The Procurement Glossary » Cloud Procurement
Cloud Procurement
Technology & Systems
Also known as: SaaS Procurement
Definition
Delivering procurement software as an internet-hosted service (SaaS) rather than on-premise installation.
Explanation
Cloud (SaaS) procurement lowers upfront cost, speeds deployment and keeps software continuously updated. It scales with the organisation and enables anywhere access, though it requires attention to data security, integration and vendor lock-in.
Example
The company adopts a cloud procurement suite and is live in weeks without buying or maintaining any servers.
Related terms
- Procurement Software — Software that digitises and automates procurement processes such as sourcing, purchasing, contracts and supplier management.
- Source-to-Pay (S2P) — The widest procurement cycle — strategic sourcing and supplier selection on top of the operational procure-to-pay process.
- Vendor Lock-In — A situation where switching away from a supplier is difficult or costly, reducing the buyer's leverage and choice.
- Data Protection — Safeguarding personal and sensitive data handled in procurement, in line with privacy laws.
Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cloud Procurement?
Delivering procurement software as an internet-hosted service (SaaS) rather than on-premise installation. Cloud (SaaS) procurement lowers upfront cost, speeds deployment and keeps software continuously updated. It scales with the organisation and enables anywhere access, though it requires attention to data security, integration and vendor lock-in.
Can you give an example of Cloud Procurement?
The company adopts a cloud procurement suite and is live in weeks without buying or maintaining any servers.
Back to the procurement glossary | Procurement concepts | Contact us