Rather than focus on the features, functions, and benefits regarding why these three made it onto the map, I believe the how is more important. What was my process for entertaining a request or reaching out to a prospective candidate? Afterall, if I am recommending them to you, you do have a right to know and understand my methodology of selection.
Achilles
When the company initially approached me about its expansion plans for Canada (and North America), I was interested for several reasons—not the least of which was the fact that they had been around for 30 years and had a reasonably strong client footprint overseas. I also found it interesting that for seven consecutive years, they made Spend Matters’ Procurement Provider To Know List (2013 to 2020).
So, even though I had never really heard of them until they called me, this was my starting point.
They say hindsight is 20/20, and trying to get a take on Achilles – the company that, at that point, I knew very little about, takes on a high degree of importance. The key is to dig deep behind a crowded market where everyone is pitching similar AI, ESG compliance, and spend visibility stories.
What’s my idea of digging deep?
Reach out to the former CEO, longstanding clients, and anyone who has direct knowledge of the company’s 30-year journey. After all, what good are 40+ years of experience and expertise if I don’t use them? To those who have been following my blog since 2007, would you really expect any less from me?
What impressed me about my exchange with the former CEO Jay Katzen is that even though he acknowledged he likely has some bias, his assessments were straightforward, frank, and, as far as I am concerned, right on the mark. In today’s overcrowded vendor landscape, we need more Jay Katzen’s speaking up.
While I do not have his permission to publish his detailed written comments in this blog, what is especially important to note, is Jay’s response came shortly – very shortly after I sent him an InMail. What this means is that he was speaking off the cuff, and I received his honest opinion on areas such as new technology and data integrity – including 100% supplier verification before publishing, as well as other information of which I was not previously aware. I would, of course, be happy to speak with you off the record and share these insights further.
So, where does that leave me? Do I have enough information to ensure that my initial decision to give Achilles one of the ten spots on my map and recommend them to practitioners?
While I think Achilles’ case studies are not quite up to par – more marketing than substance, and I am not altogether wowed by their recent yet decent video (see below), I am very comfortable with their thoroughness regarding supplier research and verification. In the end, if I were betting my company’s reputation and future on ESG compliance, I would be comfortable placing my trust in Achilles.
One final point, the Top Ten verification process is not a “one-and-done” deal. In other words, a solution provider getting on the list does not mean it is a permanent placement, as I will always research and validate their selection. What it does mean is that in the here and now, I can recommend them without losing sleep at night.
If you are on LinkedIn, take a few moments to respond to my latest poll (to see the early results and cast your vote, click here or on the image below).
Procurement Insights
A measure of scrutiny and a dose of skepticism
Posted on May 21, 2024
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In the past week, I have introduced three of the top ten providers on my analyst solution map through the Procurement Insights blog.
Here are the three of the ten to date:
LavenirAI – Analyst Map Inductee: The Four Cornerstones Of Learning In The Digital AI Era
Achilles – Analyst Map Inductee 2: A Zero Carbon Footprint Requires A Strong Achilles
Mintec – Analyst Map Inductee 3: Making A Case (Study) For Mintec
How Did They End Up On My Analyst Map?
Rather than focus on the features, functions, and benefits regarding why these three made it onto the map, I believe the how is more important. What was my process for entertaining a request or reaching out to a prospective candidate? Afterall, if I am recommending them to you, you do have a right to know and understand my methodology of selection.
Achilles
When the company initially approached me about its expansion plans for Canada (and North America), I was interested for several reasons—not the least of which was the fact that they had been around for 30 years and had a reasonably strong client footprint overseas. I also found it interesting that for seven consecutive years, they made Spend Matters’ Procurement Provider To Know List (2013 to 2020).
So, even though I had never really heard of them until they called me, this was my starting point.
I then began my research, including a review of the July 13th, 2012, white paper SpendMatters / Achilles White Paper: Is Your Supplier Qualification Process a Competitive Disadvantage?
They say hindsight is 20/20, and trying to get a take on Achilles – the company that, at that point, I knew very little about, takes on a high degree of importance. The key is to dig deep behind a crowded market where everyone is pitching similar AI, ESG compliance, and spend visibility stories.
What’s my idea of digging deep?
Reach out to the former CEO, longstanding clients, and anyone who has direct knowledge of the company’s 30-year journey. After all, what good are 40+ years of experience and expertise if I don’t use them? To those who have been following my blog since 2007, would you really expect any less from me?
What impressed me about my exchange with the former CEO Jay Katzen is that even though he acknowledged he likely has some bias, his assessments were straightforward, frank, and, as far as I am concerned, right on the mark. In today’s overcrowded vendor landscape, we need more Jay Katzen’s speaking up.
While I do not have his permission to publish his detailed written comments in this blog, what is especially important to note, is Jay’s response came shortly – very shortly after I sent him an InMail. What this means is that he was speaking off the cuff, and I received his honest opinion on areas such as new technology and data integrity – including 100% supplier verification before publishing, as well as other information of which I was not previously aware. I would, of course, be happy to speak with you off the record and share these insights further.
So, where does that leave me? Do I have enough information to ensure that my initial decision to give Achilles one of the ten spots on my map and recommend them to practitioners?
While I think Achilles’ case studies are not quite up to par – more marketing than substance, and I am not altogether wowed by their recent yet decent video (see below), I am very comfortable with their thoroughness regarding supplier research and verification. In the end, if I were betting my company’s reputation and future on ESG compliance, I would be comfortable placing my trust in Achilles.
One final point, the Top Ten verification process is not a “one-and-done” deal. In other words, a solution provider getting on the list does not mean it is a permanent placement, as I will always research and validate their selection. What it does mean is that in the here and now, I can recommend them without losing sleep at night.
If you are on LinkedIn, take a few moments to respond to my latest poll (to see the early results and cast your vote, click here or on the image below).
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