solutions for Buyers > Graphite is an excellent solution for buyers. It's an open-source project that offers a wide variety of features and plugins to meet the needs of any organization. - Published: 2021-11-04 - Modified: 2023-09-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/solutions-for-buyers/ --- ### Supplier Diversity > Graphite can help you identify, qualify, and develop your diverse talent pool--helping you meet the needs of your customers, clients, and communities. - Published: 2021-10-21 - Modified: 2023-09-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/supplier-diversity/ --- ### About > You spend time making connections, filling out surveys, assessing risk, and closing deals often relying on multiple programs and manual processes. - Published: 2021-10-02 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/about/ --- ## Posts ### Orchestration Unplugged: Should Procurement Invest or Wait? (Part 2) > Natasha, Conrad, and Zach explore how orchestration is reshaping procurement, from intake to legacy tool integration. - Published: 2025-04-29 - Modified: 2025-04-29 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-13/ - Categories: Podcast - Types: Blog Procurement orchestration tools promise to simplify intake, speed up processes, and unify tech stacks. But is it really the solution teams need right now? In Part 2 of our orchestration deep dive, Natasha and Conrad go beyond the hype to ask the hard questions:Is orchestration worth the investment? Where does it fit in the tech stack? And most importantly—what problem are you really trying to solve? 💡 In this episode:• Orchestration vs. intake—what’s the difference, and why it matters• A practical framework for evaluating orchestration tools• Why simplifying your process might be more important than buying new tech Whether you’re considering orchestration or just trying to make procurement work better for your stakeholders, this episode breaks it down in plain language with real-world advice. 📌 Stick around for a sneak peek at our next guest: Dr. Eloise Epstein joins us to talk future-of-procurement and the end of the spider diagram. https://open. spotify. com/episode/5FdQsT8qdqoYRCq6NDaGHZ? si=cH8SzTNyRgSJH50nyWzOLw Watch now or read the transcript below. Transcript: Proc-N-Roll 13 | Orchestration Unplugged: Should Procurement Invest or Wait? (Part 2) Natasha | Welcome to Proc and Roll, your guide to practical procurement. I'm here with Conrad and Zach to continue our conversation on orchestration in procurement. We had quite the debate prepping for this. These two bring tons of ideas, and I keep pushing for practical application—what procurement managers should actually do after listening. As we were prepping, we debated whether intake is evolving into orchestration. We agreed intake must exist, but its role and overlap with orchestration needs... --- ### Entertainment Procurement Strategy: Balancing Cost, Quality, and Compliance > Develop a strong entertainment procurement strategy to balance cost, quality, and compliance. Learn how Graphite Connect can optimize supplier management. - Published: 2025-04-15 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/entertainment-procurement-strategy-balancing-cost-quality-and-compliance/ - Categories: Procurement The entertainment industry operates in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where securing the right vendors and talent while adapting to new and emerging technology is essential for success. Overspending can shrink your profit margins, while cutting costs too aggressively may compromise production value. At the same time, you need a proactive approach to compliance to navigate complex regulations and supplier risks. This is why a well-defined entertainment procurement strategy must balance three critical factors: cost, quality, and compliance, to be relevant and applicable to the current state of industry. Beyond managing costs, procurement, done well, can also become a strategic advantage in the entertainment industry. Efficient sourcing and supplier management can directly impact production speed, quality, and overall profitability. The Changing Landscape of Entertainment Procurement Digital content, global partnerships, and emerging production technologies have reshaped supplier management in the entertainment industry. You’re now sourcing across multiple markets. Without a clear plan, you risk budget overruns, unreliable suppliers, and compliance setbacks that can slow down production. The Shift in Procurement Priorities Procurement is no longer just about securing the lowest price. Today, it is key in managing supplier chain resilience, mitigating risk, and maintaining production schedules. While a fragmented procurement process creates bottlenecks, driving up costs and reducing efficiency, a strong one streamlines supplier selection, contract management, and compliance tracking. By streamlining procurement, companies can ensure smoother operations and stronger vendor relationships. A well-structured strategy allows procurement teams to focus on value-driven partnerships rather than reactive problem-solving. This shift enhances cost control... --- ### Orchestration Unplugged: Is Procurement’s New Buzzword Just Hype? (Part 1) > What is procurement orchestration, and is it worth the hype? In this episode, we break down what orchestration really means, how it compares to intake, and what procurement leaders should consider before investing. - Published: 2025-04-14 - Modified: 2025-04-14 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/procurement-orchestration-guide-part-1/ - Categories: Podcast - Types: Blog https://spotifycreators-web. app. link/e/5VIApfOouSb “Orchestration” is showing up everywhere — conference panels, cold pitches, and LinkedIn posts. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, should your procurement team care? In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Natasha and Conrad unpack the rise of procurement orchestration and why it’s suddenly in the spotlight. 💡 In this episode:• What orchestration actually is (beyond the buzzword)• How it compares to intake, workflow, and automation• Why some see it as a game-changer — and others remain skeptical We’ll share practical frameworks, examples, and a few strong opinions about what orchestration can (and can’t) do for procurement teams. 📌 Subscribe to catch Part 2 — where we dive into tech stacks, user experience, and whether orchestration is a smart investment or a wait-and-see trend. Watch now or read the transcript below. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=5Us-jeuPPNM Transcript: Proc-N-Roll 12 | Orchestration Unplugged: Is Procurement’s New Buzzword Just Hype? (Part 1) Natasha | Good morning, good evening, good afternoon—wherever you are in the world, welcome to another episode of Proc and Roll, your guide to practical procurement. I’m Natasha, celebrating my 26th “procoversary. ” With me today is the award-winning Conrad, formerly at Intel and Adobe, now CEO at Graphite Connect. And of course, Zach—our procurement expert with experience across industries and clients. Today we’re diving into a hot topic: orchestration. Is it the real deal or just the latest buzzword? 🎯 What Is Procurement Orchestration Anyway? Natasha | A year ago, a sales team from an orchestration company asked me how... --- ### How to Build a Scalable Procurement Strategy in the Software Industry > A strong software industry procurement strategy streamlines vendor management. Learn how to build a scalable procurement process with Graphite Connect. - Published: 2025-03-20 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-build-scalable-procurement-strategy-in-software-industry/ - Categories: Procurement Scaling software procurement goes beyond buying licenses. You also need tools that support strong vendor relationships while maintaining high-security standards. Without a structured approach, your software business risks delays, overspending, and security problems. Fortunately, a well-built software industry procurement strategy keeps growth on track and operations profitable. Key Challenges in the Software Procurement Process A traditional procurement process often leads to bottlenecks. Too many vendors and slow approvals and security risks can stall growth. Here are some of the many challenges you may have encountered in your software procurement. Managing Multiple Vendors & Contracts As software companies scale, the number of vendors grows, making manual tracking nearly impossible. Without a centralized system, your teams will struggle to stay ahead of contract expirations, leading to unexpected service disruptions or auto-renewals at higher rates. Compliance risks will come into play, especially when dealing with different security standards, data privacy regulations, and licensing terms. Without a software industry procurement strategy, you risk overspending, missing critical updates, or falling out of compliance, any of which can lead to consequences for your business. Integration Issues Not every software solution works well with existing tools. When systems don’t communicate, employees resort to manual data entry, redundant processes, or workarounds that waste time and increase the risk of errors. Poor integration can also slow adoption as employees struggle to master new tools. Without a clear integration strategy, businesses end up with fragmented systems that drain productivity instead of improving it. Compliance & Security Risks Every software purchase... --- ### Tech Stack Remix: Fine Tuning Your Procurement System > Tune into the latest Proc-N-Roll episode as our hosts dive into the evolution of the procurement tech stack and where it is today. - Published: 2025-03-12 - Modified: 2025-03-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-11/ - Categories: Podcast - Types: Blog https://open. spotify. com/episode/6EahXcbY5e8I9DUFImEVSM? si=44d55282770749ca Feeling overwhelmed by the exploding procurement technology landscape? Join Natasha, Conrad, and Zach as they break down the evolution of procurement tech from paper-based systems to today's AI-powered solutions. Get practical advice on assessing your tech stack, learn why "less is more" with customization, and discover how to choose the right tools for your organization. From master data management to the "suite vs. best-of-breed" debate, our procurement experts share real-world insights on navigating the complex world of procurement technology. Featured topics: Future of AI in procurement Evolution of procurement technology Tech stack assessment strategies Master data management System selection best practices Key Message | Build a flexible, scalable tech stack focused on outcomes, with clean data at its core, while avoiding over-customization that could limit future capabilities. Watch now or read the transcript below. Transcript: Proc-N-Roll 11 | Tech Stack Remix: Fine Tuning Your Procurement System Natasha | Welcome to Proc and Roll, your guide to practical procurement. Today we're diving deep into procurement technology with Zach and Conrad, exploring how technology solutions shape modern procurement. Zach | When looking at procurement technology, I take a process lens - the source to pay process. It's the end-to-end procurement process from initial sourcing through supplier management. This includes: source to contract (sourcing, contract management, onboarding), procure to pay (transactional management, invoicing, purchase orders), and supplier relationship management tools. Natasha | Let's talk about master data. There are two schools of thought: clean the data first, or start working with what... --- ### Savings to Value: Cranking Up the Volume > Tune into the latest Proc-N-Roll episode where our hosts, Natasha, Conrad, and Zach dive into driving value through savings. - Published: 2025-02-26 - Modified: 2025-04-09 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-10/ - Categories: Podcast - Types: Blog https://youtu. be/gVfgzMyai8c? si=V50MmTkRSs1dNMSR Tired of playing the same old savings tune? Join the Proc-N-Roll crew as they turn up the volume on procurement's evolution from pure cost-cutting to driving real business value. Procurement veterans Zach, Natasha, and Conrad share war stories about breaking free from the "S-word" stigma and reveal how modern teams are becoming strategic rockstars. Discover how procurement is writing its next platinum hit, from talent transformation to supplier partnerships. Get ready to crank it up and learn why the future of procurement isn't just about counting pennies – it's about composing business success. Tune in to hear why doing the right thing for your business might just be procurement's greatest hit yet! Watch now or read the transcript below. Transcript: Proc-N-Roll 10 | Savings to Value: Cranking Up the Volume Zachary | Hello, everyone. Welcome to Proc and Roll, your guide to practical procurement, where we make procurement rock and roll. We've got Natasha, the Pro CPO, Conrad, the innovator, and myself, your expert on all things procurement. We join you with almost 70 years of practical procurement experience. Here at Proc and Roll, we discuss the latest and greatest trends and topics in procurement. Let's jump right into our episode for today: From savings to value. A few weeks ago, we released our Proc Enroll 2025 predictions. Natasha and I both predicted that during the year ahead, the high maturity procurement teams will continue to shift from a focus on savings to a focus on value. This is... --- ### Don't Stop Believin' in Procurement Basics > Tune into the 9th episode of Proc-N-Roll where Natasha, Zach, and Conrad do a deep dive into procurement basics and why they are essential. - Published: 2025-02-19 - Modified: 2025-02-19 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-9/ - Categories: Podcast - Types: Blog https://youtu. be/k9irauvz6xI In this head-banging episode, your favorite procurement rockstars break down why nailing the basics is your ticket to procurement stardom. Join Zach, Natasha, and Conrad as they riff on stakeholder mapping, data visibility, and why chasing the latest tech won't save you if your fundamentals aren't solid. Get ready to rock the essentials to make your procurement function a chart-topper! Featuring: The ultimate stakeholder mapping power ballad A killer three-dimensional segmentation solog Your backstage pass to procurement maturity Time to stop chasing silver bullets and start believing in the basics that make your procurement truly rock! Watch now or read the transcript below. Transcript: Proc-N-Roll 09 | Don't Stop Believin' in Procurement Basics Zachary | Should I kick us off? Conrad | Rock and roll, baby. Zach | Rock and roll. Welcome to rock and roll, your guides of practical procurement where we make procurement rock and roll. I'm with Natasha, the pro CPO, Conrad, the innovator, and I'm Zach, your expert on procurement. We join you with almost 70 years of practical procurement experience. I hope you've been enjoying the episodes so far. Today's a good one. Today we're jumping into one of our top predictions for 2025, which we said was getting the basics right. We thought it would be good to have an episode just to discuss what we mean by getting the basics right. All over the world, procurement teams are being asked to do more with less while dealing with technological disruption. Natasha, you... --- ### Stakeholder Spotlight: From Resistant to Rockstar > Tune into episode 8 of Proc-N-Roll where our hosts dive deep into managing stakeholders, in turn making them procurement's biggest groupies. - Published: 2025-02-12 - Modified: 2025-02-13 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-8/ - Categories: Podcast - Types: Blog https://youtu. be/j10YKXFa7DM Want to turn skeptical stakeholders into your biggest fans? Join procurement powerhouse Natasha, innovator Conrad, and expert Zach as they share real stories and strategies for breaking down business barriers and building trust. Learn how to move from being procurement's opening act to the company's headliner. Whether you're struggling with resistant departments or aiming for C-Suite influence, this episode hits all the right notes. 70+ years of procurement wisdom packed into one high-energy session. Rock on! Watch now or read the transcript below. Transcript: Proc-N-Roll 08 | Stakeholder Spotlight: From Resistant to Rockstar Zachary | Hello everyone, welcome to Proc and Roll, your guide to practical procurement, where we make procurement rock and roll. Welcome to episode four. We've got Natasha, our pro CPO, Conrad, the innovator, and myself, Zach, your expert on procurement. We join you with almost 70 years of practical procurement experience. Last episode, we talked about the importance of feedback. Today's topic is all about stakeholder management. Stakeholders matter - do you have the right stakeholder management talent within your team and the right capabilities? So if the goal is to enable business success, Natasha, the right stakeholders are key. Do you agree with that? Natasha | Absolutely. It is key because one of the most visible and measurable procurement metrics is delivered value and spend under management. This means how much spend can procurement influence by bringing subject matter expertise, best practices, and industry-leading trends into the organization by introducing the right service providers... --- ### Feedback That Doesn't Suck > Listen in to Episode 7 of the Proc-N-Roll Podcast as our hosts dive into how to give and receive feedback. Learn from our hosts. - Published: 2025-02-10 - Modified: 2025-02-10 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-7/ - Categories: Podcast - Types: Blog https://youtu. be/HpzmiqtSSqM Ready to level up your feedback game? In this episode of Proc-N-Roll, we're getting real about giving and receiving feedback in procurement. Our host Zach brings together procurement powerhouses Natasha Gurevich, and Conrad Smith to discuss what makes feedback tick. There is no corporate fluff here - just honest talk about why feedback matters and how to do it right. Ever wondered how to tell your boss they missed the mark? Or how to help your team actually want feedback? We spill the tea on everything from handling awkward feedback moments to building a cultujre where people aren't afraid to speak up. Plus, Natasha drops her secret "rock at/unlock" method that had her leadership team begging for more feedback (seriously! ). Whether you're crushing it in procurement or just getting started, this conversation is packed with real-world wisdom you can use today. Tune in to learn how being radically open to feedback could be your secret weapon for success. Time to make procurement Rock-N-Roll! Watch now or read the transcript below. Transcript: Proc-N-Roll 07 | Feedback That Doesn't Suck: A Leader's Guide Zachary | Welcome to Proc and Roll, your guide to practical procurement where we make procurement rock and roll. We have Natasha, the Pro CPO from IBM McKesson, Salesforce, and now Head of Candor Procurement. Conrad joins us again from Intel, former CPO at Adobe, and current founder and CEO of Graphite. I'm Zach, your procurement expert. Together we bring almost 70 years of practical procurement experience. We... --- ### The Essential Skills that Make or Break a Procurement Career > Tune into episode 6 of Proc-N-Roll with Natasha, Conrad, and Zach to hear how being radically open to feedback can be your secret weapon. - Published: 2025-02-10 - Modified: 2025-02-10 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-6/ - Categories: Podcast - Types: Blog https://youtu. be/BFvl05awU2I What makes a procurement superstar? In this episode, we're breaking down the essential skills that can make or break your procurement career. Join former Adobe CPO Conrad Smith, procurement leader Natasha Gurevich, and host Zach Bagir as they reveal why EQ might trump technical skills, how AI is reshaping the procurement toolbox, and why being "radically open to feedback" could be your secret weapon. Whether you're a procurement rookie or veteran, discover the skills to help you crush it in 2025 and beyond. Plus: Why hiring for curiosity beats experience, and the surprising truth about specialist vs. generalist roles in procurement's future. Watch now or read the transcript below. Transcript: Proc-N-Roll 06 | Curiosity, EQ, and Problem-Solving: The New Procurement Skillset Zachary | Hello and welcome to Proc and Roll, your guide to practical procurement, where we make procurement rock and roll. Welcome to episode two. With me again is Natasha the pro CPO. We've got Conrad, the former CPO of Adobe and now founder and CEO of Graphite. And you have myself, the management consultant who will give you real insights from the other two CPOs. We join you with almost 70 years of practical procurement experience. At Proc and Roll, we'll discuss the latest trends and topics in procurement while walking through the cornerstones and key building blocks. Whether you're new to procurement or a seasoned veteran, we have discussions that will elevate your thinking while keeping you grounded in practical procurement and value. Ultimately, procurement exists... --- ### It's All About Risk > Tune into the 5th episode of Proc-N-Roll where hosts Natasha, Zach and Conrad deep dive the risks in procurement. - Published: 2025-02-07 - Modified: 2025-02-07 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-5/ - Categories: Podcast - Types: Blog https://youtu. be/Vvt4KonsVTY In this episode of Proc-N-Roll our hosts Zach, Natasha, and Conrad tackle the crucial topic of risk management in procurement for 2025. Drawing from their combined 70+ years of experience, they discuss how procurement teams can prioritize and manage risks in today's complex business landscape. The conversation covers everything from supply chain disruptions and regulatory compliance to practical strategies for building cross-functional partnerships. Using real-world examples, including the 2024 LA fires, the hosts share actionable insights on transforming risk management from a burden into a strategic opportunity for procurement leaders. Watch now or read the transcript below. Transcript: Proc-N-Roll 05 | It's All About Risk Zachary | Welcome to Proc-N-Roll, your guide to practical procurement where we make procurement rock and roll. Today we have Natasha, our pro-CPO, Conrad, our innovator, and myself, Zach, your expert on procurement. Together we bring over 70 years of practical procurement experience. Today's topic is risk management - how it's showing up on the business radar and how procurement is being asked to do more in risk management, especially in 2025's rapidly changing landscape. Let's start by asking Natasha and Conrad: what types of risks do you see in procurement? Natasha | There are many different types. We have regulatory risk, supply chain disruption risk, pandemic risk, and government disruption risk. Conrad | There's also financial viability, cyber privacy, and labor concerns. The list of regulatory risks keeps growing. Some overlap with supply chain and business risks we've been tracking, but there are... --- ### Procurement in 2025: Predictions and Priorities > Join procurement experts Natasha, Conrad and Zach as they predict what we will see in Procurement in 2025. Listen now! - Published: 2025-02-07 - Modified: 2025-02-07 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-4/ - Categories: Podcast - Types: Blog https://youtu. be/mkTVNVgj_Co Join procurement experts Zach, Natasha, and Conrad on Proc-N-Roll as they share their bold predictions for procurement in 2025. From mastering the basics and aligning priorities with business goals to navigating the rapid rise of AI and emerging technologies, this episode dives into how organizations can evolve amidst industry challenges. Explore the shift from cost savings to enterprise-wide value, the critical need for talent development in an automated world, and the growing role of procurement in managing supplier risk. Packed with insights and practical takeaways, this conversation prepares procurement leaders to thrive in a transformative year ahead. Watch now or read the transcript below. Transcript: Proc-N-Roll 03 | Procurement in 2025 Zachary | Welcome back to Proc-N-Roll! Today, we're looking ahead to the future of procurement in 2025. Natasha, Conrad, what are your top predictions for the year ahead? Natasha | It's time to get back to basics! While technology continues to advance, many companies still struggle with fundamental procurement practices. In 2025, I predict a renewed focus on things like operating models, talent development, and aligning procurement priorities with business objectives. We also need to find ways to marry the maturity of technology with the maturity of procurement organizations. Finally, I think we'll see a shift from focusing solely on savings to a broader emphasis on value. Conrad | I agree that technology will be a major focus, driven by the excitement around AI and automation. Executives are expecting procurement to become as easy as shopping on Amazon,... --- ### Procurement 2.0: How the Rules Have Changed and Why You Need to Adapt! > Tune into episode 3 of Proc-N-Roll, where Natasha, Conrad, and Zach deep dive on how the rules have changed in procurement. - Published: 2025-02-07 - Modified: 2025-02-07 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-3/ - Categories: Podcast - Types: Blog https://youtu. be/MfRRlx-vSRs Conrad from Graphite Connect, along with Natasha and Zach, discuss the evolution of procurement, highlighting its transition from an essential tactical function to a more strategic one, focusing on value, transparency, and integrity. They explore the challenges of having a centralized procurement versus a "shadow procurement organization" and the importance of tailoring procurement practices to a company's size and stage of growth. The conversation also touches on the need for procurement teams to deeply understand the market and leverage that knowledge to streamline the RFP process. Watch now or read the transcript below. Transcript: Proc-N-Roll 04 | Procurement 2. 0: How the Rules Have Changed and Why You Need to Adapt! Zachary | Welcome to Proc-N-Roll, your practical guide to procurement. With me are my co-hosts Natasha, former CPO at IBM, McKesson, Salesforce, Nike, and Conrad, former Intel CPO and Adobe CPO, now founder and CEO of Graphite. I'm Zach Bashir, self-proclaimed procurement expert. Together, we bring 70 years of procurement experience to discuss trends and fundamentals. Let's begin. Today we'll cover procurement basics: definition, core principles, and evolution. Natasha, how has procurement evolved in your career? Natasha | I fell into procurement 25 years ago, starting as a temp at The Gap verifying business cards and matching invoices. I advanced through all ranks to Nike's CPO. Now I'm CEO of Kendra Procurement. Procurement is about strategic spending and problem-solving. Every company spends money, but few do it mindfully with clear ROI and partner relationships. It's about creating logical, structural... --- ### Procurement Transformation: How to Drive Real Change > Access Episode 2 of Proc-N-Roll here to see Procurement Transformation tactics and how to drive real change. - Published: 2025-02-07 - Modified: 2025-02-07 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/proc-n-roll-episode-2/ - Categories: Podcast - Types: Blog https://youtu. be/aq5hE_Yn2ew This episode of Proc-N-Roll dives into procurement transformation, exploring what it truly means and how to approach it. The hosts, Natasha, Zach, and Conrad, with their combined 70 years of experience, emphasize that transformation is a holistic endeavor encompassing people, processes, technology, and stakeholder engagement. They debate the merits of "big bang" versus incremental approaches, highlighting the importance of a clear vision, gap analysis, and a well-defined roadmap. Whether you're aiming for a complete overhaul or gradual improvement, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for navigating your procurement transformation journey. Watch now or read the transcript below. Transcript: Proc-N-Roll 02 | Procurement Transformation - What it really means, how to approach it, and common pitfalls to avoid. Conrad | Hey, everyone, and welcome back to Proc-N-Roll, your guide to practical procurement! Today, we have Natasha, procurement pro extraordinaire with experience at IBM, McKesson, Salesforce, and Nike, and Zach, our go-to procurement expert from KPMG London. Natasha | It's great to be back. I just returned from a supply chain conference in Arizona, where AI was the hot topic. There was lots of buzz but insufficient clarity on how it will be used effectively. Conrad | I hear you. I was just at ProcureCon in Orlando, and AI was the talk of the town there, too. It feels like we're at the peak of inflated expectations when it comes to AI. Zach | Things are quieter here in London, but I'm seeing a resurgence in companies using technology... --- ### Are You Ready to Proc-N-Roll? - Published: 2025-01-31 - Modified: 2025-01-31 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/are-you-ready-to-proc-n-roll/ - Categories: Podcast https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=VzOXTVb1KAM&list=PLnNyIg8oq9mae75LpejkVlNPW-7OKQeLQ In this inaugural episode of Proc-N-Roll, hosts Natasha, Zach, and Conrad share their unique journeys in the field with their diverse backgrounds and combined 70 years in procurement. They discuss the evolving relevance of procurement in today's business landscape, emphasizing the need for strong leadership, continuous improvement, and a deep understanding of the organization's financial goals. The hosts touch upon the importance of stakeholder engagement, internal "salesmanship," and the need for procurement professionals to actively contribute to business success. This episode sets the stage for future discussions on leadership, best practices, and the ever-changing world of procurement. Watch now or read the transcript below. Transcript: Proc-N-Roll 01 | Are You Ready to Proc-N-Roll? Conrad | Hello, everybody. Welcome to Proc-n-Roll, your guide to practical procurement. This is episode one. We come to you live with Natasha, the Pro CPO from IBM, McKesson, Salesforce, and most recently Nike. Zach, he's the go-to expert for all things procurement. Mr. KPMG lives in London. As you can see, Natasha's in the Bay Area and I am Conrad, self-proclaimed innovator. I started with paper PRs at Intel, Transformational CPO at Adobe and now founder and CEO of Graphite. We join you with almost 70 years of practical procurement experience, so you should find that helpful. Here at Proc-n-Roll, we'll discuss the latest and greatest trends and topics in procurement while talking through the cornerstones and key building blocks of procurement. Whether you're new to procurement or a seasoned veteran, we'll have the discussions... --- ### Understanding DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act): A Guide for Procurement > Learn how the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) protects your business. Discover compliance tips and how Graphite Connect simplifies the process. - Published: 2025-01-23 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/dora-digital-operational-resilience-act/ - Categories: Blog, Risk Management Can your company handle a major IT disruption? Many businesses assume they’re ready until an unexpected outage or cyberattack proves otherwise. This is an outcome that the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is intended to prevent for businesses in the financial sector. The EU regulation focuses on keeping financial institutions secure, prepared, and resilient in the face of operational risks. Starting January 2025, compliance with DORA won’t be optional for relevant companies, but the good news is that the right tools and strategies can make the process simpler than you think. Many companies doing business with financial institutions may find new questions or compliance protocols could be asked of them as companies prepare for becoming DORA compliant. Let’s take a closer look at what DORA requires, why it matters, and how your organization can meet its standards moving forward. What is DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act)? The reliance on third-party vendors in financial services is higher than ever. But what happens when a key vendor goes offline or a cyberattack targets your IT systems? Even a small disruption can lead to massive losses: missed transactions, customer frustration, and reputational damage. DORA was created to address these risks and bring order to the chaos. It didn’t come out of nowhere; over the last decade, cyberattacks and IT failures have exposed glaring weaknesses in financial systems across the EU. Events like the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack and high-profile IT outages made it clear that businesses needed a unified playbook to handle operational... --- ### What's a Good Contingency Planning Process Under DORA? > Discover how to create a contingency planning process for DORA compliance. Learn actionable steps and see how Graphite Connect can protect your business. - Published: 2025-01-23 - Modified: 2025-01-30 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/contingency-planning-process-under-dora/ - Categories: Blog, Risk Management What’s your plan when disaster strikes? Because it’s not a question of “if”— it’s “when. ” If it happens at your company, it could get expensive; according to IBM, the number of organizations paying over $50,000 in regulatory fines after a data breach rose 22. 7% over the previous year, while those paying over $100,000 went up by 19. 5%. Under the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), financial services and critical suppliers are held to higher operational standards than ever before. If you’re not prepared for unexpected disruptions, your business risks non-compliance, reputation damage, and financial loss. This is especially important for procurement professionals to understand, as supplier performance and risk reviews may now include new components of contingency planning that require better and cleaner supplier data, as well as additional prescreened suppliers who can deliver in case a vendor is deemed non-compliant or has an outage. When you establish a contingency planning process, you aren’t merely ticking regulatory boxes. You’re also building greater confidence, agility, and resilience in your operations. In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a contingency plan effective under DORA and how you can create one in 2025. Understanding contingency planning in business Contingency planning is your safety net. It allows your business to keep running even when the unexpected happens, whether that’s a major system failure, a data breach, or supply chain issues. With DORA in place, businesses must rethink how they approach operational resilience. It’s not enough to react when something goes wrong. You need a... --- ### The Role of Incident Reporting Risk Management in DORA Compliance > Streamline incident reporting risk management with Graphite Connect. Meet DORA compliance requirements effortlessly while reducing time and errors. Explore today! - Published: 2025-01-23 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/role-of-incident-reporting-risk-management/ - Categories: Blog, Risk Management The financial industry is highly regulated due to its key role in maintaining economic stability, protecting consumers, and preventing systemic risks. While compliance has been non-negotiable already, the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) has raised the bar, especially with its strict requirements for incident reporting risk management. Meeting these new standards can be difficult at first, but when approached strategically, incident reporting becomes a powerful tool for managing risks and staying ahead of disruptions. In this blog, we’ll review how incident reporting risk management supports DORA compliance and outline a framework for achieving both accuracy and reliability. The importance of incident reporting under DORA When done as directed under DORA, Incident reporting helps protect your business or organization by identifying weak points and keeping disruptions from spiraling into bigger issues. Once you have a system in place, you can better manage risk and handle the unexpected. To learn more, check out our guide on understanding DORA for your business. What is incident reporting? When things go wrong (like a cyberattack or a system outage) you need a clear way to document the situation. That’s what incident reporting is all about. It’s the process of recording any events that disrupt your operations, create security risks, or fall short of compliance standards. Think of it as a playbook for tackling challenges. Every report gives you valuable insights to uncover problems, fix vulnerabilities, and improve your defenses. Without a solid incident reporting framework, you risk overlooking key details that could prevent the same... --- ### Doing Your Third-Party Risk Due Diligence Under DORA > Simplify third-party risk due diligence with Graphite Connect. Automate vendor assessments, track compliance and meet DORA standards more easily. - Published: 2025-01-11 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/third-party-risk-due-diligence/ - Categories: Blog, Procurement While third-party vendors can be a huge asset to your business or organization, they also bring serious risks. If a vendor drops the ball on security or compliance, you're the one who takes the hit. That’s why the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) puts third-party risk due diligence front and center. With tools like Graphite Connect, managing vendor risks becomes simpler and less stressful. In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to know about third-party risk due diligence under DORA and how to build a framework that protects your operations while keeping you compliant. What is third-party risk due diligence? Third-party risk due diligence means creating a system to assess vendors when the relationship begins and keeping a close eye on them as the partnership grows. It’s how you uncover risks—whether tied to cybersecurity, operational reliability, or regulatory compliance—and decide how to handle them before they become bigger problems. This isn’t something you can do once and forget about. It’s an ongoing effort. By developing a strong framework, you can spot risks early, address weak points, and keep your vendors working in line with your goals (and regulatory requirements) throughout the relationship. What standards should you evaluate third-party risk by? When assessing vendors, you need to evaluate them against meaningful benchmarks. By focusing on the right areas, you’ll get a clearer understanding of their reliability and the risks they might introduce to your operations. Cybersecurity posture Cyberattacks are evolving every day, and your vendors’ security measures are a... --- ### How to Conduct a Third-Party Vendor Assessment Under DORA > Discover how Graphite Connect simplifies third-party vendor assessment under DORA. Automate your process and reduce risks to protect your operations today! - Published: 2025-01-11 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-conduct-third-party-vendor-assessment/ - Categories: Blog, Procurement Your third-party vendors are vital to your business, but they also bring risks. If one of them drops the ball, it’s not just their problem but yours. That’s why the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) prioritizes vendor assessments. A well-executed third-party vendor assessment helps you spot vulnerabilities before they escalate, build stronger partnerships, and avoid disruptions that could cost you time, money, and credibility. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about conducting a successful third-party vendor assessment under DORA. This step-by-step approach will set you up for success, from identifying risks to implementing the right strategies. Why does DORA require third-party vendor assessments? Regulators expect you to know your vendors’ risk profiles as well as your own. As we stated above, when a vendor fails, it doesn’t just affect them—it affects you, too. Their vulnerabilities can ripple through your operations, creating risks you may not see coming. A strong third-party vendor assessment protects the security, integrity, and continuity of operations, for you as well as your vendors. By thoroughly evaluating each one, you can reduce the chances of data breaches, operational hiccups, and even expensive compliance penalties. Key components of a DORA third-party vendor assessment To meet DORA’s requirements, your third-party vendor assessment needs to cover several key areas. Risk assessment during onboarding When you onboard a new vendor, you’ll want to assess them thoroughly from the start. Look at their financial stability, cybersecurity practices, and track record with incidents. Ask yourself: Can they... --- ### What is Supplier Information Management (SIM)? > Learn what supplier information management (SIM) is and how it can streamline your supply chain. Discover the benefits of SIM with Graphite Connect. - Published: 2024-11-15 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-information-management/ - Categories: Blog, Supplier Management Did you know that inefficient supplier information management can lead to supply chain delays, compliance failures, and missed opportunities for business growth? Without accurate data, you can run into problems that include risk inefficiencies, compliance issues, and delays that could negatively impact your overall performance. By organizing and centralizing all information related to your suppliers, Supplier Information Management (SIM) keeps your business running smoothly. In this article, we’ll explore what supplier information management entails, how it differs from supplier performance management (SPM), and why SIM is vital for businesses with complex supply chains. We’ll also discuss the key benefits of SIM and how Graphite Connect can streamline your supplier management processes. What is Supplier Information Management? Supplier Information Management refers to the systematic handling of all supplier data, including: Contact information Legal documents Compliance & risk scorescertifications Performance metrics, and more. A SIM platform acts as a centralized hub, making sure you can easily access and manage supplier-related information. Rather than dealing with scattered spreadsheets, emails, and disconnected databases, SIM platforms offers a unified system that provides a single source for all supplier data. Managing supplier information can be difficult, especially for larger organizations with hundreds or even thousands of suppliers operating globally. Every vendor has a different set of certifications, contracts, and compliance reports, making the process complicated. SIM platforms eliminate these challenges by creating a detailed database where businesses can track, update, and retrieve supplier information in real time. This not only supports transparency but also reduces the... --- ### 9 Essential Supplier Performance Management KPIs to Track > Discover the 9 essential Supplier Performance Management KPIs to track with Graphite Connect. Improve supplier relationships using data-driven insights. - Published: 2024-11-15 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-performance-management-kpi/ - Categories: Blog, Supplier Performance Management Imagine a critical shipment arriving two weeks late. Your production line grinds to a halt, and your customers are left waiting. You don’t have to wait long before some of them aren’t your customers anymore. All of this could have been avoided with better supplier performance tracking. Businesses rely heavily on their suppliers, and any delay, quality issue, or compliance failure can ripple through the entire operation. That’s where supplier performance management KPIs come into play. By monitoring these key performance indicators, companies can ensure their suppliers consistently meet expectations and avoid costly disruptions. In this article, we’ll explore nine 9 essential supplier performance management KPIs, why they matter, and how to track them to keep your supply chain running smoothly. How do you track supplier performance? Tracking supplier performance requires a proactive approach and the right set of tools. To start, identify which key metrics are most relevant to your business goals. Once you’ve established which supplier performance management KPIs to monitor, you’ll need a consistent way to gather and analyze the data. One effective method is using a supplier performance scorecard. This scorecard should include vendor performance metrics such as on-time delivery, defect rates, and cost savings generated by your suppliers. By recording these metrics over time, you can quickly identify trends and address issues before they cause significant problems. For example, if a supplier’s defect rate starts creeping up, you’ll have the data to address the issue early on by potentially renegotiating terms or finding alternative solutions. ... --- ### Key Benefits of Supplier Performance Management > Discover the benefits of supplier performance management with Graphite Connect. Improve efficiency, reduce risks, and build stronger vendor relationships. - Published: 2024-10-20 - Modified: 2025-03-13 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/benefits-supplier-performance-management/ - Categories: Blog, Supplier Performance Management Supplier performance management isn't just a strategic advantage for businesses today – it's a necessity. When your vendors consistently meet expectations, you can maintain high standards, minimize risks, and improve operational efficiency – all of which position your company for sustained growth. In this guide, we’ll outline the key benefits of supplier performance management and how Graphite Connect can help you take your business to the next level and keep it there. What is a vendor performance evaluation? Vendor performance management, also known as supplier performance evaluation, helps you assess how well your suppliers fulfill their obligations to your business. This involves monitoring several key performance indicators, including delivery times, product or service quality, contract compliance, and responsiveness. Regular evaluation ensures that your suppliers remain reliable partners in your supply chain, allowing you to address any potential issues before they become expensive problems. Not only does this foster stronger supplier relationships, but it also contributes to a more agile and adaptable supply chain. In a fast-evolving market, this flexibility is key to staying competitive. Benefits of supplier performance management When businesses commit to managing supplier performance, they open the door to a host of advantages that can directly improve their operations and overall success. From fostering stronger relationships to reducing risks, supplier performance management benefits are not only noticeable in the short term but have a lasting impact as well. Improved quality control One of the biggest benefits of supplier performance management is the ability to maintain consistent quality. By... --- ### 11 Supplier Performance Management Best Practices > Discover supplier performance management best practices with Graphite Connect. Streamline vendor relationships for long-term success. - Published: 2024-10-20 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-performance-management-best-practices/ - Categories: Blog, Supplier Performance Management In any business that relies on external vendors, supplier performance management is key to maintaining smooth operations. When you don’t have a system to track how well your suppliers are meeting expectations, problems like cybersecurity flaws, quality issues, or increased costs can quickly create massive business disruptions. At Graphite Connect, we understand how important it is to stay on top of supplier relationships. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can prevent problems before they disrupt your workflow while reducing costs and ensuring that your products or services maintain the quality your customers expect. In this article, we’ll walk you through 11 supplier performance management best practices that can keep your business running smoothly. What is vendor performance management? Vendor performance management is the process of evaluating your suppliers to ensure they’re meeting the standards set by your business. It involves tracking how well they deliver in terms of quality, timing, cost, and contract fulfillment. Proper vendor management helps you pinpoint which suppliers are contributing to your success and which ones need improvement. By taking this approach, you can reduce supply chain and overall business disruptions, improve product quality, and make better long-term decisions. For more tips and insights, please check out our Complete Guide to Supplier Performance Management. 11 vendor performance management best practices To get the most out of your supplier relationships, you’ll want to put some proven strategies in place. These supplier performance management best practices will help you proactively manage supplier performance and ensure that your vendors... --- ### A Complete Guide to Supplier Performance Management (SPM) > Discover how Graphite Connect can help your business master supplier performance management. Learn key strategies for improving performance and reducing risks. - Published: 2024-10-20 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/complete-guide-supplier-performance-management/ - Categories: Blog, Supplier Performance Management Supplier Performance Management (SPM) is more important than ever as organizations up-level their procurement function and build long-term relationships with strategic vendors and suppliers. With complex supply chains and digital operational resilience top of mind, SPM helps businesses ensure suppliers are consistently meeting expectations, delivering quality products, and sticking to schedules and deadlines. In this guide, we’ll go over the key aspects of SPM, its importance, and how it differs from supplier relationship management (SRM). We'll also provide practical strategies for monitoring vendor performance, using tools and technology to streamline the process, and taking a proactive approach to supplier management. What is Supplier Performance Management (SPM)? Supplier performance management (SPM) is a systematic process that involves evaluating, tracking, and managing the performance of suppliers to ensure they meet the agreed-upon requirements. At its core, SPM aims to minimize risks, maximize efficiency, and foster long-term partnerships by regularly reviewing and assessing supplier output. There are several ways to evaluate supplier performance. Many companies rely on specific performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) that help them determine whether a supplier is delivering on their commitments. These KPIs may include factors like on-time delivery, product quality, cost competitiveness, and adherence to industry regulations. Supplier performance management is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing strategic program that requires continuous monitoring and adjustment. Regular performance reviews help companies identify suppliers that are excelling and prime for a larger strategic relationship as well as those who may need additional support or changes in the... --- ### RFP Process Best Practices: 10 Steps to Success > Streamline your operations with these 10 RFP process best practices. Learn how Graphite Connect can simplify supplier management and improve efficiency. - Published: 2024-10-11 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/rfp-process-best-practices/ - Categories: Blog, RFP Response The Request for Proposal (RFP) process is essential to selecting the right suppliers and ensuring a strong partnership that benefits both parties. Done right, an RFP can help you compare suppliers, evaluate their strengths, and choose the one that best meets your needs. However, without proper planning, the RFP process can become overwhelming and time-consuming. By following these 10 RFP process best practices, you can decrease the RFP response time and set the stage for a successful partnership. 10 RFP best practices for a smooth procurement process 1. Clearly define your goals Before you even think about sending out an RFP, it’s critical to define your project’s goals and expectations. This includes being specific about what you’re looking for from potential suppliers. Are you aiming to reduce costs, improve quality, or increase efficiency? Having clear objectives will not only help you craft a better RFP but will also allow suppliers to tailor their proposals to your needs. Remember – the more precise your goals, the easier it will be to compare responses and measure success. If possible, include metrics or KPIs that will help evaluate how well the supplier can meet your goals. This level of clarity, which is one of the most important RFP process best practices, will save time in the long run by helping you avoid back-and-forth clarifications with suppliers. 2. Keep the RFP simple and focused A clear, concise RFP is far more effective than one filled with unnecessary details. Focus on the key information that... --- ### How to Create and Use a Vendor Selection Criteria Matrix > Streamline your vendor selection with a vendor selection matrix. Learn how Graphite Connect simplifies supplier evaluation and supports data-driven decisions. - Published: 2024-10-11 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-create-vendor-selection-matrix/ - Categories: Blog, Procurement Choosing the right vendors is a key factor in the success of any business project, but with so many options, how do you pick a winner? That’s where a vendor selection matrix can be indispensable. A supplier selection matrix makes it easier to compare suppliers by using criteria that matter most to your organization. In this article, we’ll guide you through what a vendor selection matrix is, how it fits into the vendor evaluation process, and how you can use it to make more strategic decisions. What is a vendor selection matrix? A vendor selection matrix is a powerful decision-making tool that businesses use to systematically compare and evaluate potential vendors. By creating a structured framework, it becomes much easier to visualize how each vendor stacks up based on pre-defined, measurable criteria such as: Price Service quality Product reliability Delivery capabilities By allowing businesses to approach the selection process with objectivity and consistency, a vendor evaluation matrix confirms that the final decision is based on data rather than guesswork or instinct. Whether you’re looking for long-term suppliers or vendors for a one-off project, the vendor selection matrix can help make the process efficient and reliable. What is vendor evaluation? The vendor evaluation process involves assessing the capabilities, reliability, and overall fit of potential suppliers for your specific project or organization. It ensures that the vendors you’re considering can meet your requirements and deliver on your goals. Used correctly, a well-executed vendor evaluation process helps mitigate risks and leads to better... --- ### Supplier Onboarding Risk Assessment: Understand and Minimize Risk > Simplify the supplier onboarding risk assessment process with Graphite Connect. Learn how you can evaluate and minimize risks when bringing new suppliers into your business. - Published: 2024-09-27 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-onboarding-risk-assessment/ - Categories: Onboarding, Risk Management Supplier onboarding can make or break the success of your business relationships. Every new supplier introduces potential risks – whether it's financial instability, data security concerns, or compliance issues. Without a solid risk assessment in place, these threats can quickly escalate, leading to costly disruptions. By understanding the key risks involved and taking proactive steps to minimize them, you can ensure smooth, secure partnerships that drive your business forward. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essentials of supplier onboarding risk assessment and how you can protect your company from hidden vulnerabilities. What is a supplier onboarding risk assessment? Supplier onboarding risk assessment is the process of evaluating potential third-party suppliers to identify, measure, and reduce risks before they officially become part of your supply chain. It involves looking at key areas such as financial stability, operational security, legal compliance, and other risk factors that could affect your business. Conducting this assessment upfront gives you a clearer picture of what to expect from each supplier and whether they are a good fit for your company. This proactive approach helps reduce the chance of disruptions, financial losses, or compliance issues down the line. When you work with Graphite Connect, the supplier onboarding risk assessment process becomes streamlined, automated, and more efficient. This means you don’t have to worry about chasing down information or managing risks manually – it’s all built into the platform. Why is vendor risk assessment important? Vendor risk assessment is critical because it helps you avoid potential... --- ### The Vendor Selection Process in Project Management Explained > Streamline your vendor selection process in project management with a supplier management platform. Learn the steps, benefits, and key questions to ask. - Published: 2024-09-27 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/project-management-vendor-selection-process/ - Categories: Procurement Whether you're launching a new product, upgrading your IT infrastructure, or managing a large construction project, choosing the right vendor can mean the difference between success and failure. Selecting the right vendor isn’t only about securing the best price or the fastest delivery, however – it’s about forming a partnership with a supplier who understands your needs and can deliver on time, every time. In this guide, we’ll explain the vendor selection process in project management to help you make decisions that protect your project and help you build long-term, productive partnerships. What is the vendor selection process? The vendor evaluation and selection process involves identifying and evaluating potential suppliers who can provide the products or services your project requires. It isn’t just about selecting a vendor who offers the best price – it's about making sure that the vendor meets the particular needs of your project while also aligning with your company’s long-term goals and values. Vendor selection typically starts with defining the scope and objectives of your project, followed by identifying the type of suppliers or service providers you need. This is then followed by creating a Request for Proposal (RFP), where you invite vendors to submit proposals, which will then be evaluated based on a predefined set of criteria. The process ends with final negotiations and a contract, but that's not the end of the vendor relationship – in fact, it’s just the beginning, continuing with ongoing evaluation and performance tracking to ensure the vendor delivers as... --- ### What is Supplier Onboarding? Benefits, Challenges, and Tips for Success > What is supplier onboarding? Learn how Graphite Connect can streamline it. Discover tips to improve supplier relationships and operations. - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2025-03-17 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/what-is-supplier-onboarding/ - Categories: Blog, Onboarding Supplier onboarding is vital for maintaining a reliable and efficient supply chain. Getting this right is essential for your business as it can streamline operations, reduce risks, and foster better relationships with your suppliers. Learn more about the benefits and challenges of the supplier onboarding process and how you can make it smoother with supplier onboarding tools and strategies from Graphite Connect. What is supplier onboarding? Supplier onboarding involves collecting and verifying information about new suppliers to confirm they meet your company's standards and requirements. This helps maintain a reliable supply chain, ensure compliance with regulations, and reduce risks associated with new suppliers Benefits of effective supplier onboarding When you onboard suppliers properly, you enjoy several benefits that include: Greater efficiency and productivity: Automating the onboarding cuts down on manual work performed by your procurement or purchasing teams and speeds up the integration of new suppliers. Improved supplier relationships: A smooth onboarding builds trust and collaboration between you and your suppliers. Reduced risk and increased compliance: Proper verification & screening in onboarding ensures suppliers meet regulatory requirements and reduces the risk of fraud. Streamlined data management and accuracy: Automated systems help keep supplier data accurate and up to date, eliminating errors. Cost savings and better bottom line: Efficient onboarding saves time and resources, boosting your company's profitability. For more detailed guidance, refer to our article, "A Guide to Navigating the New Vendor Onboarding. " Who needs supplier onboarding? Supplier onboarding is important for many industries, especially those with complex supply chains... . --- ### New Vendor Onboarding Checklist: Everything You Need to Know > Discover the essential vendor onboarding checklist from Graphite Connect. Learn tips for efficient onboarding that improves your vendor relationships. - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/vendor-onboarding-checklist/ - Categories: Blog, Onboarding Efficient supplier onboarding is essential to consistently deliver quality products and services to your customers. Even if you’re not new to vendor onboarding, there are so many critical steps involved that it’s easy to skip an important requirement. A structured approach can help save time, reduce risks, and improve relationships with your suppliers. A vendor onboarding checklist is a great way to stay on top of the vendor onboarding process and set the stage for a positive vendor experience with your company. The supplier onboarding checklist below can be used as a template, and adapted as necessary to fit the needs of your company. Download the vendor checklist here. What is a supplier onboarding checklist? A vendor onboarding checklist is a step-by-step guide that helps you systematically bring new vendors into your business. It makes sure all necessary information and documentation are collected and verified before the vendor begins supplying goods or services. For more information on vendor onboarding, be sure to check out our guide to navigating the new vendor onboarding process. Benefits of a new vendor onboarding checklist Using a supplier onboarding checklist boasts a series of benefits, such as: Creates a streamlined workflow: A checklist standardizes onboarding, making it faster and more efficient. Reduces risk: Completing all necessary checks reduces the risk of fraud and compliance issues. Improves data accuracy: Collecting and verifying information upfront keeps vendor data accurate and up-to-date. Facilitates better supplier relationships: A clear and organized onboarding process builds trust and sets the foundation... --- ### A Guide to Navigating the New Vendor Onboarding Process > Streamline your vendor onboarding process with this detailed guide from Graphite Connect. Learn how to master efficient supplier integration. - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/guide-to-vendor-onboarding-process/ - Categories: Blog, Onboarding A sound vendor onboarding strategy is mission-critical for any organization that relies on external parties for goods and services. Proper supplier onboarding ensures that new suppliers are properly integrated into your company’s systems and processes: without it, managing risk, maintaining quality, and delivering the full value of strategic procurement can become challenging. This guide shows you how to streamline your vendor onboarding process, reduce risks, and establish successful long-term relationships with your vendors. What is vendor onboarding? Vendor onboarding is the process of integrating new suppliers or service providers into your company’s operations. It involves a series of steps to verify and approve a vendor before they can start supplying goods or services. The goal is to establish a reliable and efficient relationship that meets your organization’s standards and requirements. Key steps in vendor onboarding include: Information gathering: The first step is to gather all necessary information from the vendor. This includes business licenses, insurance certificates, tax identification numbers, contact details, and references. Collecting this data helps verify the vendor’s legitimacy and capability. Compliance checks: Vendors must meet specific regulatory and industry standards. Compliance checks involve reviewing their certifications and policies to confirm they meet legal and safety requirements. This step helps mitigate potential risks and protects your organization from legal issues. Contract negotiation and signing: Once the vendor has passed the initial checks, the next step is to negotiate terms and conditions. This includes pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, and service level agreements. After reaching an agreement, both parties... --- ### How to Make a Vendor Onboarding Form > Create an efficient vendor onboarding form with tips from Graphite Connect. Streamline your process, reduce errors, and build strong vendor relationships. - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-make-vendor-onboarding-form/ - Categories: Blog, Onboarding Are you tired of the endless back-and-forth and delays that come with bringing new vendors on board? If you’re wondering how to make vendor onboarding more efficient, a well-structured vendor onboarding form could be the game-changer you need. Imagine streamlining the entire process while reducing errors and setting the stage for a successful vendor relationship – all with one powerful tool. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essential elements of a vendor onboarding form and give you actionable tips to create a form that meets your business needs. Ready to onboard vendors faster and more efficiently than ever before? Let’s get started. Key elements of a vendor onboarding form A vendor onboarding form is more than just a collection of information – it's a strategic tool that helps you gather critical details about your vendors right from the start. Here we’ll outline the key elements that should be included in your vendor onboarding form. Supplier contact information The first and most basic element of any vendor onboarding form is the supplier’s contact information. This section ensures that your vendor details are accurate and up-to-date so that you can reach out to them when necessary. Proper contact information lays the foundation for clear communication and quick resolution of any issues. Include: Primary contact name Title/Position Company Email address Phone number Physical address Secondary contact details (if applicable) Commercial data Next, you’ll want to gather essential details about the vendor’s business. Collecting this information upfront helps you avoid potential risks... --- ### Supplier Onboarding Tools: A Features Checklist > Streamline your supplier onboarding with Graphite Connect. Discover the best supplier onboarding tools to save time, increase accuracy, and boost compliance. - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-onboarding-tools/ - Categories: Blog, Onboarding Getting your suppliers onboarded quickly and smoothly is more important than ever. Supplier onboarding tools save you time, improve accuracy, and ensure compliance, helping your supply chain run like a well-oiled machine. With so many vendor onboarding tools out there, it can be tough to figure out which features your business needs – and which it doesn’t. In this article, we’ll take a look at popular supplier onboarding tool features and learn how Graphite Connect can help take your supplier onboarding to the next level. What are vendor onboarding tools? Vendor onboarding tools add value to your business by streamlining the onboarding process, improving accuracy, and ensuring that all new suppliers meet the necessary standards from day 1. Supplier onboarding software Onboarding new suppliers can take up to six months at large companies, even under ideal conditions. However, it doesn’t need to. Supplier onboarding software is an all-in-one solution that handles all stages of onboarding from the initial assessments of potential suppliers to managing your ongoing relationships with them. By automating these repetitive tasks, supplier onboarding software frees up your time and energy, allowing you to focus on more strategic procurement processes like sourcing, tail spend management and diverse supplier programs. what matters – growing your business. Graphite Connect’s supplier onboarding solution is designed to slash vendor onboarding time by up to 70%, so you can get new suppliers up and running in no time. With automated workflows and best-practice questions refined by leading procurement teams, you’ll see immediate improvements in... --- ### The Illicit Industry of the Dark Web: A Hidden Economy of Data Theft, Ransom, and Fraud > Procurement, purchasing and AP teams need to become more well-versed in how fraudsters are using the dark web to commit vendor data fraud. - Published: 2024-06-20 - Modified: 2024-09-05 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/vendor-data-theft/ - Categories: Blog, Risk Management, Security The dark web, a concealed portion of the internet accessible only through specific browsers like Tor, has earned a notorious reputation as a hub for illicit activities. Among these, the theft of data, ransom demands, sale of credentials, and fraud stand out as significant criminal enterprises. This hidden economy thrives in the shadows, posing a persistent threat to individuals, corporations, and governments worldwide. Data Theft: The Foundation of Dark Web Crime Data theft is the cornerstone of many dark web operations. Cybercriminals employ various techniques, such as phishing, malware, and hacking, to infiltrate systems and exfiltrate sensitive information. Once stolen, this data—ranging from personal identification details to financial records and proprietary corporate information—is sold on dark web marketplaces. These stolen data packets are often auctioned to the highest bidder or sold at a fixed price, depending on their perceived value. For instance, credit card information might fetch a few dollars per card, while comprehensive data sets, including Social Security numbers, bank account details, and health records, can command significantly higher prices. Ransomware: Holding Data Hostage Ransomware attacks have surged in frequency and sophistication, becoming a favored tactic among cybercriminals. In these attacks, malicious software encrypts the victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible. The attackers then demand a ransom, typically in cryptocurrency, to provide the decryption key. High-profile ransomware attacks have targeted hospitals, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure, causing significant operational disruptions. The anonymity provided by the dark web allows attackers to evade law enforcement while facilitating the ransom payment process. Ransomware-as-a-Service... --- ### The RFP Bidding Process in Procurement Explained: A Guide to Success > Master the RFP bidding process with our step-by-step guide. Learn how Graphite Connect simplifies supplier management and accelerates your procurement efforts. - Published: 2024-06-06 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/rfp-bidding-process-explained/ - Categories: RFP Response Have you struggled to secure a contract or find the right supplier for a project? The Request for Proposal (RFP) process can be convoluted and time-consuming, but it equips organizations to locate, vet, and hire appropriate suppliers. At Graphite, we make it easier for buyers and sellers to connect and conduct business securely. If you’re looking to improve your supplier selection and minimize obstacles in the RFP process, this guide to the RFP bidding process will provide you with the practical knowledge and insights needed to succeed. What is the RFP bidding process in procurement? An RFP bid is a formal request issued by a company to potential suppliers or service providers, asking them to submit a proposal for a specific project or service. The RFP defines the project, outlines the bidding process, and specifies the contract terms. Companies then compare different proposals and choose the best fit for their needs. Government agencies and private organizations alike commonly use the RFP bidding process. It helps ensure that the buyer finds the best vendor for their project, as opposed to a less formal process that may not yield the best results. RFP vs. RFQ vs. RFI: What’s the difference? When it comes to procurement, you’ll likely encounter three common terms: RFP, RFQ, and RFI. Navigating the procurement process more efficiently begins with understanding their differences. What is an RFP (Request for Proposal) The RFP bidding process in procurement is a formal request issued by a company asking potential suppliers or service... --- ### Vendor Onboarding: Best Practices for Onboarding New Suppliers in 2024 > Discover vendor onboarding best practices to streamline your process. Learn how Graphite Connect can help you onboard suppliers quickly and efficiently. - Published: 2024-06-06 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/vendor-onboarding-best-practices/ - Categories: Onboarding Vendor onboarding is critical for any organization that relies on outside parties to provide goods and services. Proper onboarding ensures that new suppliers are effectively integrated into the company’s systems and processes; without it, you risk running into problems maintaining quality, compliance, and efficiency in your supply chain. So, how can you create a smooth and efficient onboarding strategy that benefits both your organization and your new suppliers? By following the vendor onboarding best practices in this article, you can streamline your current system, reduce risks, and foster successful long-term relationships with your vendors. Supplier onboarding best practices A new vendor onboarding process helps build strong supplier relationships while keeping your operations efficient. The supplier onboarding best practices below outline how you can set your company up for success with new vendors and create a committed and profitable partnership. Develop a clear vendor onboarding process Having a clear new supplier onboarding process can reduce confusion, minimize delays, and improve communication between your team and new suppliers. It can also prevent the issue of non-responsive vendors by providing a structured path and clear deadlines, making it easier to follow up and keep everything on track. To develop a clear vendor onboarding process, take the following steps: Outline each stage of onboarding, from initial contact to final integration into your systems. This should include data collection, compliance checks, contract signing, and any necessary training. Determine who will be responsible for each step both internally and with suppliers. This will help ensure accountability... --- ### How to Develop an Efficient Supplier Onboarding Process > Easy steps for building an efficient supplier onboarding process to maximize supplier value and build a thriving strategic sourcing program. - Published: 2024-01-22 - Modified: 2025-01-30 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/develop-efficient-supplier-onboarding/ - Categories: Onboarding - Tags: Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Onboarding, Vendor Onboarding - Types: Blog, Resource Center Easy steps for building an efficient supplier onboarding process to maximize supplier value and build a thriving strategic sourcing program. Learn why a better supplier onboarding process saves your team time and money. If you have a long and cumbersome supplier onboarding process, it can bog down your team with unnecessary time and work. Maximizing the efficiency of your supplier onboarding is a strategic decision that will benefit your business in the long term. There is a great need for effective supplier onboarding processes in the procurement field to benefit both supplier and customer. Still trying to figure out where to begin? Keep reading to learn a few tips on creating a successful supplier onboarding process that will benefit both parties. Strategic Sourcing Let's first talk about strategic sourcing. All businesses need goods and services that other businesses supply. That means businesses must do strategic supplier onboarding when selecting and working with their suppliers. Especially among large companies that manage a supply chain with hundreds of suppliers, supplier onboarding processes can become very complicated when they don’t need to be. In procurement, sourcing randomly isn’t enough. Strategic sourcing allows procurement to make a difference in the business – saving money, protecting from risk, standing for company values, etc. Your team must create a strategy that accounts for the business’s goals and values. One significant factor that may be overlooked is creating mutually beneficial relationships with your suppliers. Relationships of trust, collaboration, self-service, and clear expectations will pay dividends for your sourcing strategy. When your suppliers trust you, enjoy key benefits from working with you, and achieve their own goals, they... --- ### How to Influence Stakeholders and Win Trust to Support Your Procurement Process > Creating successful procurement processes often boils down to knowing how to influence the procurement stakeholders. It’s a process that we explain in our guide - Published: 2023-12-20 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/stakeholders-how-to-win-trust-and-build-influence/ - Categories: Intake - Tags: Guided Intake, Spend Under Management, Supplier Intake, Supplier Onboarding, Supplier Selection, Vendor Intake, Vendor Onboarding, Vendor Selection - Types: Blog, Resource Center Change any negative perceptions in your organization and earn increased involvement in deals. The success of your procurement team hinges on its ability to weed out inefficiencies and potential bottlenecks in your procurement system. But drawn-out procurement cycles, lack of resources, and reliance on outdated, manual tools can hinder the delivery of timely cost savings and value. Not only that, but complicated or confusing processes can drive employees to find other ways to buy what they need. This leads to limited visibility and unchecked spending. To counter these challenges, you need an effective approach that doesn’t just improve processes but also strengthens stakeholder relationships. That's where being able to influence stakeholders comes into play. From that perspective, figuring out how to influence stakeholders becomes more about streamlining existing processes and clear communication than psychological interplay. Enhance Procurement Processes with Technology Technology, especially automation, plays a key role in your procurement stakeholder engagement strategy, helping you to overcome these challenges and achieve more. By leveraging advanced tools, you can transform cumbersome procurement processes into efficient, transparent, and user-friendly systems. This shift to technology is crucial to win the trust of both internal stakeholders and external stakeholders, and lays the foundation for a successful procurement strategy. Invest in the Right Procurement Technology to Drive Transparency for Procurement Stakeholders Understanding the specific challenges and bottlenecks your organization faces and how different technologies can address these is the first step towards a more open and trusted procurement operation. Transparency in your processes, achieved through the right technology and tools, is critical for building trust and establishing clear... --- ### Shorten Your Supplier Onboarding Process with Simpler Questionnaires - Published: 2023-12-12 - Modified: 2024-10-23 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/shorten-your-supplier-onboarding-process/ - Categories: Supplier Management - Tags: Supplier Onboarding, Vendor Onboarding Learn how your business can save time and shorten supplier onboarding times by eliminating manual processes and simplifying supplier questionnaires. Learn how your business can save time and shorten supplier onboarding times by eliminating manual processes and simplifying supplier questionnaires. Efficient supplier onboarding will do more than just end a lot of headaches. If you think of your team’s time in terms of money, then the cost of time spent working with repetitive and over-complicated supplier onboarding begins to add up. Not to mention, it can hold up your whole supply chain and ruin supplier relationships. Why change my questionnaire? Paperwork, data inaccuracies, delays in communication... All of these can contribute to long and time-consuming supplier onboarding processes. These challenges are more common than not, but it doesn’t need to be that way. By identifying ways to shorten questionnaires, procurement teams can achieve faster turnaround times while still ensuring that new suppliers meet quality standards. With a faster supplier onboarding process, your team can reduce supply chain disruptions and time costs to meet organizational needs and deliver greater value to your organization. Keep reading to learn the best practices you can adopt take to tackle these challenges and shorten purchase turnaround times. Creating simpler onboarding questionnaires Onboarding questionnaires can be lengthy and complex at best. This can be a major roadblock for both companies and potential suppliers. It can even deter the most popular suppliers from working with you. New supplier evaluation is extremely important. Anyone in procurement knows this. However, if your onboarding questionnaire is too long and unnecessarily complex, this can pose a real issue. Simplifying your vendor... --- ### Streamline Procurement Process with Smart Supplier Management > Learn how to streamline your procurement process with Graphite’s smart supplier management solutions. - Published: 2023-12-06 - Modified: 2025-03-11 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/streamline-procurement-with-smart-supplier-management/ - Categories: Supplier Management - Tags: Supplier Management, Vendor Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center With a strategic approach, procurement teams can build a strong supplier base, which will improve business performance and offer a long-term competitive advantage. Efficient supplier management is essential for procuring quality products and services cost-effectively, also known as smart procurement. With a strategic approach, procurement teams can build a strong supplier base, which will improve business performance and offer a long-term competitive advantage. In this guide, we’ll explore the fundamentals of effective supplier management, share insightful best practices, and show how technology can take your supplier management process to a whole new level. Laying the Foundation for Smart Procurement Effective supplier management touches every stage of the supplier lifecycle. From finding the best suppliers to fostering enduring partnerships, the goal is to create a collaborative environment that fuels efficiency, quality, and innovation. Key Elements of the Supplier Management Process Developing and managing a strong, strategic relationship with a supplier demands ongoing effort and attention. Key features of the supplier management process include: Finding the Ideal Suppliers Thriving procurement process operations hinge on working with the right suppliers. Begin by defining your needs and conducting extensive market research. Evaluate potential suppliers based on criteria like production capacity, delivery times, and compliance with industry standards, using data analysis tools for deeper insights. Negotiating Contracts and Terms Clear contracts outlining expectations, pricing, and delivery terms are crucial. Effective negotiation ensures favorable terms, minimizes misunderstandings, and ensures supplier compliance. Be sure to include legal compliance and risk mitigation in your contracts to protect your organization and establish stable, trustworthy supplier collaboration. Monitoring Supplier Performance Regularly assess your supplier's performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) such as quality,... --- ### What is Tail Spend in Procurement? > What is tail spend in procurement and why is it seen as the silent budget killer?. Let’s delve into these sSmall, often-overlooked purchases. - Published: 2023-11-12 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/tame-tail-spend-to-unleash-savings/ - Categories: Tail Spend - Tags: Procurement, Spend Management, Supplier Management, Tail Spend, Vendor Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Learn to manage tail spend for cost savings and efficiency with Graphite. Your procurement department juggles plenty of responsibilities, from negotiating contracts and onboarding new suppliers to ensuring cost savings. But there's an uninvited guest at your table, often lurking in the shadows—tail spend. So, what is tail spend in procurement? Tail spend is the silent budget killer that sneaks into your organization, siphoning off valuable resources that could be invested more strategically. These often-overlooked, one-off purchases can lead to overspending and missed cost-savings opportunities. So, what can you do to better manage tail spend? How do you put in place processes for tail spend optimization? While this type of tail spend performance can be harmless in small doses, the ability to effectively manage tail spend can become a key competitive advantage for your organization. For example, when the economy is experiencing a downturn and cost-cutting is a priority, the best savings opportunities lie in indirect spend areas like tail spend. Procurement teams must recognize those areas where they could be using resources inefficiently and leaving money on the table due to low-value spending. This article will answer in detail what is tail spend in procurement and offer suggestions for strategic tail spend optimization across your business units. Applying the 80/20 Rule to Tail Spend in Procurement Have you heard of the 80/20 rule? Originally thought up by 19th-century economist Vilfredo Pareto, this handy tool can help your procurement teams determine where to pay the most attention to get the best bang for your buck and keep things running smoothly. Here's how it... --- ### Unlock Deeper Value with Preferred Suppliers > Learn how to manage and promote preferred suppliers to your organization’s stakeholders effectively to increase performance and reduce spend. - Published: 2023-11-08 - Modified: 2023-12-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/unlock-deeper-value-with-preferred-suppliers/ - Categories: Supplier Management - Tags: Preferred Suppliers, Preferred Vendors, Procurement, Supplier Management, Vendor Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Leverage preferred suppliers to improve efficiency and better manage spend. Leverage preferred suppliers to improve efficiency and better manage spend. Have you ever had a purchase requester in your company settle for the first supplier they stumbled across? This approach can lead to a tangle of inconsistencies, quality issues, and even blown budgets. And your procurement team is left scrambling to clean up the mess. So, how do you identify and manage your best suppliers? This blog will discuss the benefits of working with preferred suppliers. Plus, we’ll spill the beans on how to manage and promote them to your organization’s stakeholders effectively. The Perils of the Pick-any-Supplier Shortcut Imagine a budding tech startup ready to kick off a highly-anticipated product. In the haste to cross the finish line, the company chooses a supplier after a quick internet search. The result? Delayed shipments, incompatible components, and a launch timeline that keeps getting pushed back. When on a tight deadline, jumping on board with any supplier that ticks the essential boxes can be tempting. But these snap decisions can create a chain reaction of missed deadlines, inconsistent quality, and unexpected expenses. Choosing a supplier goes beyond just ticking off the basic requirements. It's about finding partners that align with and support your company’s growth and objectives. What Sets Preferred Suppliers Apart So, what makes a supplier stand out from the rest? It's about more than just timely deliveries or competitive prices. Preferred suppliers are trust-worthy partners, well-versed in your company's needs and ensuring consistent quality every time. Why You Should Work... --- ### The Importance of Supplier Experience Management > Procurement's focus is shifting toward supplier experience management. Learn how you can ensure your business succeeds in this new era. - Published: 2023-10-26 - Modified: 2024-08-15 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-experience-management-2/ - Categories: Supplier Management - Tags: Procurement, Supplier Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Embrace Supplier-Centric Procurement for Success How the procurement industry is shifting toward supplier experience management, and how you can ensure your business succeeds in this new era. In an industry historically run by customers, the tides for procurement are changing. As supply chains become more constrained, businesses are vying to be the customers of choice. What does this mean for your business? As procurement becomes supplier-centric, you must rethink strategies to win your desired suppliers. Don’t want to get left behind? It’s time to change how you think about your business’s suppliers and start listening to their needs. How to become the favorite customer With new government regulations, risk considerations, and factors such as sustainability–not to mention restricted supply chains–gaining business from suppliers is not what it once was. Supplier experience management (SXM) will matter in becoming a company suppliers love to work with. Still, current procurement “best practices” often focus on the customer, leaving suppliers to jump through hoops to make relationships work. In the new age of procurement, these practices won’t hold up. It’s time to change the way you do things. Here are a few places you could start. Revamp your supplier portal The supplier portal is a pain point often overlooked by buyers. Most of these systems consider suppliers’ needs last, if at all. In the past, it was assumed that if suppliers wanted the business, they’d do whatever it took to get it, no matter the inconvenience to themselves. In today’s competitive climate, it’s too easy for a supplier to... --- ### Why Supplier Experience Management is Important > Procurement's focus is shifting toward supplier experience management. Learn how you can ensure your business succeeds in this new era. - Published: 2023-10-26 - Modified: 2025-01-30 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-experience-management/ - Categories: Supplier Management - Tags: Procurement, Supplier Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Embrace Supplier-Centric Procurement for Success How the procurement industry is shifting toward supplier experience management, and how you can ensure your business succeeds in this new era. In an industry historically run by customers, the tides for procurement are changing. As supply chains become more constrained, businesses are vying to be the customers of choice. What does this mean for your business? As procurement becomes supplier-centric, you must rethink strategies to win your desired suppliers. Don’t want to get left behind? It’s time to change how you think about your business’s suppliers, start listening to their needs, and actively put supplier experience management in place. Why Supplier Experience is as Important as Customer Experience With new government regulations, risk considerations, and factors such as sustainability–not to mention restricted supply chains–gaining business from suppliers is not what it once was. Supplier experience management (SXM) will matter in becoming a company suppliers love to work with. Still, current procurement “best practices” often focus on the customer, leaving suppliers to jump through hoops to make relationships work. In the new age of procurement, these practices won’t hold up. It’s time to change the way you do things. Here are a few places you could start. Revamp your supplier onboarding and management portal The supplier portal is a pain point often overlooked by buyers. Most of these systems consider suppliers’ needs last, if at all. In the past, it was assumed that if suppliers wanted the business, they’d do whatever it took to get it, no matter the inconvenience... --- ### The Benefits of Regular Supplier Risk Monitoring > Supplier risk is constantly changing. Regular supplier risk monitoring is crucial for an organization to stay ahead of ever-changing supply chain threats. - Published: 2023-10-05 - Modified: 2025-02-11 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/keep-supplier-risk-in-check/ - Categories: Risk Management - Tags: Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Risk Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Regularly use tools like the Probability, Impact Matrix, and NIST Framework to effectively manage risk. Supplier risk is a major bugbear in today’s procurement processes. This is partly because even a minor gap in the supply chain can result in massive disruptions in today’s age of high efficiency and productivity. The other part is that supplier risk areas are constantly changing. So, even if supplier risk assessment is conducted in an organization, the changing nature of cybersecurity threats and compliance risks makes the results outdated quickly. This is the main reason why regular supplier risk monitoring is so important. Conduct Annual Supplier Risk Assessments With the Help of Supplier Risk Matrix Regular supplier risk monitoring means conducting at least annual supplier risk assessments. In other words, if an organization wants a robust risk management process, then it needs to make regular supplier risk management a part of its annual or even bi-annual calendar. The first step in conducting annual risk assessments is to review the list of risks identified in the risk register to ensure they’re still relevant. If any risks are no longer applicable, remove them from the list. Be sure to identify new risks and add them to the list if necessary. The Head of Risk and the Compliance Committee each play crucial roles in reviewing risk assessments. These groups oversee the risk management process and ensure that the organization's risk management strategies remain effective. Additionally, they report their findings to the Board of Directors or Executive Management. The Probability and Impact Matrix is one tool for assessing risk. This supplier risk matrix can... --- ### How To Build a Solid Case for Procurement Transformation > Ready to kick off your next procurement transformation project? Before diving into the design, build a solid case for the changes you want. - Published: 2023-08-10 - Modified: 2025-03-06 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/build-a-case-for-procurement-transformation/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Management, Vendor Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Tips, metrics, and leadership insights for building a case for procurement transformation. Ready to kick off your next procurement transformation project? Before diving headfirst into the design, building a solid case for the changes you want is essential. Gaining the buy-in and support of key stakeholders is a critical step that sets the stage for successful procurement transformation outcomes. Here, we explore key tips and strategies to effectively build your case for change, ensuring your project gains the necessary traction and support it needs to thrive. Assess the Risk of Implementing Procurement Transformation Take a moment to evaluate the organizational and cultural landscape. Are there other projects competing for attention? And most importantly, do you have a supportive leader cheering on you and your transformation project ideas? Addressing these questions head-on will pave the way for a smoother journey and ensure your transformation efforts receive the backing they deserve. Get started by thoroughly assessing the current state of your organization, processes, and systems. Identify the risks, challenges, and limitations that require a change. Identify Your Transformation Project Ideas & Objectives Envision what you want to achieve for your company or the specific area needing change. What are your objectives? And how will the proposed change help you achieve them? Think about the opportunities for improved efficiency, cost savings, or creating a better customer experience. Communicate the benefits of your procurement transformation strategy to your organization and stakeholders. Paint a picture of what that transformation will look like. “Design with the outcome in mind instead of just the delivery. What are you trying to... --- ### The Magic of Smart Project Management > Learn five best practices to develop smart procurement project management for your team to deliver significant outcomes. - Published: 2023-08-02 - Modified: 2024-06-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/smart-procurement-project-management/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Business Goals, Procurement, Supplier Management, Vendor Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Learn five best practices to develop smart procurement project management for your team to deliver significant outcomes. As a procurement leader, you know how important it is to nail your projects. But have you ever wondered why some projects soar while others crash and burn? Conrad Smith, a seasoned procurement expert and CEO of Graphite Connect, reveals five best practices to supercharge your procurement team’s project management capabilities and deliver significant outcomes. In the late 90s, a project manager was brought in to assist when Smith was working on an Ariba implementation for Intel. "At first, it was driving me crazy,” says Smith. “I wanted to get started on the project, and here we were burning $300/hour for a couple of weeks just planning out the project! Communications, decision-making, and issue management. All things I thought were very straightforward. The hourly cost was giving me stress and anxiety. ” But the investment in a project manager and proper planning proved instrumental to the project's success, not only for Conrad’s team but for procurement, IT, and Ariba as a whole. The experience was a valuable lesson that guided Conrad’s approach to subsequent projects, including his promotion to lead a mammoth 200-person SAP implementation project. 5 Best Practices for Procurement Project Management By embracing these five best practices shared by Smith, your procurement team can enhance its project management capabilities, mitigate risks, and drive successful project outcomes. Thorough planning. Give planning the attention it deserves. Create a project plan that covers everything from objectives and timelines to resource requirements. Think of it as your trusty roadmap that'll guide you through... --- ### 5 Tips to Simplify Supplier Contract Negotiations > The most influential factors to any supplier contract negotiation are in motion before a meeting ever takes place. - Published: 2023-07-27 - Modified: 2024-08-22 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/simplify-contract-negotiations/ - Categories: Contract Management - Tags: Procurement, Supplier Contract Management, Supplier Management, Vendor Contract Management, Vendor Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Negotiate better contracts for impact: tips for success in results-based agreements Learn how to negotiate better contracts and save your team time by dealing with supplier contract issues before they begin. The most influential factors to any supplier contract negotiation are in motion before a meeting ever takes place. Learn to prepare ahead of time to save your business time and money, and to save yourself a headache. Omid Ghamami, CPSCM™, noted procurement author/speaker/consultant and CEO of the Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSCM) Institute, has helped us put together tips for effective contract negotiation that will actually make an impact. 1. Don’t start from scratch every time. Unless you’re working for a new company, you’d rarely find yourself negotiating a supplier contract completely dissimilar from anything ever done for your business. Typically, your business has bought from similar suppliers; in this case, history is your friend. The idea here is not to copy what’s been done in the past. Rather, having historical contracts to work from gives you the perfect jumping-off point to ask questions. Ask: what’s been working well here? What hasn’t? What kind of problems have arisen from this supplier relationship? How are you currently measuring their success? Once you’ve analyzed these questions, you can determine where to go next and what needs to be fixed. When you go through past deals and ask these questions, you can tease out the information you need to focus on remedies and performance results. One pitfall you should be careful not to fall into is projecting ahead to problems you think... --- ### How to Negotiate With Suppliers and Create a Real Impact for Your Business > Knowing how to negotiate with suppliers is more about developing supplier contracts that benefit everyone rather than getting vendors to commit more than needed. - Published: 2023-07-18 - Modified: 2024-08-26 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/negotiating-supplier-contracts-101/ - Categories: Contract Management - Tags: Procurement, Supplier Contract Management, Supplier Management, Vendor Contract Management, Vendor Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Negotiate better contracts for impact: tips for success in results-based agreements Learn how negotiating supplier contracts can create a real impact for your business. Much of the supplier contract negotiation advice out there focuses on at-the-table tactics and counter-tactics. While such advice on how to negotiate with suppliers may have its place, what you do before you enter the room is what really matters. What you need to remember while negotiating with suppliers is that the most influential factors are already in motion before a meeting ever takes place. Omid Ghamami, CPSCM™, noted procurement author/speaker/consultant and CEO of the Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSCM) Institute, has helped us put together tips for effective contract negotiation that will actually make an impact. How to Negotiate with Vendors and Suppliers Keep reading to learn what you can do to negotiate contracts with your suppliers that create a real impact for your business. Include performance outcomes while negotiating with suppliers Many contracts are written to be inviting and enticing, with legal considerations in mind, but they miss the bigger picture. Contracts written this way will lead to a cascade of minor issues you’ll deal with in the future. Chances are, your team is probably spending far too much of your time sorting out issues that arrive in “action-required” emails that never would have happened with a better supplier contract. So what do you include in your contract to avoid these mistakes? Performance outcomes. It’s easy to zero in on acquiring goods and services and forget about performance results, but you’ll do so at... --- ### How to Conduct an Internal Procurement Opportunity Analysis to Gain Procurement Insights on Key Stakeholders > An internal procurement opportunity analysis helps teams understand key internal stakeholders to better prioritize their strategic procurement initiatives. - Published: 2023-07-12 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/strategic-procurement-insights-with-swot-analysis/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Procurement, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Relationships, Strategic Sourcing - Types: Blog, Resource Center SWOT analysis of internal stakeholders can help you prioritize them, allocate resources, and build alliances. Do you know the decision-makers and influencers who significantly influence your procurement processes and activities? There are key procurement insights and opportunities ready to be tapped here. More importantly, not knowing who your key players are can lead to poor decision-making, delays, and missed opportunities for collaboration. Your procurement team can overcome this obstacle by conducting a thorough internal procurement opportunity analysis to ensure you engage with the right people from the start. Start Internal Procurement Opportunity Analysis by Identifying Your Most Critical Internal Stakeholders With internal procurement opportunity analysis based on the traditional SWOT framework, you can better understand your strategic position while also spotlighting those key decision-makers and influencers who are pivotal to your procurement team's operational efficiency and success. A procurement SWOT is a tool that offers procurement organizations valuable insights into your most critical internal partners. By assessing internal stakeholders' strengths, weaknesses, potential opportunities, and risks, you can develop more effective procurement strategies for planning and resource allocation throughout the lifecycle of your projects. Internal Opportunity Assessment Based on the SWOT Principle Internal procurement opportunity analysis means analyzing factors that operate within your company. While you can look at processes too, you’ll see better results by focusing on internal stakeholders. The idea is to identify individual or grouped internal stakeholders that have the most potential to add value to your procurement systems. This could be through more effort, more involvement, or even mitigation of risks and limitations. Here are some steps rooted in the SWOT principle that you can... --- ### Foster Trust & Overcome Challenges with Internal Stakeholders > Position procurement as trusted partners, sitting on the same side of the table as internal stakeholders to overcome challenges. - Published: 2023-07-06 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/overcome-challenges-with-internal-stakeholders/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Procurement, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Relationships, Strategic Sourcing - Types: Blog, Resource Center Procurement teams must build trust & overcome challenges with internal stakeholders by listening, understanding, & offering advice. Building positive relationships with internal stakeholders is essential to the success of your procurement team. But what should you do when encountering a stakeholder who's had negative experiences or seems hesitant to engage? Conquering Past Negative Experiences "If stakeholders are closed, to begin with, they're not going to be open to listening to you," says David Natoff, founder of Blue Sphere Consulting, a boutique firm focusing on procurement operations. "Asking questions and listening is the greatest thing a procurement category manager can do. "Ask open-ended questions to understand the past experiences and challenges they've encountered with procurement. What are two or three key objectives they need to achieve? And how can procurement help them reach these goals? Learn everything you can about your stakeholder's area and then offer advice. But the guidance you provide should focus on your area of expertise—the procurement process—rather than their process, whether marketing, IT, or another location. There should be a mutual understanding that they're the experts in their field, while your team is an expert in sourcing, contract management, risk mitigation, or whatever you do. Procurement is a critical function that collaborates closely with various business departments. By actively understanding and empathizing with the pain points and challenges these stakeholders face, your team has a unique opportunity to connect the dots within the organization. Handling Internal stakeholders with unrealistic expectations When managing internal partners with unreasonable expectations, taking a strategic approach beyond merely presenting facts is crucial. According to David Hearn, Sr. Director of Global Indirect Procurement,... --- ### What is Stakeholder Mapping & How to Make a Stakeholder Map > If you want to learn how to make a stakeholder map, you must understand what stakeholder mapping is. Luckily, we can help you with both in this guide. - Published: 2023-06-27 - Modified: 2024-07-11 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/master-stakeholder-mapping/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Relationships, Strategic Sourcing Stakeholder mapping: a tool to identify, assess, and categorize stakeholders for better engagement. Most procurement projects involve many different stakeholders. Engaging and collaborating effectively with these critical partners can help you generate value in several ways, from finding cost-saving opportunities and negotiating better terms to improving risk management and stimulating supplier innovation. Using stakeholder mapping, you can gain valuable insights into their unique perspectives, needs, and influence on the project. You can then tailor your communication and management strategies for better engagement throughout the project's lifecycle. What Is Stakeholder Mapping? Let’s start with the definition of stakeholder mapping. Stakeholder mapping is a process through which an organization or manager identifies, analyzes, and categorizes individuals, groups, or companies involved in a project to ensure better efficiency and returns. If you’re involved in procurement, this will automatically make you wonder whether you should see suppliers as stakeholders in addition to your internal business stakeholders across departments. So, that’s the next question we'll tackle. Are Suppliers Stakeholders? Suppliers influence any project greatly. Indirectly and directly, they’re responsible for a project being on schedule or delayed, for a project being finished within budget or with cost overruns, and even for the overall quality of a project. Therefore, a supplier is an external stakeholder that should always be incorporated into any stakeholder mapping process. How to Do Stakeholder Mapping in 7 Steps So, now that we’ve identified that suppliers are stakeholders too, we can dive into how to make a stakeholder map. There are layers to stakeholder mapping. It begins with identifying stakeholders and their level of involvement in... --- ### TAME: An Effective Supplier Risk Management Framework > There are four supplier risk management options under the TAME framework: Transfer, Accept, Mitigate, and Eliminate. - Published: 2023-05-23 - Modified: 2025-03-06 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/conquer-supplier-risk-using-the-tame-framework/ - Categories: Risk Management - Tags: Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Risk Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Learn to manage and conquer risks with a TAME framework - Transfer, Accept, Mitigate, and Eliminate. Once you’ve identified and rated your supplier risk based on potential impact and likelihood, the next step is developing supplier risk management strategies for each supplier. There are four risk management options under the TAME framework: Transfer, Accept, Mitigate, and Eliminate. Unpacking the 4 Options in the TAME Supplier Risk Management Framework Transfer Risk Transferring the risk under TAME involves offloading the financial consequences of the supplier risk to a third party, such as an insurance company. For example, when investing in a policy, the insurance company assumes all financial liabilities associated with the risk domain (legal expenses, damages awarded, and repair costs). Accept Risk Accepting the risk under TAME means that your organization recognizes the potential consequences of the risk but decides to continue with the activity regardless. If this method is chosen, remember to evaluate the risk regularly and escalate if necessary. Finally, even if you select the "do nothing" strategy, the risk domain must still have an assigned risk owner who can be held accountable if things go awry. Mitigate Residual Risk Supplier risk mitigation under the TAME framework involves reducing the probability and impact of the risk. It is essential to pick a framework for each risk factor. Frameworks provide a structured approach to supplier risk management and ensure that all relevant factors are considered. There are many frameworks available depending on the specific risk factor. Traditional cybersecurity frameworks include the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which provides a comprehensive cybersecurity framework for organizations,... --- ### How to Use a Supplier Risk Assessment Matrix > It's essential to measure supplier risk as a part of risk management in procurement and the best way to do this is to use a supplier risk matrix. - Published: 2023-05-09 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/define-and-measure-supplier-risk/ - Categories: Risk Management - Tags: Supplier Management, Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Management, Vendor Risk Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Identify and assess risks to mitigate potential threats to your organization and build effective risk management. As your business grows, it’s exposed to various risks that can significantly affect operations and financial stability. That’s why it's essential to measure supplier risk as a part of risk management in procurement, as it helps mitigate potential threats to your organization. But, how do you go about measuring different types of supplier risks? And, how do you quantify those supplier risks, so that you can prioritize in order of severity? The answer is the supplier risk matrix. What Is Risk Management and How is it Related to the Supplier Risk Matrix? Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to an organization's assets and resources. The relationship between risk management and the supplier risk matrix is simply that risk matrices are used to identify and rate threats that can then be mitigated by careful management. What are the Different Types of Supplier Risks The first stage in this complex process is defining the different types of supplier risks. Aaron Oyler, Chief Product Officer of Graphite, says, “Knowing the risk is out there is one thing, but identifying where that risk is located is quite another. ” Risk identification involves recognizing all possible hazards to your organization's assets and resources, both internal and external. Inherent risk refers to the probability and impact of an adverse event occurring without any risk management efforts. In contrast, residual risk refers to the probability and impact of an adverse event after considering existing risk management measures. Different types of risks can pose a... --- ### How to Become a Certified Diverse Supplier - Published: 2023-04-28 - Modified: 2025-04-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-become-a-certified-diverse-supplier/ - Categories: Blog, Supplier Diversity A diverse, competitive marketplace is beneficial to both suppliers and buyers alike. For a buying corporation, diversity in their suppliers promotes company values, supports local businesses, and according to a 2015 Hackett Group study adds $3. 60 dollars per dollar spent on procurement supplier diversity programs. For suppliers, obtaining supplier diversity certification opens doors to corporations and new business opportunities which can be crucial. United States certifications for diverse suppliers are obtained through three sources: federally, local state government, and private sector. Below are certifications sorted by diversity type and source. There can be advantages to obtaining certification from multiple sources if you qualify. See if you qualify for federal certifications on the online SBA survey. Types of Diversity Certifications in the United States: Small and Disadvantage Federal: 8(a) Business Development program Women Federal: SBA Women-Owned Small Business Certification (WOSB), SBA Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business certification (EDWOSB) State: WBE State Woman Business Enterprise – contact your local government Private Sector: El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (EHPCC), National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC), US Women’s Chamber of Commerce (USWCC), Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Diverse/Minority Federal: 8(a) Business Development program State: MBE Minority Business Enterprise – contact your local government Private Sector: The National Minority Supplier Development Council US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Hubzone Federal: SBA HUB Zone Certification LGBT Private Sector: National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Disability Federal: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Private Sector: Disability:IN (DBE) --- ### Accelerate P2P and ERP Onboarding with Graphite > Graphite onboards suppliers, verifies information, and syncs data into your P2P and ERP tools for a de-duplicated, accurate supplier record. - Published: 2023-04-26 - Modified: 2024-09-06 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/accelerate-erp-and-p2p-onboarding/ - Categories: Onboarding - Tags: Supplier Data Management, Supplier Onboarding, Vendor Data Management, Vendor Onboarding - Types: Blog, Resource Center Graphite streamlines supplier onboarding & validation, integrates with ERP & P2P systems, and automates risk management. Does your supplier onboarding process take too long? You're not alone. In a recent survey, eighty percent of procurement teams say their onboarding is too slow! Maybe you use PDFs or spreadsheets to collect supplier data. Or you have to sift through multiple, often duplicate records. Perhaps your team has to manually enter data into separate Procure-to-Pay (P2P), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and other accounting software that don't play well together. Bottom line? These issues can potentially kill your team's reputation and ability to add value. Onboard Suppliers in Minutes, Use Native Procure-to-Pay and ERP Integrations Graphite Connect can help. Our end-to-end supplier lifecycle and risk management software system offers a central location for buyers and sellers to connect, collect, and securely store all necessary information. Suppliers can easily enter their own data through Graphite's secure supplier portal and then click to connect and share this information with buying organizations looking for those exact products or services. With Graphite, your procurement team can streamline processes and automate repetitive tasks like supplier onboarding, due diligence, and data management. Effortlessly onboard suppliers, verify your data is accurate in Graphite, and then sync that information into your critical P2P and ERP systems for a de-duplicated, accurate supplier master record exactly where you need it. Eliminate Duplicate Supplier Records Easily search for an existing supplier or create a new supplier account. Each time a supplier enters a tax ID and country of registration, Graphite automatically performs a hard check to ensure an account for that vendor hasn't... --- ### Managing Tail Spend in Procurement to Control Costs & Boost Efficiency > Managing tail spend helps is critical to control costs and improve proficiency. Our tail spend management framework can help you reduce unnecessary expenses. - Published: 2023-04-19 - Modified: 2024-07-16 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/manage-tail-spend/ - Categories: Spend Management - Tags: Procurement, Spend Management, Supplier Management, Vendor Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Identify, categorize, and allocate suppliers to streamline procurement processes, control costs, and boost efficiency. Managing your tail spend is critical to control costs and improving proficiency. The tail spend management strategies below can help you reduce unnecessary expenses, streamline your procurement process, and improve your bottom line. What is tail spend in procurement? Tail spend in procurement describes infrequent, low-value purchases that can add up significantly over time. These small purchases may include office supplies, maintenance and repair services, travel, and small equipment purchases. The term "tail" refers to the end of a distribution curve with many small transactions. Although tail-end spend usually represents only a small percentage of an organization's total spending, it can be complex and challenging to manage since it often involves many suppliers and thousands of transactions. The exact tail spend definition varies from company to company and depends on your spend threshold. Tail spend management framework: How to manage tail spend in procurement? Effective tail spend management is essential to mitigating risk (such as limited visibility, compliance issues, increased costs, and reduced quality) and ensuring your organization gets the best value for the money spent. Plus, it can help you save time in your procurement process, which offers significant savings. Yet, many procurement teams shy away from manage your tail spend as it can be overwhelming due to the complexity of expenses. Use the following steps as your basic tail spend management framework to help you: Step 1: Start with a tail spend analysis To conduct tail spend analysis, you first need to define what it means in your... --- ### How Graphite Creates Golden Supplier Records > Graphite can start addressing your data problems immediately, even if your ERP issues are not resolved. Supplier records are within reach. - Published: 2023-04-04 - Modified: 2024-08-26 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/graphite-golden-supplier-records/ - Categories: Graphite - Tags: Procurement, Supplier Data Management, Supplier Information Management, Vendor Data Management, Vendor Information Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Graphite transforms your procurement with its secure network, automated supplier data management, and less stress. The best way to organize your supplier information is with accurate, live supplier records. What Is Graphite? Platforms like LinkedIn have become an integral part of the modern-day work environment, where professionals can expand their networks and easily share their experiences with potential employers and peers. With a user-friendly search interface and vast user base, LinkedIn offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with others in your industry or company. Like LinkedIn, Graphite also helps businesses to connect in a network architecture. In the realm of data management, Graphite stands out as a powerful tool for managing commercial data. At the heart of Graphite is the golden vendor record, which plays a critical role in maintaining the accuracy and completeness of commercial data within an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Yet, Graphite's scope extends far beyond just managing commercial data. It's a comprehensive suite packed with features and services that streamline supplier data management, optimize workflows, and enhance operational efficiency. From robust data governance to ensuring data quality, Graphite equips businesses with the tools they need to make informed, data-driven decisions confidently. Graphite revolutionizes procurement processes by giving suppliers and vendors the ability to manage their own critical data, automatically validating supplier data, and integrating seamlessly with critical business systems like ERP and Procure-to-Pay (P2P). This modern approach amplifies the efficiency of procurement teams, aligning them with the demands of the modern business environment. How Does Graphite Create a Golden Record? Managing supplier records information can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, the Graphite network simplifies... --- ### How to Ensure Security When Adopting New Technology > How are new technology or tools and applications introduced to your organization? “Procurement holds the purse strings,” says Aaron Oyler. - Published: 2023-03-28 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-ensure-security-when-adopting-new-technology/ - Categories: Security - Tags: Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Risk Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center The procurement process should define business needs, schedule technology reviews, and approve with contingencies. How are new technology or tools and applications introduced to your organization? If your employees are purchasing technology from a supplier without it being properly vetted by IT or security, your business could be exposed to major compliance and regulatory issues. Procurement is the gate As a procurement leader, you are the gatekeeper between the business unit defining a need and sourcing a product or tool to fulfill that need. It’s critical to get IT involved from the get-go. “Procurement holds the purse strings,” says Aaron Oyler, Chief Product Officer of Graphite Connect. “And the best way to get the business to do something is to say you’ll hold up the money until these steps are followed. We won’t sign the contract until you’ve checked all the boxes. ” That’s why it’s important to have a workflow for bringing on new technology. Develop a workflow for onboarding new technology Start by creating a procurement workflow that is unique to your organization’s business needs. Be sure to include all the pieces that require reviews, including the technology, architecture, project plan, and third-party management. Download this sample workflow to help you collaborate more effectively with your IT and security teams. Use these basic steps as guidelines to help you when onboarding new technology: Define a business need: The process starts with the business unit defining a need and then working with procurement once a product has been selected to help solve the problem. Schedule a technology review: Next up, the Chief Information Officer... --- ### Think of Procurement Security as a Main Ingredient, Not the Icing > Engaging security and IT in your procurement process helps to ensure products and services acquired meet procurement security needs. - Published: 2023-03-22 - Modified: 2024-08-16 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/procurement-security-is-a-main-ingredient-not-the-icing/ - Categories: Security - Tags: Procurement, Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Risk Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Prioritize security in procurement by partnering with IT and security, creating policies, and establishing workflows. To help your business stay competitive, employees must work more efficiently than ever. So they’re adopting new tools to help them work faster and smarter. But how do you make sure that the technology and those third-party suppliers they’re bringing on board don’t pose additional risk for your company? You ensure this by making procurement security an intrinsic part of your procurement process. An immature organization will jump into a contract and start buying software before anyone in IT has reviewed the architectural and design specs. On the other hand, a mature company recognizes the importance of designing security throughout the procurement process to ensure visibility and accountability across the supply chain. A mature organization will focus as much on procurement process security as it will on its margins. Bake procurement security in, don’t slather it on “People think of security as icing. They build the cake and then realize, ‘Oh yeah, we need that security icing. ’ So they put that icing on at the end, and then the threat actor comes along, scrapes off the icing, and there's the whole cake for them,” says one expert. “You cannot do that. It has to be one of the main ingredients of the cake. Not just the icing. ” When you engage security and IT as an integral part of your procurement process, you help to ensure the products and services you acquire meet your company’s security and technical requirements—and save some major headaches in the future. Here are some guidelines to... --- ### Updating Your Supplier Banking Information with Graphite > You can quickly identify your suppliers who banked with now-closed banks and expedite updating your master record with verified banking information. - Published: 2023-03-21 - Modified: 2024-06-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/bank-failures/ - Categories: Data - Tags: Supplier Bank Data, Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Bank Data, Vendor Risk Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Graphite helps businesses identify suppliers with accounts in closed banks and expedite banking information updates. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has caused a lot of turmoil in the business world, even resulting in the collapse of other large banks. Whether your organization had an account with the bank or your suppliers did, the impact was felt across industries. Beyond just switching their accounts to a new bank, updating supplier records is another challenge to deal with, as delays will significantly impact direct deposit and electronic payments being processed. With Graphite Connect, you can quickly identify which suppliers banked with now-closed banks, target these suppliers with mass communication, and swiftly update your master record with verified supplier banking data to avoid any interruption to your business. For Buyers Graphite Connect provides accurate visibility into which of your suppliers banks with at-risk or defunct financial institutions. Advanced search capabilities allow you to pinpoint suppliers with bank accounts at affected banks. This enables you to focus specifically on those suppliers you need to fix problems with rather than reaching out to your entire supply chain en masse. By targeting only those affected, you can quickly message them to confirm data or remind suppliers to update their bank account data. Built-in communication tools makes getting the word out to your suppliers easy. Additionally, with Graphite, you can rest assured that the new bank account information is accurate and protected from fraud. Any banking data, including bank accounts being updated, requires your suppliers to verify themselves through two-factor authentication in a secure portal. Additionally, changes must be approved by... --- ### Is your Supplier Information Management System Creating a Bottleneck? > One of the most essential tasks in procurement is supplier information management to keep your supplier data accurate and up to date. - Published: 2023-03-14 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/is-your-supplier-information-management-creating-a-bottleneck/ - Categories: Data - Tags: Supplier Information Management, Supplier Management, Vendor Information Management, Vendor Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Streamline your supplier information management processes and save time with proactive strategies and automation. The larger your organization the more complicated your task for managing all the supplier information you gather. A larger size doesn’t only mean more supplier data but also means more diverse and evolved supplier data. Further, the growth in size and complexity can sometimes be so meteoric that your existing supplier information management systems cannot cope. Upgrading your supplier information management system can help you get ahead of the curve but how do you go about it? Let’s see. How to bring your supplier data management processes to the modern day Regardless of which industry you’re in, focusing on improving your supplier information management can bring you a significant competitive advantage. Keeping supplier information accurate and up to date can feel near impossible, but with the right processes, this task can shift toward a more proactive approach. With proactive strategies in place, you'll save your team the time it takes to reactively track down supplier information and use that time to make even more significant business impacts. Keep the business running The first job of procurement is simply to keep the business running. When a business initiative requires the use of a supplier, it is procurement's job to find and pay that supplier. The best thing to focus on in this stage is doing this quickly and effectively. The best thing you can do with so few resources is create a solid foundation. Establish a process of gathering and storing supplier data that is scalable. Try to act with the... --- ### Getting one step ahead in supplier information management > Graphite Connect allows procurement teams to implement a streamlined supplier information management process and centralized supplier data. - Published: 2023-03-08 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/get-ahead-in-supplier-information-management/ - Categories: Data - Tags: Supplier Information Management, Supplier Management, Vendor Information Management, Vendor Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Move your procurement team from reactive to proactive, increase visibility, and streamline supplier management. How to move supplier information management from reactive to proactive. Procurement teams everywhere attempt to become more proactive while drowning in reactive work. Sound familiar? Implementing change with few resources can be challenging, but it is possible. The key to moving from reactive to proactive is efficient processes with supplier information management. Reactive Procurement When businesses are small, procurement is often an afterthought. With no team dedicated to the function, someone usually performs it as a side project. So, by default, the process becomes very reactive. The business will gather supplier data as needed to pay suppliers and keep the business running. Therefore, a strategy looking at company goals and other risk factors only becomes necessary as the business grows. If your business is in this phase, it's crucial to begin by laying a foundation that can be quickly built upon while not taking more resources than the business has to give. Keep the business running When a business initiative requires the use of a supplier, it is procurement's job to find and pay that supplier. The best thing to focus on in this stage is doing this quickly and effectively. Think of the basic information you need to do business with a supplier. Especially for new or immature organizations, the only information they'll absolutely need is commercial data– as in, all of the information you'd need to write a check or send a payment via ACH. Be sure that you set up a process for collecting this data with... --- ### 5 Supplier Performance Metrics Every Vendor Scorecard Should Include (and How They Fuel Supplier Performance Management) > Good performance leads to ongoing collaboration and innovation. Utilize the right performance metrics to create your supplier scorecards. - Published: 2023-02-27 - Modified: 2025-04-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/5-supplier-performance-criteria-every-scorecard-should-include/ - Categories: Supplier Management - Tags: Supplier Management, Supplier Performance Management, Vendor Management, Vendor Performance Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Supplier Performance Reviews should use key suppliers, simple measures, and consistent processes to track performance. Choosing the right suppliers can be tricky. Are they reliable? Cost-effective? Do they deliver quality goods and services? Just asking these questions isn't enough in today's global marketplace. Your procurement team needs data-driven insights to stay competitive and effectively manage your supplier partnerships. That's where supplier performance scorecards come in. These real-time vendor performance report cards shine a light on cold, hard facts rather than relying on guesswork or gut feelings. What Is a Supplier Scorecard? A well-constructed supplier scorecard is an indispensable tool for continuous improvement of your supplier relationship management strategies. Think of it as your supplier performance dashboard that paints a clear picture of who's truly delivering. An effective vendor performance scorecard captures key performance indicators (KPIs) like: On-time delivery: Are they consistently on schedule? Quality: Do their products or services meet your standards? Cost: Are they within budget? Customer service: How responsive and helpful are they? Measure & Monitor Performance with Supplier Scorecards Vendor scorecard metrics offer an objective lens for tracking and improving supplier performance over time. For example, this data collection and analysis allows you to identify: Top performers: Who consistently delivers superior results? Areas for improvement: Where can suppliers adjust to better meet your needs? Potential risks: Are there any red flags requiring corrective actions? Key Metrics to Include in Your Vendor Performance Scorecard Although there's no one right way to build a scorecard, here are five core supplier scorecard metrics that every scorecard should include to drive continuous improvement: Level of Service... --- ### Do You Have a Supplier Improvement Plan? > What to do when you encounter poor supplier performance? Supplier Improvement or remediation plans should be built into your regular meeting schedule. - Published: 2023-02-23 - Modified: 2025-03-25 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/respond-to-poor-supplier-performance/ - Categories: Supplier Performance Management - Tags: Supplier Management, Supplier Performance Management, Vendor Management, Vendor Performance Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Learn to handle underperforming suppliers through more frequent performance reviews and creating a remediation plan. Strong supplier performance equals a reliable and efficient supply chain. However, even the best suppliers can face challenges that impact their quality, delivery, and compliance. A supplier improvement plan gives you a structured approach to identifying issues, setting clear goals, and driving continuous improvement. By proactively managing supplier relationships, businesses can reduce risk, enhance collaboration, and optimize procurement processes. Regular performance reviews play a critical role in this process, too. They help you track supplier progress and address concerns before they escalate. Managing supplier performance depends on regular supplier performance reviews For an underperforming supplier, you may want to increase the frequency of performance reviews. But make sure to allow enough time between supplier business reviews to make the required changes. Performance reviews keep you informed about your partners’ performance and let them know you’re watching closely. Managing supplier performance takes time, but consider that as you hold regular performance reviews, you can work with your supplier to better identify and track areas where improvement is needed. These reviews aren’t held to micromanage your supplier but rather to find ways to work with the supplier and assist them in meeting performance standards. Not only will these reviews ensure that your supplier performance improves, but they can also strengthen relationships with your supplier, which can prove to be incredibly valuable in the long run. Consistently reviewing supplier performance is necessary, but it is only effective when followed up with a structured improvement effort. A supplier improvement plan translates feedback into actionable... --- ### The 5 Stages of Effective Supplier Lifecycle Management > The goal of effective Supplier Lifecycle Management (SLM) is for both you and your supplier to gain maximum value from the partnership. - Published: 2023-02-14 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/the-5-stages-of-effective-supplier-lifecycle-management/ - Categories: Supplier Management - Tags: Supplier Management, Supplier Offboarding, Supplier Onboarding, Vendor Management, Vendor Offboarding, Vendor Onboarding - Types: Blog, Resource Center Effective SLM includes 5 stages to maximize partnership value, reduce risk and cost, and build profitable relationships. Your organization's success depends on suppliers for the timely delivery of goods and services. To get the most out of these supplier relationships, you must practice effective supplier lifecycle management. Not an easy task, is it? By understanding each stage in the lifecycle and having a standard supplier lifecycle management process in place to manage it, your organization can build a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship while reducing your risk and costs, too. What Is Vendor or Supplier Lifecycle Management? The goal of effective Supplier Lifecycle Management (SLM) is for both you and your supplier to gain maximum value from the partnership. This end-to-end approach will help you better manage suppliers in a transparent, organized, and integrated way. Here is a brief summary of the five stages in the supplier lifecycle management process: 1. Segmentation You likely depend on several vendors—some are long-term partners, while others might only work with you a few times. Being able to segment them based on their potential impact on your business is the first step in effective vendor lifecycle management and proper nurturing of your supplier relationships. Segmentation is the process of classifying suppliers into distinct groups so you can determine the level of attention needed and then dedicate the right resources to the working relationship. In other words, where does this supplier fit in? How important are the supplier to your supply chain? What type of supplier risk is introduced? Proper supplier segmentation is the first step to effective supplier management. Key Supplier Classifications Suppliers can generally be grouped into... --- ### Supplier Segmentation and Why It Matters > Supplier Segmentation based on their potential impact on your business is the first step in effectively managing the relationship. - Published: 2023-02-08 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-segmentation-and-why-it-matters/ - Categories: Supplier Management - Tags: Procurement, Supplier Management, Supplier Selection, Vendor Management, Vendor Selection - Types: Blog, Resource Center Supplier segmentation should be tailored to fit your needs and be based on quantitative and qualitative metrics. Segmenting suppliers based on their potential business impact is the first step in effectively managing the supplier relationship. By classifying suppliers into distinct groups, procurement professionals can better dedicate the right level of resources to the business partnership. In other words, which supplier categories does a particular supplier fit in? How important is each supplier to your supply chain? What risks does the supplier pose? Once you understand this, you can tailor your supplier relationships and interactions more efficiently. And to understand this, you need supplier segmentation. What Is Supplier or Vendor Segmentation? Supplier segmentation is the strategic process of placing suppliers in categories based on specific criteria like size, risk profile, and importance to your business operations. This helps you better allocate your resources and manage the various types of suppliers with the right level of care. Supplier segmentation is a vital piece of supplier relationship management and can help to improve the overall efficiency of your supply chain management strategy. Why Is Supplier Segmentation Important? No two suppliers are alike, which is why you need a vendor segmentation model to effectively manage them. Those you can identify as key to your business require more engagement than others. By prioritizing suppliers and separating these critical suppliers into groups based on your specific criteria, you can determine the level of attention needed and identify your risk exposure. Given the pivotal role suppliers play in the overall success of your business, even minor improvements in performance management can lead to major... --- ### Supplier Performance: Spot Weaknesses and Curb Risk > Effective supplier performance management enables you to give your suppliers clear feedback so they know what’s expected of them. - Published: 2023-02-02 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/supplier-performance-management-spot-weaknesses-and-curb-risk/ - Categories: Supplier Performance Management - Tags: Supplier Management, Supplier Performance Management, Vendor Management, Vendor Performance Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Discover best practices in supplier management to build long-lasting, profitable partnerships with your suppliers. Effective supplier performance management throughout the contract period enables you to give your suppliers clear feedback so they know what’s expected of them, how their performance is measured, and what they need to do to move to the next level. So how often should you meet with suppliers? What are the best Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to use? What questions should you ask in a performance management review? Here are some best practices to help you build longer-lasting, more profitable partnerships with your suppliers. Meet with Suppliers Regularly Once you’ve worked with a supplier long enough and have enough data, you’ll want to meet with them regularly to ensure everything is running smoothly. During these check-ins, you can address account health, performance reviews, potential issues, and anything else that is relevant to the relationship. Decide the timing that best fits your business, and be sure always to have a predetermined agenda. Key Performance Indicators Frequent Check-ins also help ensure your suppliers meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as outlined in their contracts and Statements of Work (SOW). Depending on your type of business, there are many different KPIs. Examples include: Costs: labor and materials Operational: Productivity, average cycle time, quality, and safety Environmental: Carbon emissions, water usage, and waste generation Social: Community involvement and social responsibility Technology: Uptime, downtime, and on-time delivery Support: Response times, global support availability, and average time-to-resolve Factors to Consider When Choosing KPIs When selecting which KPIs to monitor, consider the following: KPIs should be easy to... --- ### 5 steps to Increase Procurement Stakeholder Visibility > Proper procurement stakeholder visibility is an issue many teams face when there are unclear processes and decentralized storage of supplier data. - Published: 2023-01-26 - Modified: 2025-03-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/increase-stakeholder-visibility-on-your-procurement-team/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Efficient Procurement, Procurement, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Relationships - Types: Blog, Resource Center Many procurement teams fall victim to obscurity within their organizations. Run internal campaigns to avoid this. Proper stakeholder visibility is an issue many procurement teams face. With unclear processes and decentralized storage of supplier data, giving team members and procurement stakeholders proper visibility can take a lot of work. However, if this problem is not fixed, a procurement team’s efficiency and internal reputation will likely suffer. Still trying to figure out where to begin? Keep reading to learn the steps you can take to increase project stakeholder visibility within your procurement department. Outline transparent processes When your team is functioning well enough, it can feel redundant to sit down and outline precise procedures for intake, risk management, and other procurement tasks. However, doing so will not only increase the efficiency of your procurement team but will also increase your procurement stakeholders' visibility into where their requests are at any given time. When you can point to exactly what stage a request is in, it gives those you work with confidence that their requests are being given proper priority. Conversely, when there is a lack of visibility, project stakeholders can feel frustrated that their requests aren’t moving along quickly. Create extremely clear processes, give stakeholders visibility, and watch as your team builds trust within the company. Keep procurement stakeholders informed When you have centralized processes, you can then make it a high priority to keep stakeholders informed. Be proactive rather than reactive– instead of waiting until a stakeholder asks about a request, give them regular updates on where their request is and what the timeline to completion... --- ### Creating a Vendor Offboarding Checklist > The purpose of a vendor offboarding checklist is to help you removes a supplier's access to your systems, data, and infrastructure when terminating a contract. - Published: 2023-01-25 - Modified: 2024-07-11 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/guide-to-supplier-offboarding/ - Categories: Supplier Management - Tags: Procurement, Supplier Offboarding, Vendor Offboarding - Types: Blog, Resource Center Offboarding suppliers ensures sensitive information and reduces risk of data breaches and compliance violations. What happens when you run a report and you see your company hasn’t used a particular vendor in a few years? It’s time to deactivate the account or offboard that vendor. But, it isn’t the easiest thing to do, especially with vendors who have been involved with your company or project for a long time. In such scenarios, there will be a lot of loose ends to take care of. This is exactly when having a standard vendor offboarding checklist comes in so handy. Your vendor offboarding checklist is designed to keep track of all the project sections, responsibilities, and documentation as well as ensure information security and an amenable break. We’ve created this guide to help you create a vendor offboarding checklist that will support your vendor offboarding process in a clean and comprehensive manner. What Is Vendor Offboarding and Why Is It Important? Vendor offboarding is the process of formally ending a vendor relationship and transitioning to a new vendor or terminating the use of vendor services altogether. It is important because it ensures a smooth transition, protects sensitive data, and allows for proper closure of contracts and obligations. Removing a vendor's access to your internal systems, data, and corporate infrastructure when terminating a contract, helps to ensure your company maintains security and reduces risk of data breach. Most companies today don’t properly offboard vendors with whom they no longer engage. This opens the organization to potential risks by leaving vendors with direct access to sensitive information, intellectual... --- ### How to Measure the Effectiveness of Your Procurement Team > One of the biggest ways your procurement team can become more effective is by buttoning up your processes. - Published: 2023-01-24 - Modified: 2024-07-09 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-measure-the-effectiveness-of-your-procurement-team/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Business Goals, Procurement, Strategic Sourcing - Types: Blog, Resource Center Boost ROI by understanding common KPIs which help evaluate vendor relationships and improve supplier performance. For leaders looking to run an effective and efficient procurement team, a necessary step is understanding and reporting on common KPIs that can be used to measure both supplier and team performance. Procurement teams that understand their KPIs and how to improve them can boost their return on investment (ROI). They can also better evaluate current vendor relationships and identify the next steps to improve supplier performance. We'll talk about the top KPIs your procurement team should be tracking, how you can measure them (even the less tangible "soft" values), and how you can improve on the baselines. Top KPIs for Procurement Teams to Track and Improve Number of Suppliers / Vendors The number of suppliers your organization uses over time can tell you a lot about your dependence on certain types of vendors and whether you have a need to diversify, add, or remove suppliers in any area. Dividing this number by the types of products or services offered by the supplier can also help your team make correlations between the number and the nature of the relationship with different types of vendors. For example, if you have only one vendor in a product category, it can be seen as an exclusive relationship that may come with added benefits for loyalty and longevity. However, it can also mean that if supply runs low for physical items, getting what you need in time could prove more difficult. Conversely, if you work with a larger number of suppliers in a given... --- ### What You Should Know Before Diving into an ERP Transition > How to implement a new ERP Transition system without disrupting your business’s important daily operations. - Published: 2023-01-20 - Modified: 2024-07-16 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/managing-erp-transitions/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Business Goals, Procurement, Supplier Data Management, Vendor Data Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Transitioning from one ERP to another is a headache. If improperly integrated, they put a halt on business operations. Here's how to implement a new ERP system without disrupting important daily business functions. Are you realizing that your current Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can’t keep up with business growth? Worried how migrating to a new system could impact your daily business operations? Transitioning from one ERP system to another can be a headache, sometimes taking years to fully integrate. According to Forbes, 95% of businesses report an improvement in business processes after implementing an ERP system. Yet, 75% of ERP migrations fail, according to global consultancy firm, McKinsey. Why? These large projects often get out of hand and go over budget, resulting in negative returns. Here's how to navigate your successful ERP implementation journey (while avoiding dangerous pitfalls). What Is an ERP Implementation? An ERP system serves as a central hub that brings together information and processes across different business units, from finance and human resources, to supply chain management. An ERP implementation is the process of installing ERP software system within an organization. Although implementation can be complex and time-consuming, it can mean improved data accuracy and a boost in productivity and cost savings. Don't Underestimate the Scope of Your ERP Implementation Project Many businesses underestimate how large the ERP implementation project will actually be. When scoping out your data migration plan, consider how many key stakeholders will be involved and the amount of culture and process change that will be required. It may be more than you think. Don't start your next ERP implementation without adequate... --- ### Being a Gatekeeper in Vendor Management: Maximizing Supply Chain Resilience by Preempting Risks > Add value to your company by turning your procurement team into seasoned gatekeepers in vendor management. - Published: 2023-01-19 - Modified: 2025-03-17 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-be-an-expert-risk-gatekeeper/ - Categories: Risk Management - Tags: Supplier Management, Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Management, Vendor Risk Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Each vendor exposes your organization to risks. Understanding this exposure is the first step to preventing risk. For supply chain leaders, the procurement team plays a crucial role in managing supplier risk. Overlooking this responsibility can have severe financial repercussions for your company. By transforming your team into adept gatekeepers within vendor management you will add significant value to your organization. Every supplier integrated into your company operations and supply chains brings associated risks, and it's imperative for your procurement team to effectively mitigate these risks. If your organization lacks a robust supplier risk management strategy, this could open the door to potential disruptions and costly errors. What Is Supplier Risk Management? Supplier Risk Management (SRM) is the critical process of identifying, analyzing, and addressing the risks associated with your suppliers. This means that it is natural for the existence of gatekeepers in vendor management. The risks that these vendor management gatekeepers monitor range from data breaches and operational failures to various other business disruptions that can impact your suppliers' capacity to deliver, and in turn, significantly affect your organization's ability to provide products and services to your customers. If your gatekeepers in vendor management can effectively manage supplier risks, safeguarding your business operations and maintaining a steady flow of goods and services to your customers will become easier. Why Is Having Gatekeepers in Vendor Management Critical? Gatekeepers in vendor management are crucial for ensuring resilience, compliance, and operational efficiency in an increasingly complex global business environment. The goal of SRM is to minimize the potential for unforeseen issues and supply chain disruptions that can arise from... --- ### Your Guide to a Positive Procurement Reputation > It’s your job to help stakeholders see beyond that small scope and understand your value to improve procurement's reputation. - Published: 2023-01-12 - Modified: 2024-03-29 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/improve-procurements-reputation/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Guided Intake, How to Buy, Procurement, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Relationships - Types: Blog, Resource Center Creating visibility and standardized processes will go a long way to gaining trust in your organization. It's unfortunate, but sometimes procurement's reputation isn't always the greatest; often it's seen as an unnecessary roadblock to business success. Being inside of procurement, you know that's simply not true. Your team performs the essential tasks of saving the business money and keeping it safe from risk. But do other employees know that? Without help, most people only understand their own world, goals, and issues. It's your job as a strategic partner to help them see beyond that small scope and understand procurement's imperative value in your organization. If that resonates, it might be time for your team to do a reputation makeover. Here are a few essential steps to help you get started. 1. Create a Centralized Intake Process If you're like a lot of companies, chances are your intake process is a bit messy. Low visibility and unclear procedures can slow down your team and decrease your value in the eyes of fellow employees and customers. If you want procurement to be synonymous with efficiency, quality, and helpfulness, this is something you must change. Creating a centralized intake process will allow stakeholders visibility every step of the way. It will eliminate confusion and create clarity. In addition, using a centralized supplier management tool like Graphite will allow you to create and manage a list of preferred suppliers, making your supplier onboarding program more efficient. 2. Gain Greater Visibility with Supplier Data Management Does your team have a central location to store the most up-to-date supplier data? Too often, the answer is no. Instead, supplier... --- ### Where Are You on the Procurement Maturity Scale? > Where is your company when it comes to procurement maturity? Did you know that your team’s capabilities indicate which tier you are in? - Published: 2022-12-07 - Modified: 2025-03-19 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/the-procurement-maturity-scale/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Efficient Procurement, Procurement, Strategic Sourcing - Types: Blog, Resource Center Learn how to identify the various stages of procurement maturity and how to grow your team's impact to the next level. Like any organization, you want to achieve best-in-class status. But before reaching this lofty goal, you must first have a genuine understanding of your current capacity. The capabilities of your procurement team are correlated to your maturity level, so let’s take a closer look at where you may be on the procurement maturity scale. According to Danielle Salyers, 2nd Vice President of Strategic Sourcing at Allied Solutions, there are generally three different levels of procurement, along with their corresponding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Here’s a quick summary of each: Tier 1 (Basic): Purchasing Purchasing professionals are responsible for transactional purchases and executing simple tasks at this basic level. They typically don’t weigh in on contracts or suppliers. Instead, purchasing professionals track goods to ensure they get delivered on time and make entries in a receivables system. Purchasing stage KPIs As far as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) go, you’re just trying to stay ahead of business needs. Your main responsibilities include: Tracking inventory Ensuring timely deliveries Getting products from point A to point B Tier 2: (Intermediate): Procurement This intermediate level of procurement maturity involves more negotiations. Although your team is still making purchases and may make some input regarding contracts and suppliers, you’re not driving the decision-making process or exerting the influence you could be to ensure your company is making the right decisions. It is critical to note that Tier 2 organizations are still responsible for the transactional purchases and task execution in Tier 1. As your team grows... --- ### 5 Best Practices for Building a Top-Notch Strategic Sourcing Team > Strategic sourcing team experts don’t just partner with internal stakeholders. They also focus on creating mutually beneficial partnerships. - Published: 2022-11-30 - Modified: 2022-11-30 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/build-a-top-notch-strategic-sourcing-team-2/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Business Goals, Efficient Procurement, Procurement, Strategic Sourcing - Types: Blog, Resource Center Building a team of strategic sourcing professionals may be daunting, but it can be done with a few simple steps. Procurement is rapidly shifting from a behind-the-scenes function to a highly visible and influential part of the business that's focused on driving innovation and value. To unlock more opportunities, procurement teams must be prepared to take on roles that go beyond traditional purchasing and contract management, shifting their focus instead to a more strategic sourcing process. By following a strategic approach, procurement departments can deliver more savings, increased value and build a better procurement reputation across their organizations. Consider these five essential steps to grow your influence and earn a seat at the stakeholder's table where you can be more involved in strategic decision-making. 1. Engage with the Business to Deliver the Greatest Impact Any successful strategic sourcing team wants to understand how the business operates, any challenges, and where there are opportunities for continuous improvement, cost savings, and innovation. Begin by seeing your suppliers as assets. Which suppliers and companies you choose to work with can either help you achieve your goals or drive you farther away from them. They can be strategic allies to your business as well. Your suppliers are experts in their industries just as you are in yours. Working together you can find innovative solutions that benefit you both. Danielle Salyers, 2nd Vice President of Strategic Sourcing at Allied Solutions says, “When we work together efficiently and share that knowledge, we deliver the greatest impact to the business and, ultimately, to our clients. ” Help stakeholders identify objectives To build trust, meet regularly with your stakeholders to understand their objectives. Consider the following... --- ### Building a Strategic Sourcing Team: 5 Best Practices > Strategic sourcing team experts don’t just partner with internal stakeholders. They also focus on creating mutually beneficial partnerships. - Published: 2022-11-30 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/build-a-top-notch-strategic-sourcing-team/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Business Goals, Efficient Procurement, Procurement, Strategic Sourcing - Types: Blog, Resource Center Building a team of strategic sourcing professionals may be daunting, but it can be done with a few simple steps. Procurement is rapidly shifting from a behind-the-scenes function to a highly visible and influential part of the business that's focused on driving innovation and value. To unlock more opportunities, procurement teams must be prepared to take on roles that go beyond traditional purchasing and contract management, shifting their focus instead to a more strategic sourcing process. By following a strategic approach, procurement departments can deliver more savings, increased value and build a better procurement reputation across their organizations. Consider these five essential steps to grow your influence and earn a seat at the stakeholder's table where you can be more involved in strategic decision-making. 1. Engage with the Business to Develop a Strategic Sourcing Plan Any successful strategic sourcing team wants to understand how the business operates, any challenges, and where there are opportunities for continuous improvement, cost savings, and innovation. Begin by seeing your suppliers as assets. Which suppliers and companies you choose to work with can either help you achieve your goals or drive you farther away from them. They can be strategic allies to your business as well. Your suppliers are experts in their industries just as you are in yours. Working together you can find innovative solutions that benefit you both. Danielle Salyers, 2nd Vice President of Strategic Sourcing at Allied Solutions says, “When we work together efficiently and share that knowledge, we deliver the greatest impact to the business and, ultimately, to our clients. ” Help stakeholders identify objectives To build trust, meet regularly with your stakeholders to understand their objectives. Consider the... --- ### Supplier Discovery: How to Find Suppliers Willing to Invest in Your Business > Suppliers can be strategic partners in your business, follow our supplier discovery guide on how to find suppliers who are willing to invest in your business. - Published: 2022-11-21 - Modified: 2025-02-26 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-find-suppliers-willing-to-invest-in-your-business/ - Categories: Supplier Management - Tags: Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Management, Supplier Selection, Vendor Management, Vendor Selection - Types: Blog, Resource Center Choosing the wrong supplier can be very costly. Discover how to select suppliers who are committed to your success. As a strategic sourcing professional, you want to be sure that the money you spend with a supplier delivers value in return. The problem is there’s only so much value you can generate by just focusing on the cost of products and services; if you are wondering how to find suppliers that will be the best fit, you need to expand your criteria. Research demonstrates when buyers and suppliers work together, they can unlock significant new sources of value that benefit them both. According to a 2020 McKinsey survey, companies that regularly collaborate with suppliers tend to outperform industry peers in terms of more significant growth, lower operating costs, and higher profitability. So how can you be sure you’re choosing the right supplier in your initial negotiations? Consider these tips that will help you in your supplier discovery journey: Conduct supplier discovery meetings The best supplier relationships and contracts don’t just happen through a single interaction, says Danielle Salyers, 2nd Vice President of Strategic Sourcing at Allied Solutions. Instead, they develop through a series of repeated supplier discovery meetings. It’s up to your team to ask the right questions. You already know the objectives of the business unit you’re working with. How will that particular supplier help you meet those goals? Through these conversations, you’ll get a sense of whether your prospective supplier is genuinely interested in giving you the best service possible or simply checking boxes to earn a sales commission. Perform regular business reviews with your suppliers Supplier discovery... --- ### Shrink Your RFP Response Time & Win More Contracts > Graphite Responder can help you speed up your RFP response time without tapping already stretched resources, all for free. - Published: 2022-11-01 - Modified: 2024-06-27 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/shrink-your-rfp-response-time/ - Categories: RFP Response - Tags: Efficient Procurement, Procurement, RFP Response - Types: Blog, Resource Center With Graphite, responding to RFPs and connecting with buyers is as simple as a few clicks. Are you looking for solutions to optimize your RFP development process, especially when facing challenges like limited resources? According to research, just writing a single RFP takes an estimated 24 hours. And company size makes a difference. For example, companies with fewer than 100 employees take an average 15+ hours to write an RFP, while firms with more than 10,000 employees take up to 35 hours. What Exactly Is an RFP? A Request for Proposal (RFP) is a formal document intended to solicit proposals from vendors for a specific project. An effective RFP clearly defines the project requirements, including the deliverables, timelines, and cost expectations for both parties involved. The challenge is, most RFPs represent a time-consuming workload for you as a vendor, and there's no guarantee after putting in all that time and effort that you'll win the business. Imagine you only had to answer the standard RFP questions and submit the required document once. What if you had software that could leverage your answers from past vendor RFP questionnaires you've completed to automatically populate your the next RFP you submit ? Graphite can help. Answer RFP Questions Once, Share Endlessly Graphite makes it easy for companies to answer the next RFP as it comes up. To get started, simply create a free Graphite profile for your company. Then, once you've answered the questions about your business and uploaded the necessary documents, you'll be able to quickly match the information stored in your profile with the questions from the next RFP... --- ### 4 Easy Steps to Enhance Your Procurement Intake Process > With a smooth and efficient intake process, your key stakeholders won’t remember how they managed without you. - Published: 2022-10-26 - Modified: 2024-10-10 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/four-steps-to-streamline-your-intake-process-2/ - Categories: Intake - Tags: Guided Intake, How to Buy, Procurement, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Relationships, Supplier Intake, Vendor Intake - Types: Blog, Resource Center Employees may find ways to work around procurement if your team’s intake process is long and inefficient. If you're like many companies, your finance and procurement departments are constantly stretched thin. That's why it's important for your employees to be able to easily monitor and submit requests for purchases without relying on tedious manual processes and data entry methods. What Is Procurement Intake? The intake process is the gateway for employees at your company to access your procurement team. This procurement process is essential for initiating and approving any new purchases or vendor onboarding requests. But if this entire process is slow due to manual data entry and other cumbersome processes, employees might bypass your department, which can lead to increased maverick spending and ultimately diminish your procurement team's impact. To address this, streamlining your intake is key. By unifying your intake processes, you can help your organization improve employee adoption of procurement processes, increase efficiency, get cost savings, reduce supplier risk, and control spend. Below, discover four straightforward steps your team can implement to create a more streamlined and effective intake process. 1. Leverage Automation to Streamline Purchase Requests Purchase requests can come from anyone at the company and comprise anything from laptops and software to office supplies. Large-spend purchases will typically require direct involvement from your team for risk assessment and spend approval. However, not all purchases require such close and careful management. In fact, most small purchase orders can be completed quickly and easily, with just digital tools and a little bit of guidance. Automating your intake process enables all employees to engage with... --- ### 4 Procurement Intake Process Steps Your Company Needs to Make Everything Streamlined and Efficient > With a smooth and efficient procurement intake process, your key stakeholders won’t remember how they managed without you. - Published: 2022-10-26 - Modified: 2025-03-06 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/four-steps-to-streamline-your-intake-process/ - Categories: Intake - Tags: Guided Intake, How to Buy, Procurement, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Relationships, Supplier Intake, Vendor Intake - Types: Blog, Resource Center Employees may find ways to work around procurement if your team’s intake process is long and inefficient. If you're like many companies, your finance and procurement departments are constantly stretched thin. That's why it's important for your employees to be able to easily monitor and submit requests for purchases without relying on tedious manual processes and data entry methods. This is where having well-defined procurement intake process steps can ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. A standardized procurement intake process flow works because it creates a unified system that applies to every department and individual in the organization. What Is the Procurement Intake Process Flow? The procurement intake process is the gateway for employees at your company to access your procurement team. The procurement intake process flow is the sequence of steps that need to be undertaken for the procurement team to swing into action and address a specific procurement request. The procurement process is essential for initiating and approving any new purchases or vendor onboarding requests while the procurement intake process flow is important because it creates a standardized operating procedure that everyone in the company must follow. But if this entire process is slow due to manual data entry and other cumbersome processes, employees might bypass your department, which can lead to increased maverick spending and ultimately diminish your procurement team's impact. To address this, streamlining your intake is key. By unifying your intake processes, you can help your organization improve employee adoption of procurement processes, increase efficiency, get cost savings, reduce supplier risk, and control spend. Below, discover four straightforward steps your team... --- ### An F1 Pit Crew Team Does the Same Job as Your Business Procurement Department > F1 pitcrews prioritize efficient and precise systems. In this, they aren’t different from successful business procurement teams! Let’s analyze these parallels. - Published: 2022-10-24 - Modified: 2024-10-20 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/procurement-is-the-pit-crew-for-your-business/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Management, Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Management, Vendor Risk Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Learn how F1 crews have improved over the years and how procurement teams can do the same. Since kicking things off in Bahrain in late March for the first official Grand Prix Race of this cycle, the 2022 F1 season has been going full force and keeping us on the edge of our seats with some of the most elite racing machines and their drivers going toe to toe. Part of what draws so many to F1 racing fandom is the intrigue behind what it takes to orchestrate a win on the racetrack. But we do not always see those on the sidelines ensuring everything runs smoothly. In fact, Formula 1 pit crews create a striking parallel with procurement teams and leave us with many informative lessons. We will take a closer look at the parallels between Formula 1 and business procurement teams with a brief history of F1 and the evolution of the pit crew. Just as F1 pit crews have adapted their methods and roles as racing technologies have changed, procurement has experienced a similar shift. The F1 Pit Crew and the Evolution of the Sport Formula 1 has come a long way from the sport's early days in the 1950s. Over the following seven-plus decades, the sport has undergone repeated evolution, from the cars to how the pit crew operates. A closer look at what has happened and why the pit crew is such an integral part of ensuring a racing team's success will reveal how this compares to procurement's role in keeping an organization on track and ahead of the pack. F1 Pit... --- ### Your Step-by-Step Guide to New Supplier Onboarding Process > The new supplier onboarding process can be tricky simply because there are so many things to monitor. But, you can still simplify it through proper strategy. - Published: 2022-10-13 - Modified: 2024-08-07 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/step-by-step-guide-to-supplier-onboarding/ - Categories: Onboarding - Tags: How-to Guide, Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Onboarding, Vendor Onboarding - Types: Blog Onboarding new suppliers doesn't have to be complicated. Download a simple checklist to learn how easy it can be. Bringing on a new supplier is a complex practice involving a multitude of manual steps. By first establishing a clear and organized new supplier onboarding process, you can avoid expensive mistakes that put your organization at risk. From identifying a business need and finding a supplier to performing due diligence and onboarding the vendor, the entire new supplier onboarding process is often slowed down by multiple handoffs and manual, error-prone procedures. Lack of visibility combined with compliance issues can be a formula for delays and increased risk. A strong vendor onboarding process creates positive partnerships and drives better outcomes Supplier onboarding is the process of collecting information from prospective partners, assessing any potential risks they may bring, and integrating them into your supply chain. The goal is to make sure both parties have the right information and documentation to work together productively, minimize risk, and leverage the full value of the partnership. By creating a streamlined onboarding process you can build stronger relationships with your suppliers that drive better business results for both parties. Benefits of a streamlined supplier onboarding process: Enhanced collaboration between key stakeholders Consistent data collection Faster approval and activation of new suppliers Increased efficiency Cost and risk reduction Ensure regulatory compliance Improved overall supplier engagement Higher ROI Create your new supplier onboarding process flow Before you can onboard a new supplier, you first have to establish the exact steps in the process, as well as the people and departments responsible for managing the process. Use this... --- ### 3 Tips to Grow Your Spend Under Management with Graphite > Trying to streamline your spend management? All it takes is 3 strategies deployed carefully to grow your spend under management. - Published: 2022-10-05 - Modified: 2025-02-05 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/grow-your-spend-under-management/ - Categories: Intake - Tags: Guided Intake, How to Buy, Supplier Intake, Supplier Onboarding, Supplier Selection, Vendor Intake, Vendor Onboarding, Vendor Selection - Types: Blog, Resource Center Boost spend under management by empowering stakeholders. Don't let new supplier requests hold you back. Growing your spend under management is essential for any procurement team. When you have a higher percentage of transactions coming through your department, you can align closely with company goals, saving your business time and money. So how can you increase your managed spend? Efficiency is key. The rest of your employees will either see your procurement processes as a help or a hindrance. But with streamlined and strategic procurement process, both your fellow employees and potential suppliers will come to see your team as a facilitator rather than a bottleneck. First, a few definitions: What Is the Difference Between Direct and Indirect Procurement? These are two fundamental categories in procurement management, and each has a distinct impact on your managed spend. Direct Procurement refers to goods or services purchased which are directly incorporated into the products manufactured by a company. These items are part of the production process and contribute to the end product. Examples include raw materials for a manufacturing plant, components for electronic devices, or ingredients for a food processing company. Managing these goods and services effectively is crucial because these purchases directly affect a company's core business operations and product quality. Indirect Procurement, on the other hand, involves purchasing goods and services that are necessary for day-to-day operations but are not part of the final product. These can include office equipment and office supplies, maintenance and repair operations (MRO), IT services, marketing materials, and facility management. While these indirect purchases do not contribute directly to creating... --- ### Procurement in a Changing World > Procurement is changing, spurred on by numerous procurement reforms, growing trends, and other unforeseen circumstances in the market. - Published: 2022-10-04 - Modified: 2025-03-06 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/procurement-in-a-changing-world/ - Categories: Risk Management - Tags: Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Diversity, Supplier Management, Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Management, Vendor Risk Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Changing trends, new regulations, and unforeseen circumstances require procurement teams to do things differently. Across the world, a widespread procurement evolution is occurring. This evolution has been spurred on by numerous procurement reforms, constantly changing trends, and other unforeseen circumstances in the market. In order to address these changes and stay ahead of the competition, procurement professionals must pivot and adapt quickly. This pivot especially includes those in charge of vendor management systems, supplier management, and more. In this competitive, high-stakes procurement arena, stumbling is not an option – at least for those of us focused on success, sustainability, and growth. And don't we all want that? Learning how to better understand and address each of these elements is of paramount importance to remaining relevant in a changing world economy. Join us as we dive into what's happening in procurement today, how it is driving a range of behaviors and emerging trends, and what this means for you and the future success of your procurement strategies. After all, one of the most impressive success stories today – and someone who knows a thing or two about procurement and strategy – is Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos, who once said, “In today’s era of volatility, there is no other way but to re-invent. The only sustainable advantage you can have over others is agility, that’s it. Because nothing else is sustainable, everything else you create somebody else will replicate. ” Jeff Bezos, Founder of Amazon Clearly, Bezos knows how vital adaptation and re-invention is for procurement to keep striving for supply chain efficiency. So, without further ado,... --- ### Effective Vendor Management Can Boost your Bottom Line > Effective vendor management is critical to improving your bottom line and boosting procurement efficiency. But what does it entail? Graphite explains! - Published: 2022-09-13 - Modified: 2024-11-07 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/boost-your-bottom-line-with-effective-supplier-management/ - Categories: Supplier Management - Tags: Spend Management, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Management, Supplier Onboarding, Supplier Performance Management, Vendor Management, Vendor Onboarding, Vendor Performance Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Learn how effective supplier management can boost the effectiveness of your procurement team. Mastering supplier management has become crucial in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business world. As global market dynamics shift and supply chains grow more complex, the need for more strategic and efficient supplier relationships intensifies. Smart and effective vendor management is no longer simply about securing raw materials at the best prices; modern supplier management demands agility, quality, and innovation, all while navigating a global supply chain landscape. Recent global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have further highlighted the importance of a resilient supplier base. Effective vendor management is now a cornerstone for ensuring supply chain resilience, risk mitigation, continuous improvement, and maintaining a competitive advantage in unpredictable times. What is Vendor Management? Supplier management is the process of overseeing and working with suppliers to make sure they provide the best possible services or products at maximum value to your company. This includes selecting suitable suppliers, negotiating prices and contracts, validating the quality of products or services, and managing relationships with multiple suppliers. Why Is Vendor Management Important? Supplier management is vital for any company that purchases goods. A successful supplier management process involves identifying your ideal suppliers, developing and maintaining relationships, monitoring supplier success, and managing supplier risk. How to Create Value with Solid Supplier Relationships An effective supplier management process builds stronger, long-term supplier relationships. Closer partnerships between you and your suppliers can create significant value for your business. In fact, companies that regularly collaborate with their suppliers demonstrate more growth, lower operating costs, and greater profitability than their competitors ¹ —all... --- ### How to Improve Your Supplier Vetting Process? > Your choice of vendors can make or break your company. This is why you need to focus on your supplier vetting process. - Published: 2022-08-30 - Modified: 2025-02-25 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-suppliers/ - Categories: Onboarding - Tags: Supplier Onboarding, Supplier Risk Management, Supplier Selection, Vendor Onboarding, Vendor Risk Management, Vendor Selection - Types: Blog, Resource Center Choose trustworthy suppliers who can provide what you need and keep your sensitive data safe. Before starting a business relationship with your vendors, you need to undertake a thorough supplier vetting process to understand their backgrounds and business practices better. You must have absolute confidence in their ability to provide the products and services you require and be certain they're capable of safeguarding your sensitive data. Choosing the ideal suppliers for your business is critical to your procurement success, especially in today’s competitive business environment. By establishing a well-defined vendor vetting process, you can be assured of finding the right supplier for your business needs while ensuring your data is secure to reduce risk. Use this handy guide to identify potential suppliers and spot any red flags: Establish a Selection Criteria for Vetting Vendors What specific conditions do you want your prospective suppliers to meet? Remember, not all suppliers will satisfy every standard. That’s why it’s important to identify what’s most essential to your business beyond just competitive pricing. One of the most important questions to ask is whether their service or product does what you need it to do. Want your products to be top-shelf quality? When vetting vendors, consider a supplier who may have a slower delivery rate but can provide this level of quality. Also, set deal breakers, such as poor quality or overpriced services. By defining these types of supplier selection criteria your business will be able to better manage risks in your supply chain. Make Risk Assessment a Part of Your Supplier Vetting Process To reduce the potential for increased... --- ### How to Optimize Your Supplier Onboarding Process > Optimize your supplier onboarding process with a standardized process, built-in risk management, and smart technology. - Published: 2022-08-25 - Modified: 2024-08-07 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-optimize-your-supplier-onboarding-process/ - Categories: Onboarding - Tags: Efficient Procurement, Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Onboarding, Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Onboarding, Vendor Risk Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center The speed of business is increasing every day. Too often, supplier onboarding becomes a bottleneck to doing business. The speed of business is increasing every day. Too often, however, supplier onboarding becomes a bottleneck to getting business done. By focusing on three basic areas, you can easily improve your supplier onboarding processes and also increase the performance of your procurement team. How is Your Current Onboarding Process Performing? Onboarding a new supplier can be time-consuming for everyone. For the supplier, it means filling out multiple questionnaires that regularly ask the same questions they've already answered. For you and other internal stakeholders, it means managing numerous documents and frequently inconsistent supplier data, often living in siloed systems. This approach seriously limits cross-team visibility into your supply chain and onboarding activities. How do you optimize your vendor onboarding process to work more efficiently for both you and your new suppliers? If you focus on improving these three areas, you can significantly streamline and accelerate your entire onboarding process and enhance your supplier relationships: 1. Create a Standardized Supplier Onboarding Process Make it easier for new suppliers to work with you by creating standard supplier onboarding best practices. If possible, have a dedicated team for onboarding and supplier relationship management. This will help you improve operational efficiency and better manage supplier risk in your supply chain. Improve visibility with a central supplier management platform To further standardize vendor onboarding, you can use a central supplier management platform to track communications with existing and potential suppliers, record and validate supplier data, and securely share relevant supplier information with other company systems. Create an onboarding timeline that... --- ### Procurement's Evolving Role: Tracking Value Beyond Cost Savings > While cost savings are still a priority, more business leaders are beginning to expect procurement teams to track value objectives. - Published: 2022-07-13 - Modified: 2025-03-03 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/procurements-evolving-role-tracking-value-beyond-cost-savings/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Procurement, Spend Management, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Performance Management, Supplier Selection, Vendor Performance Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center The success of a procurement team is dependent on much more than cost savings, and your goals have to reflect that. Today, customers, investors, and other stakeholders want to do business with companies that care about the greater good and not just greater profit. They’re interested in companies that focus on ethical and sustainable business practices, not just on the bottom line. In fact, 72% of survey respondents said they are actively buying more environmentally friendly products than they did five years ago. 81 percent said they expect to buy even more over the next five years. ¹ And for good reason. Factors like environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), as well as diversity and risk management provide value beyond simply saving money. According to one report, solid ESG practices resulted in better operational performance in 88% of companies. ² While cost savings are still a priority, more business leaders are beginning to expect procurement teams to track value objectives outside of the price tag. Yet these targets can be challenging to track and resolve. For one thing, many companies still use spreadsheets and other homegrown solutions that leave room for discrepancies and errors. And it’s common to see multiple tracking tools in the same organization—sometimes even within the same department. That’s why it’s critical for procurement teams to have a reliable system for tracking supplier performance across these new categories—ESG, diversity, and risk. Save time and reduce error with automation Relying on manual processes to match buyers with suppliers is an inefficient method of the past. A technology platform that automates time-consuming tasks reduces the possibility of human error—like mistyping a word... --- ### Intelligent Vendor Risk Management > Companis put themselves at risk when they don’t implement an effective third party risk program including Vendor Risk Management (VRM). - Published: 2022-05-27 - Modified: 2025-04-15 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/intelligent-vendor-risk-management/ - Categories: Risk Management - Tags: Supplier Data Management, Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Data Management, Vendor Risk Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Learn how to create ideal risk mitigation programs that align with your business objectives. Carefully selected vendors are important resources for goods, services, and innovation. However, these vendors often bring additional risk, which is why vendor risk management (VRM) is such a critical element of third-party risk and procurement programs. What Is Vendor Risk Management and Why Is It Important? Vendor risk management is identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with third-party vendors. This is important because it can help protect your organization from potential financial, reputational, and regulatory compliance risks that may arise from your vendor relationships. How COVID Disrupted Supply Chains These past few years of COVID economic recovery have made ‘supply chain and supply chain disruptions' a household concern. “Nearly two years after the world first learned of COVID, the supply chain is still experiencing an unfortunate series of firsts – a historic level of carrier unreliability, record high freight rates, all-time low warehouse vacancies, and more. ” Everyone understands that vendor and supply chain issues have impacted consumer availability of food, fuel, electronics, automobiles, and more. Managing Vendor Risk in Your Supply Chains Manufacturing and vendor risk management teams have managed supply chain risks as long as the modern factory has existed. However, within the last 2-3 decades, the proliferation of global sourcing and ‘digital everything' has made it critical to also evaluate and consider indirect vendor risk. It's also dropped the threshold where a company needs to be mindful of FCPA/ABC and... --- ### Complete Onboarding Questionnaires Faster than Ever > With Graphite Connect, suppliers can elimitate redundant onboarding questionnaires and significantly reduce response times. - Published: 2022-03-10 - Modified: 2024-08-07 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/complete-onboarding-questionnaires-faster-than-ever/ - Categories: Onboarding - Tags: Onboarding Surveys, Procurement, Supplier Onboarding - Types: Blog, Resource Center Onboarding surveys can quickly become burdensome, especially if you're answering the same questions multiple times. Supplier vetting is a top concern for your customers. And rightly so. But do you ever feel like constantly waist deep in onboarding questionnaires, each one asking the exact same questions as the previous one? Frustrating, isn’t it? What if you only had to answer those questions once and then could easily (and securely) share that data with as many businesses as you wanted? Imagine being able to connect with thousands of buyers looking for your products or services. Consider this: The right network can help you cut back on redundant onboarding questionnaires and keep your business running at top speed. Download the Full Infographic Benefits of a central network Consider these 5 benefits of joining a network built specifically for buyers and suppliers: 1. Connect with more buyers in less time. Take the legwork out of finding good business partners. In a central network, the information is all right there in one place. The best network will allow you to discover opportunities to work with companies that are looking for what you sell. It enables you to create a business profile once for your company, then save and share it over and over again—safely and securely. 2. Answer once, share many times. Move from managing multiple emails and spreadsheets to a single business profile that you can share as many times as you want. Find a network where you answer standard supplier questions to build your profile and then can share endlessly with thousands of connected buyers looking for your... --- ### 3 Ways to Speed Up Supplier Onboarding > Onboarding a new supplier can be time-consuming,but with the following three things, you can dramatically speed up supplier onboarding. - Published: 2022-03-03 - Modified: 2024-03-29 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/3-ways-to-speed-up-supplier-onboarding/ - Categories: Onboarding - Tags: Efficient Procurement, Procurement, Supplier Data Management, Supplier Information Management, Supplier Onboarding, Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Data Management, Vendor Information Management, Vendor Onboarding, Vendor Risk Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Supplier onboarding doesn't have to be a slow process. Learn how to accelerate onboarding and drive business success. Onboarding suppliers — the process of gathering all the necessary information and documents for supplier approval — is a crucial but cumbersome task. Often, supplier onboarding is a month-long process. And for bigger companies, it could take additional time, dragging on for half a year. Whether 30 days or six months, the real delays come from the tedious, manual verification of supplier data and documentation, like ISO certifications, bank details, and tax records. Despite the hassle, this due diligence is critical to ensure new suppliers meet all the legal, compliance, and company-specific requirements. You know the drill. As the buying organization, you reach out requesting information, and the supplier responds with the necessary data. It's a manual back and forth process that's time consuming for both parties. For suppliers, it means answering the same questions on different forms. For you, it translates to a mountain of paperwork and data to keep track of, not to mention the murky visibility across your supply chain and supplier relationships. And each new partner introduces risks, ranging from data security to compliance issues. Imagine if you could navigate these hurdles more smoothly? In this blog, we'll unveil three key strategies to accelerate your supplier onboarding process, while managing risk at the same time. Manage Data, Tasks, and Teams in One Place With a central network, you have a single location where you can more easily keep track of your data, tasks, and teams. It's easier for internal stakeholders to upload and organize contracts and legal... --- ### Top 10 Procurement Questions Your Team Should Be Able to Answer > It’s up to you and your team to answer procurement questions and share meaningful data that offers value and helps stakeholders. - Published: 2022-02-16 - Modified: 2024-10-25 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/10-procurement-questions-your-team-should-be-able-to-answer/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Business Goals, Procurement, Spend Management, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Relationships, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Data Management, Supplier Information Management, Supplier Managment, Supplier Performance Managment, Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Data Management, Vendor Information Management, Vendor Management, Vendor Performance Management, Vendor Risk Management - Types: Blog, Resource Center Arming your procurement team with accurate and actionable data is the key to success in procurement. As a procurement professional, it’s up to you to walk into a conversation armed with meaningful data that offers value and helps stakeholders achieve their overall objectives and questions. Too often, procurement is viewed as a bottleneck in a tangle of corporate bureaucracy. You’ve got to show up in a way that proves you’re there to support your stakeholders’ objectives. Being able to go into a meeting backed with insightful business intelligence is a powerful way to build credibility and help stakeholders achieve their goals. But you need access to clean, quality data in order to answer any potential procurement questions. “All procurement systems are built on some kind of data,” says Conrad Smith, CEO of Graphite. “Not having good data in place means you don’t have good results. ” Right away, if you’re armed with this crucial information, you can show stakeholders: Who their suppliers are Where they’re spending the most money Where there’s an overlap of suppliers Strategic business leaders will immediately ask you these types of procurement questions. If you can’t answer them, you’ll end up looking incompetent and losing credibility. And internal credibility is massively impactful and valuable to the overall procurement results you’re trying to achieve. But a lot of procurement teams don’t do a good job at answering these basic inquiries. Can your data workbench answer these procurement questions? The following procurement questions provide the framework for a meaningful discussion with every business stakeholder. You and your most experienced people may already be doing this... --- ### How to “Right-size” Procurement to Align with Business Goals > Regardless of the stage, it’s up to procurement to deliver support and value that aligns with the core business goals. - Published: 2022-02-10 - Modified: 2024-10-20 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/how-to-right-size-procurement-to-align-with-business-goals/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Business Goals, Procurement, Strategic Sourcing - Types: Blog, Resource Center Build a world-class procurement team that is effective at every stage of your organization's growth stage. Do you envision building a “world-class” procurement department? There’s nothing wrong with that. But before doing that, it’s even more important to recognize which stage your business is in—and the needs that you’re supporting. Regardless of the stage—whether start-up, growth, or mature—it’s up to procurement to deliver support and value that aligns with the core business goals and objectives. Most businesses follow a growth pattern called the “S curve. ” In the beginning, everyone works to get the business up and running. Procurement helps wherever possible. As the business starts to grow, the slope of the S curve increases. It gradually gets steeper until it levels out after reaching market saturation. At the top of the curve, the business has two choices: innovate and thrive or stagnate and die. As the business matures in these later phases, it’s up to procurement to evolve and grow, too. Unfortunately, a procurement department that is disconnected will hold the company back during this crucial stage of growth and innovation. This is where procurement professionals must be able to swiftly pivot and adjust their approach when working with business units in significantly different stages. Where Is Your Business on the “S” Curve? Business leaders don’t often bring on a dedicated procurement person during the startup phase. What they’re typically looking for from procurement is someone who can work in a chaotic setting, jump quickly between tasks, solve problems, and make sure bills are paid. A company at this stage doesn’t need a procurement expert who... --- ### Unlocking Procurement Value with the Hierarchy of Procurement Needs > Procurement has a hierarchy of needs. To satisfy those higher needs, teams must first prove procurement's value to leaders and stakeholders. - Published: 2022-02-03 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/prove-procurements-value-to-build-trust-and-unlock-opportunities/ - Categories: Procurement - Tags: Procurement, Spend Management, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Relationships, Strategic Sourcing - Types: Blog, Resource Center Create more opportunities for value in your supply chain by proving value from the bottom up. Procurement, like any business department, has an array of needs that must be met. Some basic needs are met by nature of a business's function, but other needs won't come until until procurement's value is proved to leaders and key stakeholders. In the popular hierarchy of needs from psychologist Abraham Maslow, we discover a human’s basic needs for health and safety. In the model, the most necessary building blocks are at the bottom of the procurement pyramid creating a stable foundation. As you fulfill those basic needs, you’re enabled to meet “higher” needs and move up the pyramid. Similar to Maslow’s model, we’ve created a hierarchy of procurement needs. In a company with focused leadership, a procurement department that does a phenomenal job managing transactions is more likely to be asked to help at the higher tiers of procurement such as sourcing, supplier management, and the company’s financial or diversity strategy. It’s at these upper levels where greater opportunities can be unlocked for procurement — enabling the department to save the business significant time and money. However, without first meeting the business’s basic procurement needs, those upper channels cannot be unlocked. Prove Procurement's Value from the Bottom Up The most basic responsibility of a procurement team is to manage a company’s transactions. If your team is struggling to effectively or efficiently manage transactions and keep a high percentage of spend under management, you’ll need to solve that issue before considering other ways your team can show the value of procurement... . --- ### How to Start a Supplier Diversity Program in 5 Steps > The purpose of a supplier diversity program is to not only promote a more equitable world, but also it encourages the growth of under-represented businesses in a sustainable manner. - Published: 2022-01-27 - Modified: 2025-03-17 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/5-easy-steps-to-set-up-your-supplier-diversity-program/ - Categories: Supplier Diversity - Tags: Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Diversity, Supplier Management, Supplier Selection, Vendor Diversity, Vendor Management, Vendor Selec - Types: Blog, Resource Center Learn how to infuse diversity into your company culture, unlocking hidden opportunities for your business. Supplier diversity and inclusion are hot topics today. This has never been truer for business procurement. More companies are stepping up their game with procurement strategies that encourage partnering with minority-owned businesses, women-owned business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses. And for good reason. Embracing new, diverse suppliers as business partners brings both commercial and social benefits. With supplier diversity programs comes stronger thinking and economic development. Supplier diversity is also a smart business strategy that ensures a diverse supply chain when it comes to procuring goods or services for any government or private organization. According to Harvard, 20 out of 24 clients have some level of focus on supplier diversity. Take UPS, for example. The company currently spends $2. 6 billion annually doing business with roughly 6,000 small businesses and diverse suppliers—and plans to bump up that number year over year. ¹ Why Your Company Needs a Supplier Diversity Program Not only does it promote the desire for a more equitable world, but a supplier diversity program encourages the growth of traditionally under-represented businesses. This helps create jobs and tax revenue in local economies and communities. Beyond that, an inclusive supply chain expands the pool of potential suppliers and promotes innovation by introducing new products and ideas. Potential Roadblocks to Supplier Diversity for Procurement Teams Maybe you want to do your part and increase your spend with more diverse supplier categories and businesses. But it can be difficult to know where to begin. You have to be able to find the right suppliers for your business. And when you do, you... --- ## ## Press Articles ### Utah Leaders in Procurement at Ancestry > Join the Leaders in Procurement Community (it's free!) at Ancestry on June 17th for an evening of networking, learning, and fun! - Published: 2025-04-29 - Modified: 2025-04-29 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/utah-leaders-in-procurement-at-ancestry/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press We're excited to announce that we are returning to Ancestry to host our next Utah Leaders in Procurement networking event! Event Details Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM MDT Location: Ancestry Headquarters - Lehi, UT What to Expect Join procurement professionals from across Northern Utah for an evening of networking, learning, and fun. 6:00 - 6:45 PM: Arrival and Networking 6:45 - 7:30 PM: Fireside Chat + Learning Session 7:30 - 8:30 PM: Continued Networking + Drinks Light appetizers will be served as you connect with peers in Ancestry's beautiful headquarters, with a side of spectacular views. Come ready to share ideas and make valuable connections! About Leaders in Procurement Leaders in Procurement brings together professionals who want to network, learn, and grow. Created by procurement for procurement, our community spans Utah, London, Bay Area, and New York - with no membership fees! Registration This event is exclusively for procurement and supply chain professionals. Register now on Eventbrite. Questions? Contact team@leadersinprocurement. net --- ### Graphite Connect to Sponsor Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: Chicago 2025 > Graphite is excited to announce it's partnership with Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: Chicago.Visit the Graphite Booth at the event! - Published: 2025-04-28 - Modified: 2025-04-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/procurement-and-supply-chain-live-chicago-2025/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Join Graphite and other procurement leaders and solutions this May in Chicago. 🗓️ May 28-29, 2025 📍Convene Willis Tower, Chicago Graphite is excited to announce its partnership with Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: Chicago. Join the Graphite PIT crew and fellow procurement peers to focus on amplifying productivity and fueling growth. About the Event Join top C/V/D-level executives for a game-changing event elevating supply chain and logistics in enterprise organizations. Gain exclusive insights, engage in honest discussions, and uncover strategies to optimize procurement and supply chain operations. Meet us There Register here for Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: Chicago and stop by our booth for an on-site demo. Graphite is a supplier management platform that drives business forward with secure, centralized data and automated relationship management, harnessing the power of our patented network of verified profiles. --- ### London Leaders in Procurement Kickoff > Attend the inaugural London Leaders in Procurement Event hosted by KPMG and Graphite on May 8th exclusively for procurement professionals. - Published: 2025-04-18 - Modified: 2025-04-18 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/london-leaders-in-procurement-kickoff/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite Connect is excited to announce that we are partnering with KPMG to bring the Leaders in Procurement Community to London! The inaugural event set for May 8th will be the first of many opportunities for procurement professionals to come together to Learn, Grow, & Share. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 8th from 5:00 to 7:30 pm GMT, we are bringing together the brightest minds in procurement for an evening that combines valuable insights with genuine connections at the KPMG Canary Wharf location. This event will feature: Light appetizers and refreshments Valuable networking opportunities with industry peers An insightful fireside chat Space is limited for this exclusive event. Please register as soon as possible to secure your spot! Register Now Graphite is committed to fostering collaboration and excellence in the procurement industry. We look forward to seeing you at this inaugural London event! --- ### Graphite Launches AI Extract: Revolutionizing Supplier Onboarding > AI Extract transforms how procurement and compliance teams handle supplier documentation, dramatically reducing manual effort and improving accuracy. - Published: 2025-03-25 - Modified: 2025-03-26 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-launches-ai-extract-revolutionizing-supplier-onboarding/ - Categories: Announcements, Press - Types: Press Graphite, a leader in supplier management & onboarding, today announced the launch of AI Extract, a groundbreaking platform improvement designed to automate the extraction, summarization, and auto-population of supplier questionnaires. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, AI Extract transforms how procurement and compliance teams handle supplier documentation, dramatically reducing manual effort and improving accuracy. Organizations frequently require extensive supplier data for compliance, risk assessment, and procurement processes. However, gathering and inputting this information—often sourced from files such as SOC reports, contracts, certificates of insurance, W-9s, and other key supplier documents—has traditionally been a tedious, error-prone process. AI Extract eliminates this challenge by automatically extracting relevant data, summarizing critical information, and pre-filling supplier questionnaires with unparalleled speed and precision. “AI Extract represents a major leap forward in supplier management automation,” said Conrad Smith, CEO at Graphite. “By leveraging AI, we are enabling procurement and compliance teams to focus on higher-value tasks while ensuring data integrity and consistency across supplier engagements. ” Key features of AI Extract include: Automated Data Extraction – AI-powered recognition and retrieval of key supplier data from commonly used documents. Example: Extracting contract end dates and payment terms from contracts. Intelligent Summarization – AI-generated summaries of critical supplier information for faster decision-making, Example: Noting key exceptions in SOC reports. Auto-Population of Questionnaires – Seamless integration with supplier forms to reduce manual data entry and minimize errors. Enhanced Compliance & Risk Management – Ensures accurate and up-to-date supplier information, improving regulatory adherence and risk mitigation. The real power of AI Extract comes... --- ### Graphite Connect Named to the Prestigious 2025 World Procurement Awards Shortlist - Published: 2025-03-17 - Modified: 2025-04-18 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-named-to-the-prestigious-2025-world-procurement-awards-shortlist/ - Categories: Announcements, Press - Types: Press Recognition Underscores Graphite’s Commitment to Transforming Supplier Management Lehi, UT – March 17, 2025 – Graphite, the leader in supplier onboarding and risk management, is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted for the Procurement Technology Provider Award at the 2025 World Procurement Awards (WPA). This recognition highlights Graphite’s innovation in streamlining supplier connectivity, fostering collaboration, and enabling procurement teams to operate with greater efficiency and transparency. The World Procurement Awards, hosted by Procurement Leaders, is one of the most prestigious accolades in the procurement industry, celebrating organizations and individuals that are redefining procurement excellence. Graphite Connect’s inclusion in the Procurement Technology Provider category reflects its impact in modernizing procurement processes, enhancing supplier relationships, and mitigating risks through its cutting-edge platform. “Being named to the WPA shortlist is a testament to our mission of revolutionizing supplier management by building the first-ever true supplier network,” said Conrad Smith, CEO at Graphite. “Graphite was designed to remove friction from procurement workflows, and this recognition reinforces our commitment to driving efficiency and collaboration across global supply chains. ” The winners of the World Procurement Awards 2025 will be announced on May 15, 2025, during a live ceremony at InterContinental London – The O2. The event will bring together procurement leaders from around the world to celebrate excellence, innovation, and the future of procurement. For more information about Graphite Connect and how it’s transforming supplier onboarding and management, visit graphiteconnect. com About GraphiteGraphite is a leading provider of supplier management solutions, enabling procurement teams to... --- ### Transform Your Supplier Data into AI Gold > Save the date for March 25th, 10 am MT. Join industry experts Susan Walsh (Classification Guru) and Conrad Smith (Graphite) live. - Published: 2025-02-21 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/ai-webinar-announcement/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Press Turn supplier data chaos into AI gold. Join industry experts March 25th at 10 AM MT. 🗓️ March 25th, ⏰ 12 pm ET Transform your messy supplier data into AI-powered insights that drive smarter procurement decisions. Join data classification expert Susan Walsh and Graphite CEO Conrad Smith for an action-packed session revealing the secrets to AI-ready supplier data. What You'll Learn Get a proven framework for preparing supplier data for AI Learn real-world implementation strategies that actually work See how leading organizations are transforming their data Have your toughest questions answered by industry experts "The biggest barrier to AI success isn't the AI - it's the data. Let's show you how to change that. " - Susan Walsh (Data Guru) Register Now --- ### Graphite and Link Logistics Team Up in New York > Join Graphite and Link Logistics on March 19th for an exclusive NYC procurement networking event. Connect with peers at the happy hour! - Published: 2025-02-04 - Modified: 2025-03-19 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-and-link-logistics-team-up-in-new-york/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Join fellow New York Leaders in Procurement on March 19th. Great news for the procurement community! Graphite Connect is thrilled to announce we're joining forces with Link Logistics and the New York Leaders in Procurement to host an energizing afternoon of networking, learning, and fun in the heart of the city. Mark your calendars for March 19th, 2025 - this isn't your typical industry event! From 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm ET, we're bringing together the brightest minds in procurement for an afternoon that combines valuable insights with genuine connections and good times at Link Logistics' fantastic offices. The star of the show? An exclusive introduction to procurement at Link Logistics with a special fireside guest (TBA). But don't worry - we know the best conversations often happen over refreshments, which is why we've built in plenty of time for mixing, mingling, and sharing ideas with fellow procurement innovators. What makes this event special? Real talk about procurement transformation (no boring slideshows, we promise! ) Quality time with fellow procurement leaders who get what you do Fresh perspectives on where procurement is heading Happy hour vibes with great refreshments The chance to be part of New York's most dynamic procurement community Are you a procurement professional ready to shake things up? This exclusive gathering is calling your name! Register Now --- ### Graphite on 3 Trends You Can't Afford to Ignore in Supplier Onboarding > On Feb 19th, discover how network-driven solutions are revolutionizing supplier onboarding. Learn to eliminate manual processes, ensure data.. - Published: 2025-02-03 - Modified: 2025-02-03 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/3-trends-you-cant-ignore/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Learn how network-driven solutions are the key to keeping data accurate and making supplier onboarding effortless. 🗓️ February 19th, ⏰ 11 am EST Is your procurement team still struggling with endless emails, outdated supplier data, and security concerns? Join our upcoming webinar to discover how network-driven solutions are transforming supplier onboarding from a tedious process into a strategic advantage. What You'll Learn In this comprehensive session, we'll dive deep into the critical challenges facing procurement teams today and reveal how network-based solutions are revolutionizing supplier onboarding. Transform your supplier onboarding from a bottleneck into a competitive advantage. Learn how leading procurement teams are using network solutions to: Reduce onboarding time from months to days Maintain continuously updated, verified supplier profiles Strengthen security protocols while improving efficiency. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how network-driven solutions are shaping the future of procurement. Register now to secure your spot and join procurement leaders who are already revolutionizing their supplier onboarding processes. Register Now --- ### Graphite Connect to Sponsor World Procurement Congress 2025 > See the Graphite Solution in person at the World Procurement Congress this May at the Intercontinental - London, O2. - Published: 2025-01-20 - Modified: 2025-04-18 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-world-procurement-congress-2025/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Join Graphite Connect in London this May at the World Procurement Congress presented by Procurement Leaders. 🗓️ May 14-15, 2025 📍Intercontinental London - The O2 Graphite is excited to announce its return to the World Procurement Congress in London this May. Join the Graphite PIT crew and fellow Procurement Leaders to focus on amplifying productivity and fueling growth. About the Event Now in its 21st year, the World Procurement Congress has hosted over 1,200 Chief Procurement Officers on stage and welcomed more than 13,000 attendees. This essential gathering provides unparalleled insights, invaluable networking opportunities, and engaging social interactions with business leaders you won't find anywhere else. Be part of future-facing discussions to advance the function, develop future talent, and drive sustainable growth for all. Meet us There Register here for the World Procurement Congress and stop by our booth for an on-site demo. Graphite is a supplier management platform that drives business forward with secure, centralized data and automated relationship management, harnessing the power of our patented network of verified profiles. --- ### Graphite Connect to Sponsor Americas Procurement Congress 2025 > Catch the Graphite PIT Crew in action at America's Procurement Congress this March in Miami, Florida. Schedule an on-site demo now! - Published: 2025-01-20 - Modified: 2025-01-20 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-apc-2025/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press See the Graphite PIT crew in action this March in Miami, FL. 🗓️ March 11-12, 2025 📍 Miami, Florida We are thrilled to announce Graphite Connect's return to Americas Procurement Congress, presented by Procurement Leaders. About the Event The award-winning Americas Procurement Congress is the region's must-attend event for leaders looking to address what's next for procurement. Focused on leveraging innovation, forging strategic partnerships, and utilizing advanced technologies, the 2025 agenda aims to propel regional procurement to new heights. Don't miss this chance to stay ahead, engage with thought leaders, and be part of the conversation driving the next wave of procurement advancements. Meet us There Register here for Americas Procurement Congress. Stop by our booth for an on-site demo featuring our latest product releases. Graphite is a supplier management platform that drives business forward with secure, centralized data and automated relationship management harnessing the power of our patented network of verified profiles. --- ### Graphite Connect to Sponsor ProcureCon Indirect West 2025 > Meet the Graphite PIT Crew at ProcureCon Indirect West this March in Las Vegas, NV. Schedule an onsite demo now! - Published: 2025-01-20 - Modified: 2025-01-20 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-procurecon-indirect-west-2025/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite is set to exhibit in Las Vegas, NV, this March. 🗓️ March 3-5, 2025 📍 Las Vegas, Nevada Graphite is excited to return to ProcureCon Indirect West this March as an exhibitor! About the Event For 25 years, ProcureCon has been the driving force behind world-class sourcing strategies. From seasoned Chief Procurement Officers to rising stars, industry giants to agile startups, ProcureCon equips you with actionable tactics to navigate digital disruption and exceed your savings goals. With a dynamic mix of innovative speakers, interactive sessions with peers, and invaluable networking opportunities, you'll be given the ultimate toolkit for long-term procurement success. Meet us There Register here to attend ProcureCon Indirect West 2025. Graphite is a supplier management platform that drives business forward with secure, centralized data and automated relationship management. Stop by our booth for an on-site demo. --- ### Graphite Returns to ProcureTech Cup 2025! > Join us live on the latest episode of 'The Road to the ProcureTech Cup' on Friday, January 17th at 10 am MST. - Published: 2025-01-16 - Modified: 2025-01-16 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-returns-to-procuretech-cup-2025/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Join us for a live product demo on the next episode of "The Road to The ProcureTech Cup." We're honored to announce that Graphite has been selected to compete in this year's ProcureTech Cup, a bracket-style competition showcasing the most innovative procurement solutions in the industry. This marks our second consecutive year being featured among the leading procurement technologies. Join us LIVE! 🗓️ Friday, January 17th at 10 AM MST 📍 LinkedIn Live During this live episode of The Road to the ProcureTech Cup, we'll demonstrate why Graphite continues to stand out in the procurement technology landscape. Our presentation will include: A comprehensive overview of Graphite's capabilities Deep dive into our patented network approach Dynamic product demonstration Interactive Q&A session The ProcureTech Cup, pioneered by Joël Collin-Demers at Pure Procurement, has become the premier event for discovering cutting-edge procurement solutions. Whether you're actively evaluating new tools or looking to enhance your procurement strategy, this showcase offers invaluable insights into the future of procurement technology. Don't miss this opportunity to see why leading organizations are choosing Graphite to transform their procurement processes. Join us as we showcase our latest innovations and compete against the industry's most promising solutions. Register Now --- ### Graphite Presents 2025 Vendor Fraud Research from The Hackett Group > Tap into the latest Vendor Fraud research with The Hackett Group for a virtual webinar on January 30th at 9 am MST. - Published: 2025-01-08 - Modified: 2025-01-08 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/2025-vendor-fraud-webinar/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Discover how automation and analytics can protect your organization from vendor payment fraud. 🗓️ January 30, 2025 ⏰ 11 AM EST We are excited to announce that Graphite Connect is partnering with The Hackett Group to share the latest 2025 research on Vendor Fraud in a virtual webinar, "2025 Vendor Fraud Trends: A Guide For Procurement. " This webinar will feature experts from the Hackett Group and Graphite Connect, who will provide invaluable insights into the critical importance of fraud prevention in the vendor payment process. Other insights include: Key industry benchmarks and emerging trends Real-world success stories and actionable insights Practical steps to safeguard your financial transactions Start the year fresh with new insights and action items to avoid vendor fraud in 2025. Register Now --- ### Graphite Connect on Improving Procurement's Reputation > Join Graphite Co-Founders as they explore Orchestration and how it can improve Procurement's Reputation on Dec 4th. - Published: 2024-11-19 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-on-improving-procurements-reputation/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Press Join Graphite Connect Founders as they explore how to solve problems before they begin. We are thrilled to announce that we are getting our Co-Founders back together for another exclusive webinar. Improving Procurement's Reputation: How to Solve the 'Front Door' Problem 🗓️ December 4, 2024 ⏰ 11 AM EST Join Conrad Smith (CEO) and Aaron Oyler (CPO) at Graphite as they explore the growing demand for orchestration in procurement and provide actionable strategies for implementing intake best practices in your organization. Our expert speakers will share best practices, real-world case studies, and practical tools to help you streamline your procurement operations. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your procurement approach and drive greater value for your company! What we'll cover: Procurement has a bad UX problem Why is Orchestration such a hot topic in procurement? Key considerations before you go hunting for Orchestration tech When is an organization ready to adopt an Orchestration platform? Where to start & how to implement effectively Register Here --- ### Procurement Leaders to Host Graphite Connect and Wenger Manufacturing for Virtual Webinar > Join Wenger Manufacturing and Graphite Connect on the Procurement Leaders webinar on Dec 12th at 10 AM EST. - Published: 2024-11-19 - Modified: 2024-11-26 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-wenger-webinar/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring our customer Wenger Manufacturing! 5 Ways to Level Up Your Procurement Team in 2025 🗓️ Thursday, December 12, 2024 ⏰ 10 AM EST Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring Wenger Manufacturing and Graphite Connect! Procurement teams must adapt to meet the diverse and fast-changing priorities of their organization. This webinar will explore the critical transformations required for procurement teams, from startups to multinational corporations, to continue to up-level the value they add to the business through strategic procurement. Join us to discover how to segment suppliers based on organizational needs, balance transactional and strategic tasks, identify the data and process issues weighing you down, and build strong, trust-based supplier relationships. Additionally, we'll explore how modern supplier management tools can improve your team's efficiency, ensuring you're equipped for future challenges and opportunities. Key Takeaways: Supplier segmentation strategies to identify value-add opportunities Level-setting your current team functions and determining your skill gaps Balancing transactional vs. strategic procurement tasks Identifying process & data issues holding you back Leveraging technology for enhanced supplier management Speakers will include Ian Lawless, Head of Content Partnerships and Event Director at Procurement Leaders; Conrad Smith, Founder and CEO of Graphite Connect; and John Hoschouer, Head of Procurement at Wenger Manufacturing. Register Here --- ### Graphite Connect Named to SpendMatters 50 Vendors to Watch List for Third Consecutive Year - Published: 2024-10-08 - Modified: 2024-10-08 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-named-to-spendmatters-50-vendors-to-watch-list-for-third-consecutive-year/ - Categories: Announcements - Types: Press Lehi, Utah — October 8, 2024 – Graphite Connect is thrilled to announce its inclusion in SpendMatters’ prestigious 50 Vendors to Watch list for 2024. This recognition underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in the procurement technology space, positioning us among the most promising emerging providers in the industry. The SpendMatters 50 Vendors to Watch list is carefully curated by the SpendMatters analyst team, showcasing newer companies that are making waves in enterprise-level procurement. Our selection reflects Graphite Connect’s strong focus on delivering cutting-edge supplier management solutions, exceptional customer experiences, and a commitment to advancing the procurement landscape. "We are honored to be recognized by SpendMatters as a Vendor to Watch," said Conrad Smith, CEO of Graphite Connect. "This achievement validates our vision that a network of B2B suppliers and vendors sharing data creates a faster, safer way to do business. We look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible in holistic supplier management. " Vendors are selected for inclusion on the 50 Vendors to Watch list based on several criteria, including SolutionMap scores, market mindshare and other company information (age, revenue, customer count, growth metrics, partners, etc. ). This marks Graphite's third consecutive year on the 50 Vendors to Watch list. It comes on the heels of several other industry recognitions as the leading supplier relationship management platform, including being names as a Momentum Leader and High Performer in the Supplier Relationship Management based on customer reviews in the G2 Fall Reports. https://youtu. be/hKSoogh9c14 Media Contact: Kali Geldis... --- ### Graphite Connect to Sponsor DPW Amsterdam 2024 > Meet the Graphite PIT Crew at DPW Amsterdam this October 8-10th to discover breakthrough supplier management technology. - Published: 2024-09-19 - Modified: 2024-09-19 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-dpw-amsterdam-2024/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite is set to return to DPW Amsterdam and exhibit this October. Date: October 8-10, 2024 Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands Graphite is thrilled to return to DPW Amsterdam this October as an exhibitor! About the Event DPW Amsterdam is an annual hybrid technology event held in Amsterdam and is largely considered the world's biggest and most influential tech event in procurement and supply chain. DPW Amsterdam accelerates innovation and impact by connecting startups, tech leaders, mid-market and large enterprises, and investors responding to the world's biggest challenges. Meet us there Register here to attend DPW Amsterdam 2024 in person or virtually tune into the event. Graphite is a supplier management platform that drives business forward with secure, centralized data and automated relationship management. Please stop by our booth in the Start-up Demo Kiosks #51 to learn more or schedule an on-site demo with our team. --- ### Graphite Connect to Sponsor SIG Global Executive Summit 2024 > Join Graphite Connect at SIG GES Fall 2024 with customer Allied Solutions to discover how to make the business case for procuretech. - Published: 2024-09-19 - Modified: 2024-09-19 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-sig-global-executive-summit-2024/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite is set to exhibit and speak in Rancho Mirage, CA, with customer Allied Solutions. Date: October 7-9, 2024 Location: Rancho Mirage, CA We are thrilled to announce that Graphite is set to exhibit and host a session with customer Allied Solutions at the Sourcing Industry Group's Fall Global Executive Summit in Rancho Mirage this October. We will be sending our Graphite PIT crew to showcase the speed and security that Graphite can bring to your supplier onboarding and management processes. About the Event SIG’s 2024 Global Executive Summit is a 3-day event that is packed with the latest best practices, cost-cutting strategies, innovative processes and risk-mitigation approaches. Through CPO roundtables, 4-hour SIG University workshops, keynote sessions, breakout sessions, solution demonstrations, and networking events, you’ll hear from industry thought leaders, discover the latest innovative trends, and have the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals facing similar challenges. About our Session Making the Business Case for Procuretech featuring Danielle Salyers, VP, Strategic Sourcing at Allied Solutions and Jacob Sohn VP of Sales at Graphite Connect. Do you need to build a compelling business case for procuretech adoption? Then, join this session as the presenters cover critical aspects such as quantifying ROI, addressing objections, and aligning with business goals. We will explore strategies to demonstrate procurement's strategic value through technology. We will discuss the practical tools needed to advocate for procurement transformation and convince key stakeholders of prouretech's benefits. You will learn: How to define procuretech, including the benefits and current market landscape How to quantify ROI from cost savings, efficiency gains, and compliance improvements Strategies for... --- ### Graphite Connect Challenges Traditional Supplier Management > Transform your supplier management approach. Learn innovative strategies for segmentation, relationship building, and resource optimization. - Published: 2024-08-22 - Modified: 2024-08-22 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-challenges-traditional-supplier-management/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite announces a groundbreaking webinar offering procurement professionals innovative strategies to transform supplier management, moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to effectively analyze, segment, and prioritize suppliers. Lehi, UT - August 22, 2024 - Graphite Connect, a leader in procurement and supplier management, today announced it will host a groundbreaking webinar titled "Breaking out of One-Size-Fits-All Supplier Management," on September 18th at 11 am EST. In today's complex business environment, effective supplier management is crucial for organizational success. However, many companies still rely on outdated methods and struggle to properly segment and prioritize their suppliers. This webinar aims to address these challenges and provide attendees with innovative strategies to transform their supplier management appraoch. The 60-minute session will cover key topics including: Effective supplier analysis and segmentation techniques Right-sizing supplier management teams and resources Best practices for fostering stronger supplier relationships Implementing and managing successful preferred supplier programs "We're excited to share our expertise and help organizations move beyond the one-size-fits-all approach to supplier management," said Conrad Smith, CEO & Co-Founder at Graphite. "This webinar will provide procurement professionals and business leaders with practical strategies they can implement immediately to drive greater value from their supplier relationships. " This webinar is designed for procurement professionals, supply chain managers, and business leaders responsible for supplier management. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to improve their supplier management practices and drive better business outcomes. Register Now --- ### Graphite Connect to Host Utah Leaders in Procurement > Graphite Connect will co-host the Fall Utah Leaders in Procurement Networking night with Pluralsight on October 3rd. - Published: 2024-08-16 - Modified: 2024-08-16 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-host-utah-leaders-in-procurement/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite will co-host the Fall Utah Leaders in Procurement event with Pluralsight on October 3rd. Date: October 3, 2024 Location: Pluralsight HQ Draper, UT Graphite is thrilled to partner with the Pluralsight team to host an exclusive Utah Leaders in Procurement gathering. We are excited to bring this event back to Pluralsight, where the first-ever Utah Leaders in Procurement event took place. This networking event will take place at the Pluralsight HQ in Draper. We invite all procurement practitioners interested in connecting with the procurement community in the northern Utah area. Join us for drinks, food, and a fireside discussion with the "Procurement Bros. " Leaders in Procurement is free to any procurement or supply chain practitioner. If you do not have a role in procurement or purchasing, we kindly ask you not to register for this event. Register Now --- ### Graphite Connect to Sponsor Tomorrow's Procurement Leader 2024 > Graphite will exhibit at Procurement Leaders: Tomorrow Procurement Leader 2024, Americas in Austin, TX, on September 24-25th. - Published: 2024-08-16 - Modified: 2024-08-16 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-tpla-2024/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite will exhibit at Tomorrow's Procurement Leader, Americas, in Austin, TX, from September 24th to 25th. Date: September 24-25, 2024 Location: Austin, TX We are excited to be an exhibitor at the Procurement Leaders: Tomorrow's Procurement Leader, Americas! The event will be held in Austin, TX, from September 24 to 25. About the Event As a leader, your paramount responsibility lies in cultivating the leadership potential within your team. Recognizing the capabilities of your top performers isn't just an immediate investment; it's a crucial factor in retaining them and ensuring their sustained success. Enter Tomorrow's Procurement Leader, Americas, an event designed to equip participants with the leadership knowledge and functional excellence necessary for advancement to the next level. Simultaneously, it serves as an opportunity for them to demonstrate their thought leadership, passion, and innovation to create business impact. Meet Us There Register here for Tomorrow's Procurement Leader to join with fellow procurement leaders. Graphite is a supplier management platform that drives business forward with secure, centralized data and automated relationship management. Please stop by our booth to learn more or schedule an on-site demo. On-site Demo --- ### Graphite Connect to Host New York Leaders in Procurement > Graphite Connect will partner with Paramount to host the first New York Leaders in Procurement Event on September 12th. - Published: 2024-08-09 - Modified: 2024-08-09 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-host-new-york-leaders-in-procurement/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite will co-host the first Leaders in Procurement event in New York with Paramount on September 12th. Date: September 12th, 3-6 PM EST Location: Paramount, Inc. New York City Graphite is thrilled to work with Leaders in Procurement and Paramount to bring community networking and learning events to New York City. The kickoff event will be held at the iconic Paramount offices on Broadway. We invite all procurement and supply chain professionals interested in connecting with the procurement community in New York. Join us for food, drinks, and a fireside discussion centered on Game Theory in contract negotiations. Register Here: New York Leaders in Procurement Kickoff --- ### Graphite Connect to Sponsor ProcureCon Indirect East 2024 > Graphite Connect to exhibit at ProcureCon Indirect East in Orlando, FL September 9-11th. Come visit our booth! - Published: 2024-08-09 - Modified: 2024-08-09 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-procurecon-indirect-east-2024/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite to exhibit at ProcureCon Indirect East in Orlando, FL from September 9-11th. Date: September 9-11th Location: Orlando, FL Graphite is thrilled to be exhibiting at ProcureCon Indirect East (PIE) in Orlando, September 9-11th! About the Event For more than 20 years, ProcureCon has been the driving force behind empowering companies to craft world-class sourcing programs. With a dynamic blend of hands-on workshops, cutting-edge keynote presentations, and engaging networking sessions, ProcureCon is your secret weapon for long-term sourcing success. Whether you're the Chief Procurement Officer leading the charge or a rising star ready to shine, whether you steer a corporate giant or a nimble startup, you'll walk away with actionable strategies to conquer digital disruption and soar past your savings goals. Find Us At: Booth 208 in the Innovation Zone Our solution harnesses the safety and efficiency of an F1 pitstop to transform your procurement processes. Stop by booth 208 in the Innovation Zone to meet your new Graphite PIT crew and: 1. Experience the Speed of Graphite. Frictionless data validations allow for a 70% reduction in Supplier onboarding times. 2. Level-up: Risk Management & Due Diligence Automated risk assessments, Third-party data integrations, and remediation plans keep your supply chain on track. 3. Race our F1 Simulator Take a turn around the Miami official GP circuit and enter to win the grand prize. Register Here: ProcureCon Indirect East Registration Use code: PIESPONSOR24 to get 25% off and secure your spot today! --- ### Graphite Connect to Host the 1st Virtual Leaders in Procurement Event > Leading Economist to Decode Economic Trends for Enterprise Procurement Excellence in upcoming Virtual Leaders in Procurement Event. - Published: 2024-07-31 - Modified: 2024-07-31 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-host-the-1st-virtual-leaders-in-procurement-event/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite will host the first-ever Virtual Leaders in Procurement Event with a leading economist from J.P. Morgan! Date: August 29, 2024 In an era of economic uncertainty and rapid global changes, procurement professionals and business leaders are seeking expert guidance to navigate complex enterprise negotiations. Responding to this need, Graphite Connect announces a groundbreaking webinar: "Decoding Economic Trends: A Roadmap for Enterprise Procurement Excellence. " Scheduled for Thursday, August 29th at 4 PM EST, this virtual event brings together a distinguished economist and procurement strategist to provide actionable insights for enterprise-level buying decisions. "In today's volatile economic climate, understanding macro trends is crucial for procurement success," says Conrad Smith, CEO at Graphite Connect. "This virtual event is designed to bridge the gap between economic theory and practical application in enterprise negotiations. " The speakers include: Ginger Chambless: Head of Research for Commercial Banking at J. P. Morgan Conrad Smith: CEO and Co-Founder of Graphite Connect Registration for the virtual event is now open, with limited spots available. All registrants will receive access to the live event, including a Q&A and a session recording. Register here: Decoding Economic Trends: A Roadmap for Enterprise Procurement Excellence --- ### Webinar: Supercharge Your Supplier Diversity Program > Lisa Westgate and Conrad Smith to host webinar on August 11th identifying the 4 challenges supplier diversity programs face. - Published: 2024-07-19 - Modified: 2024-07-19 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/webinar-supercharge-your-supplier-diversity-program/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Join us as we discuss why Supplier Diversity programs fail and how to make them succeed with Lisa Westgate. Date: August 7, 2024 at 9 AM MDT We are excited to announce our exclusive webinar with industry experts: Lisa Westgate, Founder and Principal Consultant of LN Westgate LLC and Conrad Smith, CEO of Graphite Connect. What you'll learn: The 4 major challenges facing supplier diversity programs Practical solutions to overcome these obstacles How to boost your diverse spend using technology and strategy Aligning supplier diversity with procurement goals This webinar is perfect for: procurement leaders, supplier diversity managers and executives. Don't miss this chance to transform your supplier diversity efforts! About The Speakers: Lisa Westgate stands out as a forward-thinking leader as the CEO of LN Westgate LLC; her proficiency spans ESG/Supplier diversity, risk mitigation programs, and technological advancements in procurement. With her master's in management focusing on conflict resolution & negotiation, she is celebrated for her strategic approach toward enhancing supplier diversity programs. She is an essential advocate for aligning supplier diversification with a procurement-first mindset. Conrad Smith is a tenured procurement professional with over 25 years of creating effective procurement teams, first at Intel and then as the CPO at Adobe. In the last few years, Conrad has pivoted to building tools that accelerate supplier onboarding and supplier management for large enterprises. There are limited spots available - sign up today! Register Here Webinar - Why Supplier Diversity Programs Fail and How to Make Yours Successful --- ### Webinar Announcement: Building Your Procurement Tech Stack - AI & Orchestration > Join us on July 11th for a webinar with Dave Hearn Pure Storage and Graphite's own Conrad Smith as they explore building procurement tech - Published: 2024-07-09 - Modified: 2024-07-09 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/webinar-announcement-building-your-procurement-tech-stack-ai-orchestration/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring Pure Storage and Graphite Connect! Date: July 11, 2024 at 9 am MDT Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring Pure Storage and Graphite Connect! We're thrilled to bring together two industry leaders to share invaluable insights on building an effective procurement tech stack: Dave Hearn, Head of Procurement at Pure Storage, and Conrad Smith, CEO of Graphite Connect. As Graphite's first customer when it launched in 2019, Dave Hearn brings a wealth of experience and lessons learned. Together with Conrad Smith, they'll explore: Strategies for building a robust procurement tech stack Best practices for leading and managing a growing procurement organization The impact of AI on modern procurement processes The crucial role of orchestration in enhancing business owner engagement Don't miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of procurement! Register Here Building Your Procurement Tech Stack: AI & Orchestration --- ### Graphite Connect to Host the next Bay Area Leaders in Procurement > Graphite to host the Bay Area Leaders in Procurement June networking event with Box.com. Join in person on June 13th at 2 pm. - Published: 2024-06-03 - Modified: 2024-06-03 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-host-the-next-bay-area-leaders-in-procurement/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite will be hosting the Bay Area Leaders in Procurement Event at Box Headquarters in Redwood City, CA on June 13th. Date: June 13, 2024 Location: Box. com Headquarters Redwood City, CA Graphite is thrilled to partner with the Box team to host an exclusive Bay Area Leaders in Procurement gathering. This networking event will take place at the Box HQ in Redwood City. We invite all procurement practitioners who are interested in connecting with the procurement community in the Bay Area. Join us for drinks, food, and a fireside discussion on aligning with senior leadership. We have invited John Murphy, former Adobe CFO and Active Board Member, to give us insights on the perspectives of executives and board members regarding procurement. Register here: Bay Area Leaders in Procurement June Registration --- ### Graphite Connect to join the Hackett Group Webinar > Join the Hackett webinar on June 19th, featuring discussions on empowering procurement with speed and security. - Published: 2024-05-24 - Modified: 2024-05-24 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-join-the-hackett-group-webinar/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Join industry experts for an upcoming webinar exploring innovative strategies to optimize procurement processes while maintaining robust security. Date: June 19, 2024 Time: 9:00 am MDT We are excited to announce the Hackett Group and Graphite Connect webinar. Join industry experts for an upcoming webinar exploring innovative strategies to optimize procurement processes while maintaining robust security. In this insightful session, participants will discover: How automation can revolutionize supplier onboarding, saving time and resources - learn from real-world success stories and best practices. The power of The Hackett Group's benchmarks and insights to help organizations drive better performance and adapt to evolving industry trends. The role of cutting-edge technology in enabling faster and mroe secure procurement operations through seamless integrations and advanced analytics. Strategies to address potenital risks, ensure compliance and maintain stringent security measurements in a rapidly changing business environment. Register now to gain valuable, actionable insights and practical tips on transforming your procurement function for the future. By adopting a proactive approach to digital transformation and embracing advanced tools, organizations can achieve significant improvements in procurement performance while mitigating risks and ensuring a secure operational environment. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders and stay ahead of the curve in the world of procurement. Register Here Empowering Procurement with Speed and Security - Insights from Hackett Group and Graphite Connect --- ### Graphite Connect and Ancestry.com to host a Webinar > Join Ancestry.com's exclusive webinar featuring the transformation of supplier management with Graphite Systems. - Published: 2024-05-24 - Modified: 2024-05-24 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-and-ancestry-com-to-host-a-webinar/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press, Webinar Discover how Graphite helped Ancestry.com revolutionize their supplier information management, risk management and overall supplier management. Date: June 4, 2024 Time: 9:00 am MDT Graphite is thrilled to announce our upcoming webinar, where viewers will discover how Graphite helped Ancestry. com revolutionize their supplier information management, risk management, and overall supplier management. Before Implementing Graphite, Ancestry. com faced challenges with onboarding suppliers, maintaining data integrity, and mitigating security threats. Since adopting Graphite's advanced mobile two-factor authentication and automated processes, they've experienced significant improvements in their supplier management system. Learn about: How Graphite eliminated manual data entry and improved data accuracy for Ancestry. com The role of Graphite's advanced security measures in addressing compromised supplier email accounts & potential fraud Insights into Ancestry. com's significant growth in supplier diversity since implementing Graphite Perspectives on future ERP upgrade plans, as shared by Eric Thomas of Ancestry. com Don't miss out on this insightful event! Save the date and register now to secure your spot. Register Here Digital Transformation in Action: Transforming Supplier Management with Graphite: A Success Story from Ancestry. com --- ### Graphite Connect to Host Utah Leaders in Procurement Event > Graphite to Host the Utah Leaders in Procurement with Intermountain Healthcare on May 22, 2024, in Midvale, UT. - Published: 2024-04-17 - Modified: 2024-04-17 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-host-utah-leaders-in-procurement-event/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite Connect will be hosting the Utah Leaders in Procurement Event at the Intermountain Healthcare Supply Chain Building in Midvale, UT on May 22nd. Date: May 22, 2024 Location: Intermountain Healthcare Midvale, UT Graphite is thrilled to partner with the Intermountain Healthcare (IHC) team to host an exclusive Utah Leaders in Procurement gathering. This networking event will take place at the ICH Supply Chain building, where we will get a glimpse into their procurement in action. We invite all procurement practitioners who are interested in connecting with the procurement community in Utah. Join us for drinks, food, and a fireside discussion focusing on career progression, continuous learning, and leading transformations with Ramsay Chu, SVP of Global Manufacturing, Sourcing & Procurement at Peloton. Our Featured Guest Ramsay Chu is the Global Head of Strategic Sourcing for Peloton Interactive where he is supported by a team of people based across the world. He is an energetic leader with many years of experience in developing and implementing best-in-class supply chain solutions. Ramsay comes to Peloton with extensive experience in transforming large-scale global companies such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Rio Tinto, Fiserv, Visa, and Intel. Since joining Peloton Interactive in 2021, Ramsay has played an instrumental role in pivoting the company strategy to embrace a leaner and agile supply chain. His team is responsible for all third-party relationships (Direct and Indirect Materials) involved in supporting the growth of the hardware and content platforms that make Peloton Interactive the preeminent Fitness as a Service company (FaaS). He leads a diverse and empowered team of rock-star supply chain and sourcing professionals at Peloton sites throughout the world. Register Here... --- ### Graphite to Sponsor World Procurement Congress 2024 > Graphite is shortlisted for the Procurement Technology Provider Award at the World Procurement Awards 2024. Graphite to exhibit at WPC 2024. - Published: 2024-04-17 - Modified: 2024-04-17 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-to-sponsor-world-procurement-congress-2024/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite Connect is shortlisted for the Procurement Technology Provider Award and will be an exhibitor at the World Procurement Congress in London May 14-16th. Date: May 14-16, 2024 Location: London, UK We are excited to be an Exhibitor for Procurement Leaders World Procurement Congress event in London from May 14-16th. Graphite has been shortlisted for the Procurement Technology Provider Award part of the World Procurement Awards 2024. This award recognizes the technology provider that demonstrates the most impactful and valuable solutions for procurement functions. About the Event The biggest challenges demand the biggest solutions. This year at WPC, the focus will be on where we are and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. ESG - Building transparent, socially responsible, and circular supply chains with a clear route to net zero. Partnerships - Designing procurement-enabled networks of collaboration powering product & service innovation. Resilience - creating a fully mapped global supply chain to mitigate disruption and prescribe action. Digitalization - demystifying the AI procuretech landscape and making progress tangible. Macroeconomics - How will evolving geopolitical relationships and the rise of new powers affect the shape of supply chains? The Graphite Solution Our solution harnesses the safety and efficiency of an F1 pitstop to transform your procurement processes. Stop by to meet your new Graphite PIT crew: 1. Experience the Speed of Graphite. Frictionless data validations allow for a 70% reduction in Supplier onboarding times. 2. Level-up: Risk Management & Due Diligence Automated risk assessments, Third-party data integrations, and remediation plans keep your supply chain on track. 3. Race our F1 Simulator Take a turn around the Silverstone official GP circuit and enter to win... --- ### Graphite Connect to Sponsor at Quartz Network Spring SCOPE Summit > Graphite to sponsor the Quartz Network Spring SCOPE Summit in Las Vegas, NV. Connect with fellow procurement leaders and explore solutions. - Published: 2024-04-17 - Modified: 2024-04-17 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-at-quartz-network-spring-scope-summit/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite Connect will be a sponser at Quartz Network Spring SCOPE Summit 2024 in Las Vegas on April 21-23rd. Date: April 21-23, 2024 Location: Las Vegas, NV Graphite Connect is thrilled to be partnering with Quartz Network at their Spring SCOPE Summit in Las Vegas! About the Event SCOPE is a peer-led leadership-focused event that is complimentary for qualified professionals. Discover strategies from field experts, research new solutions, and meet like-minded peers on your path for professional growth. The Graphite Solution Meet with Conrad Smith, CEO and Co-Founder of Graphite to see how centralizing vendor onboarding systems can help save time and money. Gathering supplier data takes WORK, and it can be tedious to find the data stored in all sorts of places. Graphite takes the power of a social network and allows suppliers and buyers to connect via one singular portal. Onboarding consists of a dynamic questionnaire that is triggered by the type of supplier and localized specific to what data points they have. Graphite has a seamless connection to ERP systems to help eliminate manual ERP entry errors and we include data validations and best in class privacy measures to ensure that you are getting the data directly from the supplier. Register Here: Register Here for Quartz Network Spring SCOPE Summit 2024 --- ### Graphite Connect to Sponsor at Americas Procurement Congress 2024 > Graphite Connect will be a sponsor at Americas Procurement Congress 2024 in Miami, Florida, from March 25-27th. - Published: 2024-03-12 - Modified: 2025-01-29 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-at-americas-procurement-congress-2024/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite Connect will be a sponsor at Americas Procurement Congress 2024 in Miami, Florida, from March 25-27th. Date: March 25-28th Location: Miami, FL We are an Insight Partner for Procurement Leader’s Americas Procurement Congress event in Miami from March 25-27th! Tracey Ruff, VP of P2P at Paramount, will join Conrad Smith, CEO and co-founder of Graphite, onstage on Tuesday, March 26th, at 2:35 p. m. About the Event Empowering the Region Through Innovation. The world has faced unprecedented challenges and multiple shocks. As economic and societal headwinds continue to have an acute effect, the looming question is, ‘How do we get the next six years right’? We are on the cusp of a new age! But to get it right, we need a plan; we need innovation to accelerate progress, to propel the function, and come together to deliver on the promises of Horizon 2030! The Americas Procurement Congress 2024 is a now-or-never moment! Join us and be part of the conversation that will shape the future of procurement. About the Session Learn about Paramount’s transformative Journey of replacing a manual, inefficient supplier onboarding process with Graphite Connect. Tracey will showcase the solutions that reduced time and cost and dramatically improved satisfaction, outlining the challenges of legacy systems and strained supplier relationships the team faced. Find Us At: Booth 5 in the Atrium Our solution harnesses the safety and efficiency of an F1 pitstop to transform your procurement processes. Stop by to meet your new Graphite PIT crew: 1. Experience the Speed of Graphite. Frictionless data validations allow for an 85% reduction in Supplier onboarding times. 2. Level-up:... --- ### Graphite Connect to Host Bay Area Leaders in Procurement Event - Published: 2024-03-12 - Modified: 2024-03-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-bay-area-leaders-in-procurement-event/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite Connect will be hosting the Bay Area Leaders in Procurement Event at the San Francisco Autodesk Gallery on March 19th. Date: March 19, 2024 Location: Autodesk Gallery - San Francisco, CA Graphite is thrilled to partner with the Autodesk team to host an exclusive Bay Area Leaders in Procurement gathering. This networking event will take place at the prestigious Autodesk Gallery, located in the Autodesk Headquarters. The gallery showcases the inspiring stories of those who have used Autodesk’s Design and Make Platform to innovate and shape a better world. We invite all procurement practitioners who are interested in connecting with the procurement community in the Bay Area. Join us for drinks, food, and a fireside discussion focusing on Game Theory with Zoe Pangalos from NERA. Session Details Many companies struggle with overpaying for their procurement spend, often due to suppliers lacking the right incentives to lower their prices. This, coupled with recent inflationary trends, has hindered buyers from leveraging their supply base effectively, resulting in high prices and missed opportunities. However, there's good news: game theory can be a game-changer. In this session, you'll gain practical insights into game theory and how it can empower you to negotiate better deals, drive savings, and unlock hidden value. Register Here Bay Area Leaders in Procurement Registration --- ### Graphite Connect to Sponsor at ProcureCon Indirect West 2024 > Graphite Connect will be a sponsor at ProcureCon Indirect West 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 11-13th. - Published: 2024-03-08 - Modified: 2025-01-29 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-to-sponsor-at-procurecon-indirect-west-2024/ - Categories: Events - Types: Press Graphite Connect will be sponsoring at ProcureCon Indirect West 2024 in Las Vegas, NV from March 11-13th. Date: March 11-13th Location: Las Vegas, NV Graphite is thrilled to be exhibiting at ProcureCon Indirect West (PIW) in Las Vegas, March 11-13th! About the Event For more than 20 years, ProcureCon has been the driving force behind empowering companies to craft world-class sourcing programs. With a dynamic blend of hands-on workshops, cutting-edge keynote presentations, and engaging networking sessions, ProcureCon is your secret weapon for long-term sourcing success. Whether you're the Chief Procurement Officer leading the charge or a rising star ready to shine, whether you steer a corporate giant or a nimble startup, you'll walk away with actionable strategies to conquer digital disruption and soar past your savings goals. Find Us At: Booth 102 in the Innovation Zone Our solution harnesses the safety and efficiency of a F1 pitstop to transform your procurement processes. Stop by Booth 102 in the Innovation Zone to meet your new Graphite PIT crew and: 1. Experience the Speed of Graphite. Frictionless data validations allow for an 85% reduction in Supplier onboarding times. 2. Level-up: Risk Management & Due Diligence Automated risk assessments, Third-party data integrations, and remediation plans keep your supply chain on track. 3. Race our F1 Simulator Take a turn around the Las Vegas Strip on the official GP circuit and enter to win the grand prize. Register Here: ProcureCon Indirect West Registration --- ### Graphite Connect SuiteApp Achieves ‘Built for NetSuite’ Status > Graphite's SuiteApp, built using the Oracle NetSuite Platform, helps securely integrate supplier data and peer-reviewed responses. - Published: 2023-03-07 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-achieves-built-for-netsuite-status/ - Categories: Announcements - Types: Press Graphite Connect SuiteApp achieves ‘Built for NetSuite’ status, simplifying supplier data management. New SuiteApp for supplier management meets Oracle NetSuite SuiteCloud Platform development standards and best practices Lehi, UT – March 7, 2023 – Graphite Connect, a leading cloud-based enterprise social network for supplier relationship and data management, today announced that its SuiteApp has achieved the ‘Built for NetSuite’ status. The new SuiteApp, built using the Oracle NetSuite SuiteCloud Platform, helps organizations securely integrate supplier data and peer-reviewed responses while improving data quality for vendor master records. “Supplier data management is an essential part of the procurement process, but data entry can often be a tedious process susceptible to human error,” said Conrad Smith, CEO of Graphite Connect. “By combining NetSuite’s ERP and Graphite Connect’s supplier network, the Graphite Connect SuiteApp automatically synchronizes data into NetSuite and allows businesses to centralize procurement records to ensure data quality. ” With the Graphite Connect SuiteApp, businesses can standardize supplier data records in NetSuite and simplify reporting, onboarding, and relationship management. The integration helps procurement teams reduce manual processes, save time for high-value business activities, and gain insights to support strategic decision-making. The efficiencies of Graphite Connect have proven to accelerate the supplier onboarding process by as much as 70 percent. “Procurement management is complex and requires oversight of multiple departments, vendors, and contracts,” said Guido Haarmans, group vice president SuiteCloud Developer Network and Partner Programs, Oracle NetSuite. “This new SuiteApp extends our robust solution for procurement professionals and helps NetSuite customers automate and centralize supplier data management. ” Built for NetSuite is a program for NetSuite... --- ### Graphite Connect Approves Proprietary Supplier Management Patent > Graphite announced the approval of a patent for its network-based supplier onboarding and buyer/supplier relationship management. - Published: 2023-02-16 - Modified: 2025-01-29 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-patent-announcement/ - Categories: Announcements - Types: Press Graphite announces approval of a new patent for cloud-based supplier management using network architecture. Lehi, UT - Graphite Connect, the leading provider of cloud-based supplier management solutions, announced the approval of a patent for its unique, network-based solution for supplier onboarding and buyer/supplier relationship management. The Graphite Network improves supplier management by accelerating new supplier onboarding by up to 85%, improving supplier data integrity, strengthening supplier relationships, and much more. This new patent represents a major milestone for Graphite Connect and solidifies the company's position as an emerging leader in the field of supplier management. The proprietary method revolutionizes the way businesses manage supplier information by providing a secure, network platform for storing, sharing, and analyzing supplier data in real-time. Through robust integrations, validated supplier data in Graphite updates critical business systems (ERP and P2P systems) to ensure deduplicated, accurate, and actionable supplier data. "We are thrilled to receive approval of this patent," said Conrad Smith, CEO of Graphite Connect. "It is a testament to our commitment to innovation and to providing our customers with the best possible solutions for managing their supplier information. This new patent raises the bar and sets the new standard for the procurement tech industry in delivering exceptional value to our customers. " The approval of this patent is just the latest in a series of innovative solutions from Graphite Connect. The company has a proven track record of providing cutting-edge solutions to businesses of all sizes and is dedicated to helping organizations optimize their supplier management processes. For more information about Graphite Connect and its new patent, please contact... --- ### Casey’s Selects Graphite Connect to Bring Simplicity and Speed to Procurement > Casey's selected Graphite Connect to bring more efficiency, simplicity, and transparency to onboarding and managing suppliers. - Published: 2022-09-08 - Modified: 2025-04-12 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/caseys-pr/ - Categories: Announcements, Press - Types: Press Casey’s is the latest Fortune 500 customer impressed with Graphite's social network for procurement. Casey’s is the latest Fortune 500 customer impressed with social network for supplier onboarding, and relationship and data management Lehi, UT – Graphite Connect, the first enterprise social network for supplier relationship and data management, today announced its technology has been selected by Casey’s, the third-largest convenience retailer and fifth-largest pizza chain in the United States. Aligning with Casey’s digital transformation efforts, the company selected Graphite Connect to bring more efficiency, simplicity, and transparency to onboarding and managing suppliers. “We are in the middle of our own digital transformation, and elevating procurement’s impact on our ability to move quickly is a key part of our vision,” said Jaime Robles, VP of Procurement at Casey’s. “We’ve been looking for a solution like Graphite Connect. What Graphite offers is a breakthrough in onboarding suppliers and managing supplier data that will help us solve the headaches and disruption of outdated and inaccurate supplier data feeding into critical business systems. ” “We are committed to eliminating the friction that surrounds supplier onboarding and management,” said Conrad Smith, CEO of Graphite. “Graphite Connect offers Casey’s a centralized platform that enables faster onboarding while supporting secure risk management and information sharing throughout the procurement lifecycle. For everybody to be working together on the same platform and all feedback to be integrated with supplier governance and relationship management activities taking place is a huge breakthrough to help procurement operate at the speed of business. ” The pace of innovation continues to increase, making the speed of business an ever-faster... --- ### Graphite Connect partners with Per Angusta, enabling end-to-end supplier management automation for procurement teams > Graphite Connect partners with Per Angusta, enabling end-to-end supplier management automation for procurement teams... - Published: 2022-07-01 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-partners-with-per-angusta/ - Categories: Partnership, Press - Types: Press Per Angusta and Graphite Connect have partnered to enable end-to-end supplier management automation. Lyon/Lehi 21 September 2021 – Per Angusta and Graphite Connect have partnered to extend holistic supplier management to procurement professionals, enabling end to end supplier management automation. With the advent of digital and a global supply chain, supplier management has become increasingly complicated. Even simple aspects, like bank account data, are under attack with increasingly complex efforts to fraudulently change supplier bank data. The COVID 19 global pandemic quickly expanded the focus of business continuity planning to include a much broader set of corporate suppliers. Increased global regulations related to data privacy, ethical sourcing, sustainability, modern slavery, etc. , have overwhelmed procurement teams and corporate processes with delays, fragmentation, and silo’ed risk management solutions. Successful procurement teams are moving beyond cost savings and simple project management to lead the corporate-wide supplier management initiative. This transition requires holistic supplier management technology to guide risk and supplier management across the enterprise. Teams using Per Angusta’s procurement performance management platform can now gain access to Graphite Connect’s holistic supplier management solutions. This integration will allow buyers to move seamlessly between Graphite Connect and Per Angusta supplier profile records. By blending performance and risk management, procurement teams with Graphite Connect and Per Angusta automation can move beyond paperwork and administration and make material reductions in supplier risk and improved supplier performance. “At Graphite, we are committed to eliminating the friction that surrounds supplier onboarding, risk and relationship management. Too often, procurement teams are perceived as a roadblock or bottleneck in business. This unfortunate perception relegates... --- ### Graphite Connect Partners with RapidRatings to Offer Deeper Visibility into Third-Party Supplier Risk > Graphite Connect Partners with RapidRatings to Offer Deeper Visibility into Third-Party Supplier Risk... - Published: 2022-06-29 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-partners-with-rapidratings/ - Categories: Partnership, Press - Types: Press Mitigate supplier financial risk through RapidRatings’ financial health rating integration in Graphite. Businesses can now mitigate supplier financial risk through a new early warning system that integrates RapidRatings’ financial health ratings into the Graphite Connect supplier management platform. May 17, 2022Lehi, UT – Graphite Connect, the first supplier management network built on a cloud-based platform, today announced a partnership with RapidRatings, the leading provider of financial risk assessments. Seamless integration of RapidRatings’ financial health ratings into the Graphite platform offers companies forward-looking visibility into the financial risks of doing business with third-party organizations. Manufacturing and supply chain teams have managed risk for as long as the modern factory has existed. But within the last two to three decades, the explosion of digital and a global supply chain has accelerated supplier risk. Being able to effectively manage these threats is crucial, particularly for any business that partners with hundreds or even thousands of different suppliers. “At Graphite, we are committed to eliminating the friction that surrounds supplier onboarding and risk management. This partnership with RapidRatings offers a real-time, holistic view of third-party financial vulnerabilities for more rigorous due diligence. Objective insight into the financial viability of third-parties empowers businesses to make faster, more informed risk management decisions and meet regulatory requirements. The ability to integrate financial intelligence capabilities so that clients can view a potential supplier’s financial health ratings in the Graphite platform is a huge breakthrough,” said Conrad Smith, CEO of Graphite Connect. Through a combination of advanced analytics and proprietary algorithms, RapidRatings produces two key measures of a company’s financial health:... --- ### Graphite on the Road > Conrad Smith, our CEO, has been on the panel circuit giving talks about how Graphite can transform the way businesses do business. - Published: 2022-06-06 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-on-the-road/ - Categories: Events, Procurement - Types: Press Graphite's CEO Conrad Smith has been on various panels explaining how Graphite transforms procurement. With conferences back in full swing, so is our team. We’ve already attended a few great conferences and had a blast meeting so many new people. Conrad Smith, our CEO, has been on the panel circuit giving talks about how Graphite can transform the way businesses do business. Are you and your teams starting to return to conferences? If so you’ll be sure to find us with our unmistakable pit crew shirts and racing getup. So whether it’s just to say “hi” or if you’d like to discuss how Graphite can rev up your procurement processes, take a look at our upcoming schedule of conferences that we’ll be attending and come find us: Utah Procurement LeadersUtahJune 8World Procurement Congress, LondonLondonJune 14-15Procurecon ITBostonJuly 18-19ProcureCon EastOrlandoSept 12-14Netsuite SuiteWorldLas VegasSept 27-30Forge EngageLas VegasNov 2-3 --- ### Graphite Connect and Procurement Foundry Announce Strategic Partnership > Graphite Connect and Procurement Foundry are excited to announce a partnership combining in-depth knowledge in procurement technology. - Published: 2022-06-03 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/graphite-connect-and-procurement-foundry-announce-strategic-partnership/ - Categories: Partnership - Types: Press Graphite Connect and Procurement Foundry are excited to announce a strategic partnership together. Graphite Connect and Procurement Foundry are excited to announce a strategic partnership combining Graphite’s in-depth experience and knowledge in procurement technology with the Foundry’s online global community where procurement and supply chain professionals come together to collaborate and exchange ideas. With technology, and especially automation playing an increasingly critical role in procurement, companies realize they need to accelerate development of digital solutions to stay competitive. The Graphite-Procurement Foundry partnership brings together years of experience and deep-seated knowledge in all things procurement to an online global community where peers can collaborate and innovate to solve challenges they face in the industry. From peer-to-peer introduction services, impromptu Q&A discussions, in-person networking events, and webinars with insights into the latest industry trends, the Foundry offers extensive ways for its community to engage and network. In addition, dozens of discussion channels host interactive, searchable chat threads on every industry topic. Graphite Connect will have its very own channel where community members can connect. “When the Procurement Foundry came up as a real-time networking opportunity that you can jump into to get answers and feedback about an RFP or a supplier or whatever you’re dealing with, I thought that’s genius. We can help each other with problems,” said Conrad Smith, CEO of Graphite Connect. “The way the Procurement Foundry is structured everyone can come in and participate for free. I don’t think there’s anything out there right now that helps procurement people be better and smarter about their jobs than what the Foundry is giving... --- ### Graphite Recognized as a 2021 Gartner® Cool Vendor for Strategic Sourcing Technology > We’re excited to announce that Graphite, a leading vendor of procurement management software, has been recognized in the 2021 Gartner® Cool Vendors™ report. - Published: 2022-01-14 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/press-article/gartner-cool-vendor/ - Categories: Announcements - Types: Press Graphite offers procurement solutions on a central network to drive greater efficiency, visibility, and collaboration. Graphite Connect offers a one-stop procurement management solution on a central network that drives greater efficiency, visibility, and collaboration between buyer and supplier organizations. We’re excited to announce that Graphite, a leading vendor of procurement management software, has been recognized in 2021 Gartner® Cool Vendors™ in Strategic Sourcing Technology Report. According to Gartner, “Effectively managing suppliers specifically is pivotal to organizational success and resilience. This is especially true today as we face increasing market volatility with disruptions caused by uncertain political environments, emerging risks such as changing regulations, climate change impact and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. ” The report further states, “These Cool Vendors target the need for better and more collaborative supplier management with faster and better decision making across increasingly complex and ever-expanding supply chain networks and supplier ecosystems. ”¹ In a fragmented supplier management market, Graphite is a one-stop solution that connects buyers and suppliers on a single network, enabling greater visibility, speed, and efficiency. A central platform allows for faster onboarding, while supporting secure risk management and information sharing throughout the procurement lifecycle. The Graphite solution is scalable and easy to implement. Organizations of all sizes and complexities can automate their supplier management capabilities without the need for additional internal resources. “We consider our inclusion in the 2021 Gartner Cool Vendors in Strategic Sourcing Technology report a confirmation of our commitment to offering customers increased efficiency, transparency, and collaboration throughout the entire supplier lifecycle,” said Conrad Smith, Graphite CEO. “Procurement organizations around the world face increasing delays... --- ## Resources ### Webinar - Top 3 Onboarding Trends > Access our on demand webinar with the Graphite co-founders, Aaron and Conrad as they dive into what a true procurement network is. - Published: 2025-02-19 - Modified: 2025-02-19 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/supplier-onboarding-webinar/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resource Center Transform your supplier onboarding from a bottleneck into a competitive advantage. Recorded: Wednesday, February 19th at 9 am MST Is your procurement team still struggling with endless emails, outdated supplier data, and security concerns? In this comprehensive session, we’ll dive deep into the critical challenges facing procurement teams today and reveal how network-based solutions are revolutionizing supplier onboarding. Transform your supplier onboarding from a bottleneck into a competitive advantage. Learn how leading procurement teams are using network solutions to: Reduce onboarding time from months to days Maintain continuously updated, verified supplier profiles Strengthen security protocols while improving efficiency. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how network-driven solutions are shaping the future of procurement. Watch on demand to join procurement leaders who are already revolutionizing their supplier onboarding processes. Watch On-Demand Meet your speakers: Conrad Smith | Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Graphite Conrad Smith is a tenured procurement professional spending over 25 years dedicated to creating effective procurement teams, first at Intel and then as the CPO at Adobe. In the last few years, Conrad has pivoted to building tools that accelerate supplier onboarding and supplier management for large enterprises. Less Friction, More Business! Aaron Oyler | Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of Graphite Aaron Oyler is a multifaceted technical and procurement expert with extensive experience across software development, systems engineering, and category management. His unique blend of technological expertise and strategic procurement skills enables him to drive innovation at the intersection of technology and business. Aaron excels in solving complex challenges, leading teams, and staying at the forefront of... --- ### Webinar - 2025 Vendor Fraud Trends > Watch our webinar with The Hackett Group analyzing Vendor Fraud in 2025 On Demand. Recorded on Jan 30, 2025. - Published: 2025-01-30 - Modified: 2025-02-19 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-2025-vendor-fraud-trends/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Webinar Discover the latest insights on protecting your organization from sophisticated vendor fraud attempts. Recorded: Thursday, January 30th at 9 am MST Ready to transform your vendor fraud prevention strategy? Get instant access to our popular webinar featuring insights from The Hackett Group and Graphite Connect. What you'll learn: Why 37% of finance leaders lack confidence in their fraud prevention capabilities How AI and Advanced Technologies are handling the fraud landscape Best practices for managing vendor bank changes and data security Strategies for handling global suppliers and data gaps Real-world case studies of fraud prevention in action How to build a robust vendor fraud prevention strategy Watch On-Demand Questions about protecting your vendor payment process? We're here to help! Reach out to our team today! --- ### The Ultimate Guide to Supplier Performance Management > Learn how to identify weak points in your current program and deliver more strategic value to your organization today. - Published: 2025-01-23 - Modified: 2025-01-23 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/the-ultimate-guide-to-supplier-performance-management/ - Categories: Ebook, Resources - Types: Ebook, Resources Learn how to identify weak points in your current program and deliver more strategic value to your organization today. How to Identify Weak Points in Your Current Program & Deliver More Strategic Value Today Supplier Performance Management (SPM) is more important than ever as organizations up-level their procurement function and build long-term relationships with strategic vendors and suppliers. With complex supply chains and digital operational resilience top of mind, SPM helps businesses ensure suppliers are consistently meeting expectations, delivering quality products, and sticking to schedules and deadlines. In this guide, we’ll go over the key aspects of SPM, its importance, and how it differs from supplier relationship management (SRM). We'll also provide practical strategies for monitoring vendor performance, using tools and technology to streamline the process, and taking a proactive approach to supplier management. What is Supplier Performance Management (SPM)? Supplier performance management (SPM) is a systematic process that involves evaluating, tracking, and managing the performance of suppliers to ensure they meet the agreed-upon requirements. At its core, SPM aims to minimize risks, maximize efficiency, and foster long-term partnerships by regularly reviewing and assessing supplier output. There are several ways to evaluate supplier performance. Many companies rely on specific performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) that help them determine whether a supplier is delivering on their commitments. These KPIs may include factors like on-time delivery, product quality, cost competitiveness, and adherence to industry regulations. Supplier performance management is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing strategic program that requires continuous monitoring and adjustment. Regular performance reviews help companies identify suppliers that are excelling and prime for a larger... --- ### Webinar - Leveling Up in 2025 > Watch the On-Demand recording of our webinar with Procurement Leaders and Wenger Manufacturing recorded on December 12, 2024. - Published: 2024-12-13 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/leveling-up-in-2025/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resource Center, Webinar Transform your procurement function from tactical to strategic with proven insights from industry leaders. Recorded: Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 10 am EST Transform your procurement function from tactical to strategic with proven insights from industry leaders. What You'll Learn Discover how leading organizations are revolutionizing their procurement teams to drive more value and meet evolving business demands. In this action-packed session, our expert panel reveals: Strategic supplier segmentation frameworks that align with your organizational goals Proven methods to balance transactional tasks and strategic initiatives Data-driven approaches to identify and eliminate process bottlenecks Strategies for building and maintaining trust-based supplier relationships How to leverage modern supplier management tools for enhanced efficiency This webinar is perfect for: Procurement Leaders looking to drive strategic value Supply Chain Managers seeking operational efficiency Business Leaders focused on procurement transformation Teams transitioning from tactical to strategic procurement Watch On-Demand Meet your speakers Conrad Smith | Founder and CEO of Graphite Conrad Smith is a tenured procurement professional spending over 25 years dedicated to creating effective procurement teams, first at Intel and then as the CPO at Adobe. In the last few years, Conrad has pivoted to building tools that accelerate supplier onboarding and supplier management for large enterprises. Less Friction, More Business! John Hoschouer | Head of Procurement, Wenger Manufacturing John Hoschouer, MBA, is a seasoned leader in procurement and supply chain management with extensive experience optimizing purchasing, inventory, and production processes for industry-leading organizations. Throughout his career, he has achieved substantial savings through strategic supplier negotiations and innovative procurement strategies. John has driven significant operational improvements, including implementing... --- ### Webinar - Opening the Door to Orchestration > Graphite co-founders share their take on Orchestration and improving procurement's reputation. Watch on-demand now! - Published: 2024-12-04 - Modified: 2025-01-17 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-opening-the-door-to-orchestration/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resource Center, Webinar Take a peek at Graphite's Guided Intake and how it transforms procurement's reputation. Recorded: December 4th at 9 am MST Join Graphite's co-founders as they reveal proven strategies to transform your procurement process through effective orchestration. What You'll Learn: How to identify and fix critical UX issues in your procurement process Key indicators that your organization is ready for orchestration Practical tools and frameworks you can apply immediately Discover how leading organizations are reducing procurement cycle times by up to 60%, improving stakeholder satisfaction scores, and creating seamless procurement experiences. Watch On-Demand Meet your speakers: Conrad Smith | Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Graphite Conrad Smith is a tenured procurement professional spending over 25 years dedicated to creating effective procurement teams, first at Intel and then as the CPO at Adobe. In the last few years, Conrad has pivoted to building tools that accelerate supplier onboarding and supplier management for large enterprises. Less Friction, More Business! Aaron Oyler | Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of Graphite Aaron Oyler is a multifaceted technical and procurement expert with extensive experience across software development, systems engineering, and category management. His unique blend of technological expertise and strategic procurement skills enables him to drive innovation at the intersection of technology and business. Aaron excels in solving complex challenges, leading teams, and staying at the forefront of emerging technologies. --- ### Webinar - Procuretech that your C-Suite Can't Ignore > Danielle Salyers reveals her proven framework for securing C-Suite approval on procuretech investments. Watch webinar on-demand now. - Published: 2024-11-18 - Modified: 2025-01-17 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-procuretech-that-your-c-suite-cant-ignore/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Webinar Transform how you secure budget for procurement technology. Recorded: November 13th at 9 am MST Transform how you secure budget for procurement technology. Watch Danielle Salyers, 2nd VP of Strategic Sourcing at Allied Solutions, reveal her proven framework for getting C-Suite approval on procuretech investements. What you'll learn: Build a compelling business case that resonates with executives Present ROI metrics that drive decisions Navigate common objections and concerns Real examples from Allied Solutions' successful implementation Watch On-demand Meet your speakers: Danielle Salyers | 2nd VP of Strategic Sourcing at Allied Solutions With more than 15 years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, Danielle Salyers has focused her career on delivering results through consistent leadership and communication. She has successfully translated business strategy and objectives into global sourcing strategies, aligning goals, plans, and tactics to drive improved business performance and profitable growth. Jacob Sohn | VP of Sales of Graphite Bringing over 14 years of experience in SaaS sales across Europe, Asia, and America. Having survived several hundred painful onboardings, he understands and is committed to enabling businesses to optimize their onboarding and procurement processes. Jacob is passionate about helping people solve problems with software and helping procurement teams stay proactive. --- ### Webinar - HealthEquity's Path to Elevating Strategic Procurement > Access the On-Demand recording of The Hackett Group's Digital Transformation in Action Webinar featuring HealthEquity. - Published: 2024-10-24 - Modified: 2025-01-17 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-healthequitys-path-to-elevating-strategic-procurement/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resource Center, Webinar Tap into The Hackett Group's latest research and actionable insights from our customer, HelathEquity. Recorded On: Oct 24th at 9am MDT Discover how HealthEquity paved the way to elevate its strategic procurement. The Hackett Group invited Graphite Connect and HealthEquity to join their most recent Digital Technology in Action webinar. In this session, you will see the latest Hackett Group research and hear from Ian Harward, Director of Procurement at HealthEquity. He will discuss how he led change that resulted in faster onboarding, improved risk management, streamlined tasks, and the redeployment of resources. Watch On-demand --- ### Webinar - The New Playbook for Supplier Management > In this Graphite webinar, discover effective segmentation techniques, relationship-building tactics, and resource optimization methods. - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2024-09-20 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-the-new-playbook-for-supplier-management/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resources Transform your supplier management approach with innovative strategies and expert insights. Recorded: September 18th at 9 am MDT Discover game-changing strategies in just 60 minutes. In this webinar, procurement experts Conrad Smith and Aaron Oyler reveal: How to effectively analyze and segment your supplier base, even with thousands of suppliers Proven methods for right-sizing your supplier management team and resources Best practices for fostering stronger supplier relationships The benefits of implementing a preferred supplier program and how to do it successfully Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your supplier management approach. Watch On-demand Meet your speakers: Conrad Smith | Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Graphite Conrad Smith is a tenured procurement professional spending over 25 years dedicated to creating effective procurement teams, first at Intel and then as the CPO at Adobe. In the last few years, Conrad has pivoted to building tools that accelerate supplier onboarding and supplier management for large enterprises. Less Friction, More Business! Aaron Oyler | Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of Graphite Aaron Oyler is a multifaceted technical and procurement expert with extensive experience across software development, systems engineering, and category management. His unique blend of technological expertise and strategic procurement skills enables him to drive innovation at the intersection of technology and business. Aaron excels in solving complex challenges, leading teams, and staying at the forefront of emerging technologies. --- ### See Graphite in Action > On-demand access to a Graphite Demo. Join Graphite's CEO and Solutions engineer to see how Graphite Connect helps onboard suppliers faster. - Published: 2024-08-20 - Modified: 2024-08-20 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/see-graphite-in-action/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resource Center Join Graphite's CEO and Solutions Engineer to see how you can reduce spend while onboarding suppliers faster. Recorded: August 8th at 9 am MDT In this engaging demo, James Meads, Founder of Procurement Software, joins Conrad Smith, CEO and co-founder of Graphite, and Luke Wolf, Solutions Engineer, to explore how Graphite Connect can help onboard suppliers faster and reduce maverick spend. Watch On-demand --- ### Webinar - Unlock the Secretes to Supplier Diversity Success > Join Conrad Smith and Lisa Westgate as they identify 4 challenges of Supplier Diversity programs recording On-demand - Published: 2024-08-07 - Modified: 2024-08-07 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-unlock-the-secretes-to-supplier-diversity-success/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resources Discover how to overcome the four major challenges facing supplier diversity programs. Recorded: August 7th at 9 am MDT In this engaging webinar, industry experts Lisa Westgate and Conrad Smith reveal the four critical challenges hindering supplier diversity success and provide actionable strategies to overcome them. Learn how to align supplier diversity with procurement goals, leverage innovative technologies, and boost your diverse spending. Whether you're a procurement leader, diversity manager, or executive, this session offers invaluable insights to transform supplier diversity initiatives and drive meaningful organizational change. Watch On-demand --- ### Webinar - Revolutionizing Procurement: Insights from Industry Veterans > Join procurement experts Dave Hearn and Conrad Smith to learn about end-user focus, leveraging technology and building teams. - Published: 2024-07-11 - Modified: 2024-07-11 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/revolutionizing-procurement-insights-from-industry-veterans/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resources, Webinar Discover how to transform your procurement strategy and drive business success. Recorded: July 11th at 9 am MDT Join procurement veterans Dave Hearn and Conrad Smith as they discuss the evolution of procurement, the importance of focusing on end-users, and how to leverage technology to enhance business partnerships. With decades of experience across multiple companies, Dave and Conrad share invaluable insights on building successful procurement teams, implementing effective tools, and preparing for the industry's future. What You'll Learn: How to build a compelling business case for procurement investors The importance of soft skills in procurement roles Strategies for implementing AI and orchestration in procurement processes Tips for new professionals entering the procurement field Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry veterans and take your procurement game to the next level! Watch On-demand --- ### Procurement From the Lens of a CFO: John Murphy > Watch the recording of John Murphy, former Adobe CFO and Active Board Member, address the Bay Area Leaders in Procurement, June 13th, 2024. - Published: 2024-06-21 - Modified: 2024-06-21 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/procurement-from-the-lens-of-a-cfo-john-murphy/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resources, Webinar Discover how to work with the CFO, Board Members, and other senior leadership to accelerate your procurement organization. Recorded: June 13th, 2024 at 3 pm Pacific Time https://youtu. be/18sIHMsysqE We had the pleasure of sponsoring the Bay Area Leaders in Procurement in partnership with Box this month. Our special guest, John Murphy, former Adobe CFO and Active Board Member, gave us insights into the perspectives of executives and board members regarding procurement. We captured the session and John's key learnings from working with procurement throughout his career. Watch Time: 33 Minutes Video Transcript Participants: Conrad Smith, CEO at Graphite Connect, and John Murphy, former Adobe CFO and Active Board Member of Public, Private, and Non-profit organizations. Smith: When did you join Adobe? Murphy: 2017 Smith: 2017. So John came in after the CFO, that was doing a whole bunch of transitions and everything else with the business. Which as a procurement leader was a little bit of a shock to me, to have a new CFO coming in. Didn’t know what was going to happen. Why don’t you just take a couple of minutes to talk about your pathway to Adobe? Because you came through a bunch of really cool companies and finance roles as well. Murphy: Yeah. It was actually funny. We were talking to a few folks earlier. . Adobe is trying to find it’s way into the AI pot of gold like a lot of companies are. But I think they will find their way. One of the things we had at Adobe for a long time was called Sense, is what we called it which was... --- ### Webinar - Procurement in the Fast Lane > Discover how to deliver results quickly while also safeguarding sensitive data and mitigating risks. - Published: 2024-06-19 - Modified: 2024-06-19 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-procurement-in-the-fast-lane/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resources, Webinar Discover how to deliver results quickly while also safeguarding sensitive data and mitigating risks. Accelerating Process Without Sacrificing Security Recorded: June 19th at 9 am MDT In today's fast-paced business landscape, procurement teams are under increasing pressure to deliver results quickly while also safeguarding sensitive data and mitigating risks. During this webinar, our expert panel explores strategies and best practices for striking the right equilibrium between efficiency and security. We discuss: The Need For Speed: Understanding the demands for rapid procurement in modern businesses and the challenges it poses to security protocols. Risk Management Strategies: Exploring proactive approaches to identifying and mitigating risks without slowing down procurement processes. Technological Solutions: Leveraging innovative technologies and tools to streamline procurement workflows while maintaining robust security measures. AI's Role as Both Friend and Foe: Just as your team looks to leverage AI to speed processes. fraudsters are leveraging AI to outsmart your security. This webinar provides valuable insights for procurement leaders to help you navigate the delicate balance between speed and security with confidence. Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical strategies and actionable tips to enhance your procurement practices while safeguarding your organizations valuable assets. Watch on-demand through Zoom. Watch On-demand --- ### Webinar - Ancestry's Digital Ambition Journey > With a little help from Graphite, Ancestry.com has transformed their supplier management system into a well-oiled machine. - Published: 2024-06-06 - Modified: 2024-06-06 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/ancestrys-digital-ambition-journey/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resources, Webinar Discover how Graphite helped Ancestry.com overcome supplier data challenges to onboard vendors faster and with less friction. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=P4_f-etTZBs Supplier management can be difficult to tackle, even for companies like Ancestry. com. With a little help from Graphite, Ancestry has transformed their supplier management system into a well-oiled machine. Discover how Graphite helped Ancestry. com overcome supplier data challenges to onboard vendors faster and with less friction. --- ### Choosing the Best Supplier Portals for Your Business: How to Pick and Which Features to Look for? > Discover what features and capabilities the best supplier portals share. Learn how to pick the right supplier portal software. - Published: 2024-03-05 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/how-to-choose-the-best-supplier-portal/ - Categories: Ebook, Resources - Types: Ebook, Resources Discover what features and capabilities your procurement team should look for when selecting a supplier portal. Interacting with suppliers can be time-consuming, costly, and sometimes even frustrating for many organizations. The best supplier portals, however, can take away all the pain by offering you a procurement solution tailor-made for streamlining essential business processes. These innovative vendor management platforms are transforming the way enterprises interact with suppliers, making procurement processes more efficient and a lot less stressful. But before we explore how this digital tool can enhance efficiency and explain which features are common amongst the best supplier portals, let's first define what a supplier or vendor portal is. What Is a Supplier or Vendor Portal? Simply put, a supplier portal, also known as a vendor portal, is an integrated online platform that enables businesses and suppliers to collaborate. Imagine a digital hub where you can collect supplier information, manage required documents, track the current status of multiple suppliers, and communicate with ease. From contracts to electronic purchase orders, vendor invoices, payments, and even electronic W9 tax forms – everything is collected and managed through this user-friendly web interface. The best supplier portals allow information to flow freely but securely and transactions to be processed efficiently while nurturing supplier relationships. Supplier portals are indispensable for companies looking to maintain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business environment. What Are the Benefits of Supplier Portals? Now that you know what a vendor portal is, you need to decide whether it is right for your business. This means looking into the benefits of having the right supplier portal software... . --- ### How to Create a Procurement Savings Strategy (With Example) > A procurement savings strategy can help your organization maximize bottom-line savings and uncover more opportunities in every purchasing decision. - Published: 2024-01-15 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/maximize-bottom-line-savings-in-procurement/ - Categories: Ebook, Resources, Uncategorized - Types: Ebook, Resources Learn the best practices to maximize bottom-line savings and uncover more opportunities in every purchasing decision. Profits up, waste down is the battle cry of companies everywhere. The secret often lies hidden in procurement, just waiting to be tapped. But unlocking this potential is more than cost avoidance—it requires a shift that elevates procurement from a routine operation to a strategic powerhouse. It requires a coherent and well-thought-out procurement savings strategy. This e-book dives into best practices for procurement professionals to maximize procurement savings and uncover more cost-saving strategies in their purchasing and procurement processes. By blending shrewd decision-making, focused planning, and sharp market insights, you’ll be equipped to steer your business to even greater success in the digital age and boost your bottom-line savings. How to Create a Procurement Savings Strategy: The Basics Procurement is more than just buying—it's a strategic process vital to your company’s financial success. From identifying needs to making final purchases, procurement savings management is where savvy cost management meets quality assurance. By honing your procurement cost reduction strategies, you can significantly reduce procurement costs while multiplying the value of every dollar spent. Master the Procurement Lifecycle for Superior Cost Savings Understanding and optimizing the purchasing lifecycle for financial efficiency can be a great cost-reduction strategy in procurement. The lifecycle involves essential stages, each a gateway to more competent cost management. The number and nature of these stages can vary depending on your organization’s specific needs and processes: 1. Needs identification: Prevent unnecessary spend by determining the products or services required. 2. Requirement analysis: Thoroughly assess and document the specific requirements... --- ### Webinar - ESG in Procurement > Graphite Connect CEO Conrad Smith meets with DitchCarbon founder Marc Munier to discuss how procurement plays a role in managing carbon emissions. - Published: 2024-01-10 - Modified: 2024-03-05 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/webinar-esg-in-procurement/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resources, Webinar Graphite Connect CEO Conrad Smith meets with DitchCarbon founder Marc Munier to discuss how procurement plays a role in managing carbon emissions. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=x1Zf2qWEFYQ Read More Read the ESG Compliance in Procurement Ebook for a step-by-step guide to building mutually beneficial supplier relationship. Read the Ebook Transcript Conrad Smith: Let's jump into it. Mark, it's great to be with you. I know we're here to talk about ESG instead of Christmas. Maybe we'll have the Christmas webinar next week, you know, just let's get started with quick introductions. I'll start, Mark, and hand it over to you. I'm Conrad Smith. I have 25 years as a procurement practitioner. I started at intel, was there about 15 years and then I went over to Adobe, I was the head of purchasing at Adobe for 10 years. And then about 2019, I left Adobe and founded Graphite and built the team and the product here. It's been really cool. And in my journeys, I met you, Mark. So why don't you tell us a little bit about you, and then we'll jump in, and get rolling here. Marc Munier: Brilliant. Thanks, Conrad. Yeah. So my name is Mark, founder of DitchCarbon. My background is predominantly in software as a service businesses, so growing businesses in marketing and tech. Yeah, kind of really just kind of had that moment a few years ago where I really wanted to do more to help about climate change. And when you look into it, you realize that, you know, procurement people really are the unsung potential climate heroes, right? And so we've built a product that works really great... --- ### Mastering Key Procurement Metrics That Matter Most to Business Leaders > Master key procurement metrics to ensure success in cost, productivity, and speed. - Published: 2023-12-20 - Modified: 2025-03-17 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/master-the-metrics-that-matter/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Align Metrics for Procurement Success: Cost, Productivity, and Speed. Which key procurement metrics truly count when gauging procurement effectiveness? In this e-book, procurement experts Larry Wood from The Simms Group and Conrad Smith, CEO of Graphite Connect, delve into the critical metrics that matter to executive leaders and how you can better align them to showcase your value. According to Larry, the CFO and other top executives focus on three key areas: cost savings, employee productivity, and speed to market. These three pillars encompass a range of key procurement metrics, and their significance may vary depending on your unique business cycle and strategic goals. Cost Savings The first crucial pillar is cost savings. But here's the catch—the definition of cost savings can vary widely. That's why nailing down a shared understanding of how these savings are calculated and defined across your organization is essential. What is cost savings versus cost avoidance? Larry advises, “Get your finance person involved to help determine your definition of cost savings because there are so many use cases you have to think through — ‘is that a real number or not? '” Often, it's a fusion of both cost savings and cost avoidance. Take a software deal as an example: if you pay less for software licenses in your current purchase price, but buy more licenses than the previous deal, is it cost savings or cost avoidance? The answer lies in understanding the nuances of each. Implementing a measure to compare the total expense of the contract, including both license purchase price and quantity, can clarify whether... --- ### How to Conduct Procurement Opportunity Analysis With SWOT Framework > Supply chains need to be refined regularly. The upgrades, though, can’t be arbitrary. Enter procurement opportunity analysis based on the SWOT framework. - Published: 2023-11-29 - Modified: 2025-03-26 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/swot-in-procurement/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Every decision you make in procurement matters. That’s why you need more than just intuition. Enter the SWOT analysis. Every decision you make in procurement matters. That’s why you need more than just intuition. What if you had a compass to navigate the complexities of supplier relationships, market trends, and regulatory shifts? Enter procurement opportunity analysis based on the SWOT framework. The SWOT framework is a powerful tool that equips you with a clearer grasp of your internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats that surround you. With this insight generator in your back pocket, you’ll make more informed decisions about your procurement strategies, supplier partnerships, risk management, and resource allocation. This blog explores key areas where you can leverage a SWOT analysis in procurement to uncover valuable insights, pinpoint areas for improvement, and devise solid strategies: Evaluate Internal Procurement Strengths with SWOT Supplier Evaluation: Choose allies with eyes wide open. Category Management: Orchestrate your resources with skill. Risk Assessment: Anticipate and weather storms. Cost-benefit Analysis: Balance the scales of investment and return. Contract Negotiations: Craft agreements that stand the test of time. Market Research: Scout the terrain for opportunities. Environmental Sustainability: Merge green-thinking into business. Technology Integration: Embrace the future together with your team. SWOT-based Procurement Opportunity Analysis and Strategic Sourcing Conducting procurement opportunity analysis based on the SWOT strategic framework helps you pinpoint what’s working well and what’s not in procurement while also identifying opportunities and threats through meticulous market analysis. SWOT analysis in procurement is about making smarter moves in how you buy, who you partner with, and the risks you... --- ### Navigating the Procurement Cybersecurity Battleground: Safeguard Your Company > Every day, hackers are snatching data and throwing wrenches into business operations. Learn how to boost procurement cybersecurity. - Published: 2023-10-26 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/navigating-the-procurement-cybersecurity-battleground/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Protect your company from cyber threats— assess supply chain risks for resilience. Every day, hackers are snatching data and throwing wrenches into business operations. With out proper procurement cybersecurity practices, your organization could be their next victim. In fact, cybercrime is an estimated $8 trillion problem that’s expected to swell to $10. 5 trillion by 2025. ¹ Cybercriminals are getting smarter, too, finding sneaky ways to slip into your organization through your suppliers. Last year, ransomware attacks on suppliers accounted for 50% of all supply chain disruptions. ² But there’s hope. Unmasking Cybercrime: More Than a Hoodie and a Keyboard When you think of a hacker, do you picture a person in a stained t-shirt typing away on a keyboard in a dark room? Often, people don't realize that this is an entire industry. “It’s almost an industrial complex,” says David Coles, Threat Intelligence Director. “The person who sends the phishing email that steals your password is not the same person who steals your data. And that's not even the same person who encrypts your computer and holds it for ransom. They're all different people and stages in a multi-trillion dollar industry. ” And these cybercriminal groups are highly organized. They operate through “access shops” or underground online marketplaces where they buy and sell unauthorized access to compromised systems, networks, passwords, and user accounts. “Hackers are real people, not machines or viruses,” says Charles Clark, CEO of Darkbeam. “They’re real people with the intent to make a lot of money from what they do. ” These underground cyber-marketplaces sell access to: Compromised accounts: Social media profiles,... --- ### ESG Compliance in Procurement: Paving the Way for a Greener Future > Learn how your company can reduce emissions, stay in line with environmental laws, and reach your ESG compliance and sustainability goals. - Published: 2023-09-19 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/esg-compliance-in-procurement/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resource Center Unraveling Procurement Metrics: Savings, Risk, and ESG Impact in a Complex Landscape Learn how your company can reduce emissions, stay in line with environmental laws, and reach your ESG compliance and sustainability goals. What is ESG compliance? Environment, social, and governance (ESG) refers to laws and standards created by regulatory bodies that govern a business’s environmental actions. ESG compliance refers to a business's adherence to those standards. If a business is not in accordance with ESG regulations, there can be severe implications for the business and those who do business with it. Yes, environmental concerns are important for our planet and our duty as citizens of the world. But why does ESG compliance especially matter to those in procurement? Procurement's role in achieving ESG compliance Procurement is uniquely positioned to influence their organization’s approach to reducing and offsetting their company’s carbon footprint. The challenge we face with climate change requires a unified effort across your supply chain, and it won’t be solved without professionals becoming very serious about optimization and environmental KPIs. Be the driving force for change Using your leverage in the procurement space to create impact is essential. Procurement can influence the internal business and the supplier to track and reduce emissions to achieve resource efficiency while still helping the business meet its profitability goals. Help suppliers and stakeholders identify the benefits Change happens more rapidly when it benefits the companies in question. Suppliers know that if they follow ESG compliance guidelines, they are more likely to become a preferred supplier to potential buyers. This incentivizes companies to reduce their... --- ### What is Cost Savings and Cost Avoidance? Cost Savings vs Cost Avoidance Explained! > What is cost savings? How do you resolve the debate of cost savings vs cost avoidance and where does cost reduction fit in? Seasoned procurement leaders answer! - Published: 2023-09-05 - Modified: 2025-03-17 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/cost-savings-and-other-misleading-metrics/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Unraveling Procurement Metrics: Savings, Risk, and ESG Impact in a Complex Landscape As a procurement professional, you know how important it is to save those dollars. But cost saving isn't as straightforward as it seems. And there's a serious disconnect between procurement and finance teams when it comes to defining what is cost savings. We recently caught up with Larry Wood, a longtime procurement leader and partner at The Simms Group, and Conrad Smith, CEO of Graphite Connect, to unravel the complexities of cost savings, cost avoidance, cost reduction, and other misleading procurement performance metrics. The Cost Savings Definition is Different for Different Teams Cost savings means different things to different teams. Generally, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and finance team think about spend and run rates—the actual dollar impact on a company's cash flow. Procurement, on the other hand, often sees savings as a measure of value added to the deal. So, who's right? Both are, in a sense. But to understand each perspective, let's first define a few terms. What Are Cost Savings and Cost Avoidance? What is the Difference Between Cost Savings and Cost Avoidance? So, what is cost savings and how does it differ from cost avoidance? In procurement, these two concepts are distinct yet related. Cost savings refer to actual reductions in current spending, which are tangible and visible in financial statements. For example, if a procurement team reduces material costs from $100,000 to $90,000, this is a clear cost saving of $10,000. In contrast, procurement cost avoidance focuses on lowering costs and preventing future costs. It's about... --- ### The Ultimate Procurement Transformation Roadmap with Challenges, Strategy and Best Practices > Want a seamless procurement transformation? Consider following this procurement transformation roadmap based on expert advice! - Published: 2023-07-31 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/driving-successful-procurement-transformation/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Procurement success: Lead with strategy, overcome pitfalls. Transform like a pro! Ready to move forward with your digital procurement transformation projects? Effective leadership and strategic thinking are the secret sauce to making your digital transformation a success. However, it's too easy to miss out on the full potential of your shiny, new tech stack addition if key elements like user adoption, procurement process design, and procurement strategy aren't given the attention they deserve. We had the chance to interview Amanda Prochaska, Founder and Chief Wonder Officer at Wonder Services, and Conrad Smith, CEO of Graphite, about their learnings from over 50 years of collective experience in procurement operations. Here, they've shared valuable insights, including three common pitfalls to digital procurement transformation and tips on how to develop a procurement transformation strategy so your project goes as smoothly as possible We’ve collated all these insights into a single procurement transformation roadmap to make it easier for you to kickstart your own. Challenges Every Procurement Transformation Roadmap Has to Overcome Users Not Adopting New Technologies Procurement technology is becoming easier to implement, but getting users to adopt it is still challenging. “Sometimes you say user adoption, and people think it's simply training and communication or that you're basically going to tell them what to do, and they're going to do it magically,” says Amanda Prochaska, Founder of Wonder Services, a consulting firm that focuses on streamlining the procurement process. “But to get user adoption , you must think about your process design, the procurement strategy and data around it, and your culture. ”... --- ### 4 Tips for a More Effective Contract Negotiation in the Procurement Process > Master contract negotiation in the procurement process with 4 essential tips developed by experts exclusively for procurement professionals. - Published: 2023-07-06 - Modified: 2024-10-20 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/effective-contract-negotiation/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Learn how to negotiate better contracts and create real impact for your business. Much of the procurement negotiation advice out there focuses on at-the-table tactics ranging from your body language during a negotiation to what you should say to gain the upper hand. These tactics may even stretch as far as dictating where you should place things on your desk to create the appearance of success and confidence. While such advice may have its place, what you do before you initiate contract negotiation in the procurement process is what really matters. You'll find a far greater impact from putting in the time to prepare for a successful negotiation properly rather than rearranging your desk or controlling your mannerisms. The most influential factors to any negotiated agreement are in motion before a meeting ever takes place. Omid Ghamami, CPSCM™, noted procurement author/speaker/consultant and CEO of the Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSCM) Institute, has helped us put together tips for effective procurement contract negotiations that will help to make an impact and deliver the preferred outcome. 1. Successful Procurement Contract Negotiations Don’t Always Start From Scratch Unless you're working for a new company, you'll rarely find yourself negotiating a contract that is completely dissimilar from anything ever done for your business. Typically, your business has bought from similar suppliers, and in this case, history is your friend. The idea here is not to copy what's been done in the past. Rather, having historical contracts to work from gives you the perfect jumping-off point to ask questions. Ask: What's been working well here? What hasn't? What... --- ### Using Internal Stakeholder Management to Build Successful Partnerships and Unlock Latent Potential > Check out this article to learn how to build successful partnerships with internal stakeholders as a procurement professional. - Published: 2023-06-22 - Modified: 2025-03-17 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/partnering-with-internal-stakeholders/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Build successful partnerships with internal stakeholders by focusing on their needs, shifting to a value-driven mindset, and providing data to drive informed decisions. You work with many different internal and external stakeholders, from suppliers to finance teams, IT, and others. These partners are essential to your procurement team as they offer valuable input about their needs and goals. Only by fully understanding their needs can you help them achieve their goals. And the earlier you engage with the stakeholder, the greater the value procurement can add. By learning to engage and collaborate more effectively with internal stakeholders, you can ensure that your procurement strategies align with their business objectives. Plus, internal stakeholder management will grant you meaningful insights that lead to better sourcing decisions, more effective supplier and stakeholder management, fewer costs, and increased efficiency – a win-win for everyone! “The number one goal of procurement is to enable business success,” says Conrad Smith, CEO of Graphite. “That means you must understand what will drive that success, and then you need to enable that. ” To do this, you must create an environment that facilitates seamless and proactive engagement with the procurement process. According to Gartner®, sourcing, procurement and vendor management (SPVM) leaders must make it easy to engage procurement through a digital “front door. ” This will enable the business to realize its objectives through the most appropriate and expeditious “procurement track. ”* Advise Internal Stakeholders Instead of Simply Taking Orders When it comes to internal stakeholder management, procurement professionals want to be seen as a trusted business partner rather than simply an order taker, a rival, or even worse, a deadweight. “If you don’t... --- ### 4 Steps of Third-Party Risk Management Process > This article aims to dive deeper into the third-party risk management process including identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks to an organization's assets and resources. - Published: 2023-04-25 - Modified: 2024-11-13 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/robust-risk-management/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Robust risk management involves four stages: defining risk, measuring it, managing it, and monitoring it. As your business grows and evolves, it's exposed to potential risks that can significantly impact your business operations and financial stability. This is especially true with external or third-party risks such as those associated with suppliers and vendors. Therefore, it's essential to be able to define, measure, manage, and continuously monitor these threats. That's where third-party risk management comes in. What is the Third-Party Risk Management Process? Risk management is the act of proactively identifying, assessing, and addressing risks affecting your organization's assets and operations. The third-party risk management process, however, is the steps you follow to actively identify and optimize the above aspects specifically for third parties such as suppliers and vendors. Third-party risks or supplier risks are different from internal operational risks or even broader supply chain risks. Why is Third-Party Risk Management Important in Procurement? The third-party risk management process is a key component of the entire procurement chain since your business depends on suppliers for essential products and services. Your procurement team must anticipate and manage any potential supply chain disruptions that could impact your organization's performance. By strategically managing risks, your team of procurement and supply chain professionals can ensure you secure the needed services and products from your suppliers to maintain business continuity. If not appropriately managed, risks can consume a significant portion of your company's resources. However, with a well-implemented risk management strategy, your organization can take calculated risks without incurring excessive costs. Let's dive deeper into what it takes to develop a... --- ### Supplier Relationship Failures – Recorded Webinar > There was language in these contracts about leveraging capital across the supplier relationship failures. Graphite. - Published: 2023-04-14 - Modified: 2024-01-10 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/supplier-relationship-failures/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resources Hear Graphite CEO Conrad Smith speak with Wonder Service's Amanda Prochaska on supplier relationships. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=qqkLIP3I7NA&t=11s Read More Read the Supplier Lifecycle Management Ebook for a step-by-step guide to building mutually beneficial supplier relationship. Read the Ebook Transcript Amanda Prochaska: All right, well, welcome everyone to this wonderful opportunity to learn more about supplier relationship management. I am Amanda Prochaska. I'm the Chief Wonder Officer of Wonder Services. We are so glad that you are here today. I am co-hosting this webinar with my good friend, Conrad Smith from Graphite. He's going to do a full introduction here in just a moment, but we're really happy that you could spend the time with us today to discuss a very relevant topic related to supplier relationship management. The events over the last couple of years have really elevated the importance of SRM in the marketplace. We think this is really timely and relevant information that we hope that you can take back to your organizations and proceed forward in the best way possible. With that said, I am so happy that Conrad is here with us today. Graphite is a wonderful partner of ours at Wonder Services. Conrad, why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself. Conrad, I think you're on mute maybe. There you go. Conrad Smith: All right, awesome. Good to be with you. You're introducing yourself and I'm thinking I need a better title because Wonder Officer is way better. It sounds more like a superhero, which most procurement people need a superhero title. Great to be with you and great to be... --- ### Combining Procurement and Security to Mitigate Risk > Procurement and security look like two separate issues but they’re not. Ensuring IT security in the procurement process can prevent digital mishaps! - Published: 2023-04-12 - Modified: 2025-03-13 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/bake-security-into-procurement-to-deliver-visibility-mitigate-risk/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Mitigate risks of shadow IT by involving IT and security teams from the start and onboarding new technology. How are new tools and applications introduced into your organization? Is there a link between procurement and security? If employees purchase technology without going through the proper security and IT channels, it could expose your business to some serious (not to mention expensive! ) compliance and regulatory issues. In this e-book, learn how to partner with your IT and security teams to mitigate risk and drive business value. Today’s agile workplace requires employees to work more efficiently than ever before. As a result, they’re constantly adopting new tools and applications to help them. But if your IT department doesn’t authorize this new technology, it can bring additional risks into your supply chain. “People have this on-demand attitude of ‘I needed this yesterday,’” says Aaron Oyler, Chief Product Officer for Graphite Connect. “If the company culture is about getting things out the door as quickly as possible, you will always default to the business and getting things done as fast as you can, but not necessarily doing them appropriately. ” Poor Procurement Security Leads to Shadow IT Implementing technology that bypasses the proper security channels—called shadow IT—is common in businesses. A recent Forbes article cites Gartner reporting that 30 to 40% of tech spending in large enterprises goes to shadow IT, while the Everest Group found shadow IT spending even higher—at 50%. ¹ The problem with this spontaneous approach to onboarding tech is that it exposes your organization to costly and time-consuming security and compliance concerns that could damage your reputation and your bottom line... . --- ### Manage Supplier Information Like a Pro > Keeping supplier information accurate and up to date can feel impossible, but with the right processes, this task can be a proactive approach. - Published: 2023-03-07 - Modified: 2024-07-09 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/manage-supplier-information-like-a-pro/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Learn about the 3 stages of procurement maturity and how to transition from reactive to proactive procurement. Learn to solve supplier data issues before they appear. Procurement teams everywhere attempt to become more proactive while drowning in reactive work. Sound familiar? Implementing change with too few resources can be challenging, but it is possible. The key to change with a constrained budget is an efficient process in supplier information. When a business is new, procurement isn't usually a priority until problems arise where it's needed. While that very reactive approach may work well for a while, as the business grows, procurement strategies must grow and change too. As a result, companies can find themselves at risk if procurement processes stay in the reactive stage for too long. One of the most essential tasks in procurement is supplier information management. Keeping supplier information accurate and up to date can feel near impossible, but with the right processes, this task can shift toward a more proactive approach. With proactive strategies in place, you'll save your team the time it takes to reactively track down supplier information and use that time to make even more significant business impacts. So how do you take your team's supplier information management processes from reactive to proactive? Keep reading to learn more about the three stages of procurement maturity and how your team can make the switch. Reactive procurement The first level in supplier information management is doing whatever is needed to pay your suppliers. When businesses are small, procurement is often an afterthought. With no team dedicated to the function, someone usually performs... --- ### The Ultimate Guide to Effective Supplier Lifecycle Management > Supplier Lifecycle Management (SLM) is an end-to-end approach used to manage suppliers transparent, organized, and integrated way. - Published: 2023-01-11 - Modified: 2025-03-17 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/supplier-lifecycle-management/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Your guide to managing supplier lifecycle from segmentation to offboarding, reducing cost and mitigating risk. How to Reduce Cost and Mitigate Risk in your Supply Chain You've just onboarded a supplier. Now what? This e-book will guide you through the key stages of supplier lifecycle management, from supplier selection and segmentation to supplier performance management and, if necessary, termination or supplier offboarding. To get the most out of your supplier relationships, you need to be able to effectively manage suppliers throughout the entire supplier lifecycle. That's why it's essential to understand all key stages and have a standardized supplier lifecycle management process in place that fosters strong relationships while mitigating risk and reducing costs. This e-book will explore the key stages and best practices for effective supplier lifecycle management. Plus, learn how your organization can leverage technology to streamline supplier lifecycle management processes and achieve optimal results. What Is Supplier Lifecycle Management? Supplier lifecycle management (SLM) is an essential part of procurement and supply chain management. While the supply chain lifecycle will focus on the life cycle of the entire supply chain spanning all threads and vendors, supplier lifecycle management focuses on individual suppliers or even a set of suppliers within a process module. This is the process of managing supplier relationships throughout the entire supplier lifecycle, from initial supplier selection and segmentation to ongoing performance management and, when necessary, supplier offboarding. Maximizing the benefits from your suppliers, boosting their performance, minimizing risks, and sparking business growth is all possible with smart management of your supplier relationships throughout the supplier lifecycle. While each stage in Supplier Lifecycle... --- ### Running an Efficient Supplier Onboarding Program > Create a list of preferred suppliers and centralized supplier management, making your supplier onboarding program more efficient. - Published: 2022-12-12 - Modified: 2024-08-15 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/efficient-supplier-onboarding/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Know the maturity of your business and create a centralized intake process to run an efficient onboarding program. How to create more streamlined processes in procurement. Want to take your procurement team to the next level? While that's a great intention, the first step in that process may seem counterintuitive. Take a look at how your team members are spending their time. Is your supplier intake process clear, simple, and easy to follow? Are you wasting time on unnecessary steps? If you aren't happy with your answers, it may be time to revamp your procurement processes. Whether your team is one person or twenty, when you meet your company's basic business needs efficiently and effectively, you can expand your procurement function to do much more. Six Steps to Increase the Efficiency of Your Procurement Team: Not sure how to meet those basic needs? These six steps are an excellent place to start. 1. Know the maturity of your business The first step in running an efficient and valued procurement operation and successful supplier onboarding process is knowing where your business stands on the maturity scale. The needs of a new business can look quite different from those of a more mature business, and your team needs to mirror that maturity. For example, the image below shows the stages of risk assessment and management. Depending on the size and maturity of your team, you may need to focus solely on defining and measuring risk. If you have a more robust team with clearly defined goals, you may be able to manage and monitor risk as well. What you decide to focus on and... --- ### What is Strategic Sourcing and How to Execute Your Strategic Sourcing Plan? > Strategic Sourcing vs Procurement: Transform your team into strategic sourcing experts with Graphite and grow impact, not shift impact. - Published: 2022-11-28 - Modified: 2024-10-25 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/become-strategic-sourcing-experts/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Procurement teams become advisors by evolving through 3 tiers: purchasing, procurement, & strategic sourcing. Procurement is swiftly evolving from a behind-the-scenes operation to a highly visible and influential part of the business that's focused on driving innovation and value. To meet the ever-shifting demands of a global supply chain, procurement teams must be prepared to take on more strategic roles in addition to traditional purchasing and contract management. While the organizational changes outlined throughout this document may not fit the needs of your particular organization, the ideas and context described can provide a valuable framework for any company's procurement department. In a recent survey, 51% of respondents said that by 2030 procurement teams will have evolved into “an agile group of strategic advisors. ”¹ We spoke with Danielle Salyers, 2nd Vice President of Strategic Sourcing at Allied Solutions, to explore the steps procurement teams can take to become a trusted sourcing team to stakeholders. What is Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, and Purchasing? To meet the changing needs of any business, it's essential first to understand the three different levels of the procurement process, says Salyers. Here's a brief rundown of each: Tier 1 (Basic): Purchasing Purchasing professionals are responsible for transactional purchases and executing simple tasks at this basic level. The focus of purchasing policies is primarily on the exchange itself rather than on building long-term supplier relationships. These transactions are typically for purchasing goods and services that require little negotiation or complexity, such as office supplies or equipment. These purchasing professionals typically don't weigh in on contract terms or suppliers. Instead, they track goods to ensure... --- ### Procurement's Foundation is Data - Recorded Webinar > So to me, the data foundation below everything you're trying to do, enables collaboration that we couldn't do before. - Published: 2022-08-22 - Modified: 2023-11-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/procurements-foundation-is-data/ - Categories: Webinar - Types: Resources Join Conrad Smith and Michael Cadieux, for a discussion about the importance of actionable data in procurement. https://youtu. be/i0pnU_TUXbA Read More Read the Data Discipline, the Essential Foundation to Spend Management Ebook for a tactical guide in getting control of your data. Read the Ebook Transcript Michael Cadieux: Hey, everybody. It's Mike Cadieux. We’re just getting started here with Conrad Smith from Graphite. This is gonna be an amazing conversation. It's gonna be completely unscripted today. Conrad's got a couple of slides, but we're gonna jump in and talk about data and his amazing passion for data and how it's the core of procurement. I am just turning on the live stream here. So just gimme a second. I think I've got LinkedIn and Twitter and Facebook up at this point. As always Tina is in the control room behind us keeping an eye on us and making sure everything is going on. I'm gonna do a little bit of housekeeping, really quickly. Tina, are we live on LinkedIn by chance? Tina: Yes, you are. Michael Cadieux: Fantastic. Thank you so much for that. I really appreciate it. Before I go any further, Hey Conrad, thank you so much for taking your time today to be with us. The couple of pre-reads that we did on this, I loved our conversations on this. I learned so much when I talked to you. So thanks for being with us today. Conrad Smith: Oh, it's my pleasure there, data is one of my favorite conversations. I mean, we could talk about anything, but like this is the middle. This is... --- ### Data Discipline: The Foundation of Spend Management > Quality data drives the success of procurement. The success of your procurement department is built on using good data to negotiate. - Published: 2022-08-18 - Modified: 2023-08-22 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/resource/data-discipline/ - Categories: Ebook - Types: Resources Good data is essential to successful procurement. Read more to discover five easy steps to build your data foundation. Quality data drives the success of your procurement department. The success of your procurement department is built on the foundation of good data. Your procurement department will achieve success when it can effectively use quality data to: Answer critical stakeholder questions about key decisions, budgets, and growth plans. Successfully negotiate deals and contracts. Efficiently maintain daily operations and manage resources. Data is the most powerful tool in any negotiation “When going through a negotiation, quality data is the most powerful tool at your disposal. Without an understanding of what you are buying and the reasonable range for price, you are simply shooting from the hip and unlikely to influence the deal to be any better than average or mediocre. This dilutes procurement's positive impact on the business, ” Conrad Smith, Graphite CEO, said. “In fact, accurate data is far more important than style, personality, and tactics. ” Have you ever tried to negotiate without a data-driven understanding of the deal and the market? Shooting from the hip almost never wins, and it’s certainly not a method to bring predictable and repeatable value to deals. Without a clear objective, adequately prioritizing time and resources will be difficult, and your team will fail to deliver maximum value. Data-driven insights will help guide decision-making across your entire supplier management lifecycle, leading to increased value and efficiency. Leverage this simple 5-step process to build a more effective data foundation that empowers you to achieve stakeholder objectives, successfully negotiate deals, and efficiently manage your operations and... --- ## Testimonials ### Danielle Salyers - Published: 2024-08-08 - Modified: 2025-04-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/testimonial/danielle-salyers/ --- ### Hilary Hoffman - Published: 2024-08-08 - Modified: 2025-04-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/testimonial/hilary-hoffman/ --- ### Sheel Patel - Published: 2024-08-08 - Modified: 2025-04-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/testimonial/sheel-patel/ --- ### Jarred Warren - Published: 2024-08-08 - Modified: 2025-04-28 - URL: https://www.graphiteconnect.com/blog/testimonial/jarred-warren/ --- ##