The Year That Was, And The Year That Will Be – NIGP & SciQuest Update

Even though we are past the first quarter in 2017, there are still some notable stories from 2016 that need to be wrapped up.

For example, 2016 was the first year that this blog was sponsor free.

There was also the SciQuest lawsuit that began in 2015, as well as the continuing investigation surrounding NIGP #CodeGate, both of which garnered the most interest with readers.

In short, it was a memorable year on many levels and continues to be so.

So where are we today concerning these and other stories I covered in 2016?

NIGP #CodeGate

While we may never obtain a copy of the forensic audit of the NIGP, one thing is sure, this blog’s coverage of the association regarding how it does business is the reason why said audit was done. I think that this is a good thing, because even an internalized transparency may lead to needed changes that will benefit both the membership and the industry as a whole.

SciQuest

Within a few weeks following the departure of Stephen Wiehe, the company’s lawyers reached out to my lawyers indicating that they wanted to settle the case, as they felt that it was in their best interests to focus on the future.

While I am prohibited from disclosing the details of the settlement itself, I do applaud the new management for choosing the course of action that they did.

What I can tell you, is that has this story progressed, more people did come forward with new information. Some of it I did share with you. In many cases, however, I chose not to write about what I had received. I made this decision because the nature of this information would have potentially exposed my sources – especially those individuals from within the company itself.

All this being said, I was recently asked the following question; if I had it to do all over again, would I have covered the story. My answer is an unequivocal yes.

Procurement must be able to examine itself and ask the tough questions in an objective but determined manner, if we hope to elevate the profession to become more than it is, and all that it can be.

Let’s Not Forget . . .

Other notable stories that also garnered significant interest in 2016 included my coverage of the Manitoba Hydro single source controversy and the emergence of The County of Santa Clara as a public sector success story. Let’s also not forget about the Coupa IPO, about which I wrote two posts If Coupa goes public, will it ruin the company?, and Coupa IPO: Is The Unicorn Dead?

Suffice to say, Coupa will be one of this blog’s main storylines for 2017.

Looking Ahead To 2017

Other newsworthy topics I will be covering in 2017 include a closer look at KPMG, the emergence of distributed ledgers and federated trusts, and the progression of the BravoSolution procurement platform in Ontario.

Whether it is a good thing or as some suggest a curse, we in the procurement world do in fact “live in interesting times.”

Are there stories you believe need to be discussed in an open and objective forum? Let me know in the comment section below, or call our anonymous source hotline at 819-230-2131.

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