An SRM software (Supplier Relationship Management) is a management solution that enables companies to efficiently handle their supplier relationships. It centralizes all strategic data related to purchasing and procurement to improve the overall performance of the supply chain.
Its main features include:
Supplier onboarding and management of key information (quality, compliance, certification).
Contract monitoring and commitment tracking (clauses, renewals, obligations).
Supplier performance evaluation through precise KPIs.
Automation of procurement processes (requests, orders, approvals).
Risk management related to partners and regulatory compliance.
Enhanced collaboration between internal teams and suppliers.
📌 Did you know? SRM allows you to monitor the entire supplier lifecycle, from sourcing to post-delivery evaluation.
Although complementary, these three types of software do not address the same needs.
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| SRM (Supplier Relationship Management) | Manage supplier relationships, optimize performance, and reduce risks | Procurement, Supply Chain, Quality | Sourcing, contracts, performance evaluation, compliance, supplier collaboration |
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Centralize and manage internal business processes | Finance, Production, HR, Logistics | Accounting, production, inventory management, invoicing |
| CRM (Customer Relationship Management) | Monitor and grow customer relationships | Sales, Marketing, Customer Service | Prospecting, customer tracking, sales, support |
⚠️ Myth vs. Reality: Contrary to popular belief, an ERP does not replace an SRM. It complements it by focusing on internal management, while SRM is dedicated to external relationships with suppliers.
Faced with increasingly complex environments, companies must rethink the way they collaborate with their suppliers.
Among the key challenges:
Ensuring effective collaboration between buyers, stakeholders, and suppliers.
Centralizing reliable and up-to-date data to enable better decision-making.
Gaining full visibility into contracts and obligations to reduce risks.
Anticipating supply chain disruptions or delays.
Facilitating regulatory compliance (CSRD, ESG, quality audits).
🎯 Key point to watch: Excel files offer neither traceability nor effective collaboration. A collaborative SRM platform has become essential to ensure reliability and performance.
Many companies still struggle with a lack of centralized supplier information. Data is scattered across multiple tools, Excel files, or email exchanges, making communication difficult and slowing down collaboration between teams.
Concrete consequences:
Order errors due to outdated information.
Duplicate supplier records.
Loss of history regarding negotiations or contractual commitments.
Decisions made based on incomplete data.
Manual tracking of contracts and regulatory obligations exposes Procurement departments to major risks, especially in a context where compliance has become a strategic imperative.
Common risks:
Expired clauses or contracts not renewed on time.
Missing valid signatures or non-compliant archiving.
Failure to meet ESG commitments imposed by regulations.
Difficulty complying with directives such as the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) or duty of vigilance.
📢 Expert tip: Digitize your contracts to automate alerts, reminders, and legal obligations.
Without a dedicated tool, supplier management relies on manual processes that create delays and hidden costs. These tasks consume valuable time from Procurement teams without adding real value, while multiplying the risk of errors.
Examples of impacts:
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| Email reminders for deadlines | Risk of oversight, contractual disputes | Centralized automated alerts |
| Manual entry of supplier data | Input errors, duplicates | Single synchronized database |
| Tracking commitments in spreadsheets | Lack of traceability and visibility | Dynamic dashboards |
| Manual order validation |
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Automated workflows |
💸 Key figure: Poor supplier management costs on average 17% more than processes supported by dedicated tools.
An SRM software simplifies and secures contract management through dedicated features.
Key features include:
Standardized contract templates to save time and ensure consistency.
Automated validation workflows, involving stakeholders according to predefined rules.
Secure electronic archiving, guaranteeing traceability and one-click access to contracts.
Supplier contracts are often complex due to multiple deadlines. An SRM centralizes this information and triggers real-time alerts.
Examples of automations:
Automatic reminders before critical dates (renewals, audits, certifications).
Internal notifications for Procurement and Legal teams.
Calendar-style dashboards to visualize all upcoming deadlines.
An SRM goes beyond storage: it actively monitors supplier commitments and raises alerts in case of deviation.
Typical obligations tracked:
Delivery deadlines.
Compliance with quality standards.
Completion of audits and certifications.
Compliance with financial terms and potential penalties.
Advanced solutions leverage AI and rule engines to automatically detect anomalies and prevent risks before they impact the supply chain.
📎 Practical tip: Use an SRM to assign compliance indicators to each critical clause.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements are now essential in supplier contract management. An SRM enables you to integrate these criteria directly into contract monitoring.
Examples of tracked criteria:
Environmental impact (emissions, waste management).
Compliance with labor conditions and social standards.
Partner governance and transparency.
✅ Checklist – 5 ESG indicators to integrate into your supplier contracts:
Supplier’s environmental certification (ISO 14001, etc.).
Percentage of recycled materials used.
Compliance with social standards (working conditions, pay equity).
Governance and transparency policies.
Regulatory compliance rate regarding CSRD and duty of vigilance.
An SRM software automates many time-consuming tasks, allowing Procurement teams to save time while reducing operational costs.
Average gains observed:
⏱️ -25% time spent on contract management
💸 -20% costs related to disputes thanks to better traceability
📊 +30% efficiency in supplier monitoring through centralized data
🔄 -15% delays in order processing and approvals
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| Contract Management | Scattered spreadsheets, risk of oversight | Centralized database, automated alerts |
| Supplier Monitoring | Communication via isolated emails | Centralized collaborative portal |
| Reminders & Notifications |
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Targeted automated notifications |
| Regulatory Compliance |
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Automated checks and secure archiving |
An SRM serves as a collaborative platform between all stakeholders. Each actor — buyer, supplier, quality controller — accesses the same real-time information.
Concrete examples of improved collaboration:
Shared notifications for validating an order or contract.
Possibility for suppliers to co-enter certain data (invoices, certifications).
Integrated comment space to centralize discussions instead of scattered emails.
An SRM secures all contractual and supplier processes by integrating essential legal mechanisms.
Key features:
Multi-level validation to secure commitments.
Automatic timestamping of signatures and workflow steps.
Full version history to ensure complete traceability.
Certified digital archiving, compliant with legal standards.
Benefits: Easier audit preparation, reduced litigation risks, and stronger ability to demonstrate compliance during inspections.
🛡️ Note: An SRM can become a key ally during regulatory audits or in case of disputes.
An SRM transforms supplier management into a true strategic lever through data-driven insights.
Examples of tracked KPIs:
On-time delivery rate.
Quality compliance rate.
Number of disputes or delays.
Cost evolution per supplier.
ESG indicators (emissions, audits, social compliance).
The tool provides automated scoring and triggers alerts if a supplier falls below a defined performance threshold. Radar charts and comparative dashboards make it easier to evaluate and benchmark multiple partners.
Our Axiscope platform is designed to meet the needs of Procurement and Quality departments. It is built on a modular architecture that allows you to activate only the components you need, while maintaining an integrated view of all processes.
Examples of modules:
SRM (Supplier Relationship Management): Manage and monitor supplier relationships.
SIM (Supplier Information Management): Centralize and update supplier data.
APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning): Track quality and compliance throughout the entire product lifecycle.
e-Procurement: Digitize orders and invoices.
Performance & Analytics: Monitor KPIs and implement collaborative action plans.
Several leading companies rely on us to improve procurement performance and strengthen collaboration with their suppliers.
Examples:
EuroAPI → Reduced contract lead times.
Sodexo → Improved visibility on supplier obligations.
Fives → Stronger monitoring of procurement and quality performance.
📣 Case in point: “With Axiscope, EuroAPI reduced its contract lead times by 40%.”
Axiscope integrates seamlessly with existing systems thanks to its open architecture and secure REST APIs. This approach ensures smooth communication across your business tools:
ERP for financial and logistics management.
CRM to align supplier relationships with customer processes.
HRIS to connect procurement with human resources.
Since every company has different needs, we offer several deployment options:
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Fast implementation, automatic updates, 24/7 accessibility | Dependence on internet connectivity |
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Full data control, internal hosting | Higher initial costs, internal maintenance required |
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Flexibility, balance between control and accessibility | Implementation complexity depending on environments |
Beyond technology, Axiscope provides tailored support to ensure the success of every project:
Assistance with design and deployment.
Training programs adapted to business users and administrators.
Ongoing support to address daily needs and anticipate future developments.
Choosing the right SRM software depends on how well the solution can meet the specific needs of the company. Here are the main criteria to consider:
Features: contract management, supplier evaluation, risk monitoring, ESG tracking.
User Experience (UX): clear interface, intuitive navigation, quick adoption by teams.
Security: compliance with standards (ISO, GDPR), data encryption, access control.
Scalability: ability to grow with the company (adding users, expanding functionality).
Integration: seamless compatibility with ERP, CRM, or other business tools.
Support and Guidance: vendor availability, quality of training, and assistance.
Total Cost of Ownership: licenses, maintenance, updates, support.
✅ Checklist – 8 questions to ask before choosing an SRM:
Does the solution cover the entire supplier lifecycle?
Can it easily integrate with my current IT system?
Is it easy to use for the teams?
What performance indicators are provided?
How are security and regulatory compliance managed?
What customization options are available?
What additional costs exist (maintenance, support)?
What level of support is offered during deployment?
Evaluating Return on Investment (ROI) helps demonstrate the added value of an SRM implementation.
Simplified formula:
ROI (%) = (Savings achieved – Project costs) ÷ Project costs × 100
Examples of financial gains to consider:
Reduction in supplier disputes.
Decrease in administrative costs.
Optimization of negotiated terms.
Time savings turned into added value.
👉 To go further, an SRM ROI simulator can be offered to quickly estimate the expected benefits.
Before committing, it’s essential to challenge SRM vendors. Here are 10 key questions to ask:
Which features are included as standard and which are optional?
Is your solution compatible with our ERP and existing tools?
What KPIs can be tracked and how are they reported?
Do you provide an open API for easier integration?
What are the average deployment timelines?
What training and support services do you provide?
How do you ensure GDPR compliance and data security?
What pricing models do you offer (SaaS, on-premise, hybrid)?
Can you provide client references in our industry?
How does your product roadmap evolve and how frequently do you release updates?
Supplier management needs vary depending on the size and complexity of the organization.
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| Supplier Volume | Limited (dozens to a few hundred) | High (thousands, often international) |
| Procurement Processes | Simple, less formalized | Multiple, structured, and standardized |
| Feature Requirements | Essential (contracts, orders, basic tracking) | Comprehensive (compliance, performance, complex IT integration) |
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Constrained, need for affordable SaaS solutions | Larger, possibility of tailored projects |
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Need for progressive growth | Ability to manage a global supplier network |
An SRM in SaaS mode is perfectly suited for SMEs, as it allows them to get started quickly with a limited investment.
An SRM centralizes all supplier-related data in a single platform. It automates the monitoring of contracts, orders, performance, and regulatory obligations. Each user (procurement, quality, finance) has real-time access to relevant information, streamlining collaboration and reducing errors.
An SRM saves time, reduces administrative costs, and improves communication with suppliers. It also secures contractual commitments and facilitates regulatory compliance. By integrating performance indicators, it transforms supplier management into a strategic lever for the company.
The choice depends on the company’s needs: expected features, ability to integrate with the existing IT system, ease of use, and available budget. A good SRM should be modular, secure, and provide strong support to ensure quick adoption by teams.
The cost varies depending on the deployment model (SaaS, on-premise, hybrid), the number of users, and the modules selected. In general, companies should expect a monthly or annual subscription, which may be supplemented by implementation, customization, and support fees. The key is to evaluate the overall ROI rather than the price alone.
CRM manages customer relationships, focusing on sales and loyalty. SRM, on the other hand, focuses on supplier relationships: contract management, procurement, performance, and compliance. The two tools are complementary, providing a 360° view of the company’s external ecosystem.
An SRM integrates ESG criteria (environmental, social, governance) into supplier selection and contract management. It simplifies compliance with regulations such as CSRD or duty of care by providing built-in indicators and centralized archiving of evidence.
Implementing SRM software goes beyond digitizing procurement processes: it is a true driver of performance, compliance, and long-term collaboration with your suppliers. At Axiscope, we help you transform supplier management into a tangible competitive advantage tailored to your specific needs.
👉 Want to discover how Axiscope can optimize your supplier relationships?
Schedule a demo with our experts today.
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