EC Sourcing: Vendor Analysis (Part 2) — Product Strengths and Weaknesses

Many procurement organizations at larger firms will soon be on their second (or even third) set of e-sourcing technologies, with many using multiple solutions. The middle market is different, with scattered adoption and a much more recent track record of “sourcing” tools for the first time, if at all. Both trends favor lesser-known providers like EC Sourcing, a closely held technology and solutions firm, which has built out a commendable e-sourcing package and various components of a broader “upstream” suite — albeit with strengths and weaknesses in different areas. EC Sourcing built out its suite from an e-negotiation core, and now has a range of surprisingly deep capabilities that go beyond modular capability alone, including workflow management. On a functional basis, the provider offers e-sourcing, basic contract management, supplier management and supplier corrective action reporting (SCAR) modules. This Spend Matters PRO vendor snapshot explores EC Sourcing’s strengths and weaknesses, providing facts and expert analysis to help procurement organizations determine if they should shortlist the vendor as a potential provider. Part 1 of our analysis provided a company and detailed solution overview and a SWOT analysis, as well as a summary recommended fit suggestion for what types of organizations should consider EC Sourcing. The remaining parts of this multi-part series will offer a user selection guide, user interface (UI/UX) analysis, competitive alternatives and evaluation and selection considerations.