Procurement software should empower users – not slow them down. If a system is unintuitive or requires excessive training to use basic functions, it risks low adoption.

This often results in inconsistent data entry, workarounds via spreadsheets or email and poor compliance with processes.

Instead, seek a platform with a clear, user-friendly interface that caters to the everyday realities of procurement work. Dashboards should present relevant information at a glance, and workflows should feel natural – not overly rigid or hidden behind unnecessary layers.

The best systems guide users through tasks while still offering flexibility. Ease of use also supports onboarding new staff, helping teams remain resilient amid turnover or restructuring.

When the interface aligns with familiar business tools, like the Salesforce environment used by Atamis, user confidence improves. And so does overall system performance.

Procurement software rarely stands alone. It needs to interact with other systems across the organisation, like finance, HR and ERP. A platform that cannot integrate effectively risks creating new silos of information and additional admin effort for your team. 

Look for a solution that offers robust integration options, whether via standard connectors, APIs, or flexible data export/import tools. Ideally, your procurement data should flow seamlessly into reporting structures and approval processes elsewhere in the business. 

Integration also matters when it comes to external platforms – particularly for organisations required to publish tenders on public portals or report spend to central bodies.  

Compatibility with systems like Find a Tender or Contracts Finder is critical for public sector teams. Likewise, you can reduce friction and drive supplier engagement with a supplier portal that links directly to your procurement system. 

Procurement teams handle sensitive data – from commercial contract details and supplier information to personal data used in onboarding or evaluation. This makes system security a non-negotiable consideration, especially in public sector settings or industries with strict compliance requirements. 

Evaluate each platform’s approach to security. Is data encrypted in transit and at rest? What kind of access controls are available? Does the vendor comply with recognised standards such as ISO 27001? How frequently are security audits performed? 

It’s also worth considering the resilience of the platform – will it be supported in five or ten years’ time? Is the underlying infrastructure stable and widely trusted? 

Solutions built on platforms like Salesforce (as is the case with Atamis) benefit from enterprise-grade security and proven scalability. This level of reassurance matters when procurement processes form part of critical operations across the business. 

The challenge

Overcomplicated systems, clunky interfaces or confusing workflows can frustrate users. When systems are hard to navigate, people often revert to emails or spreadsheets – undermining compliance and creating process gaps.

How to solve it

Select a platform that’s intuitive and adaptable. Provide proper training and tailor the user experience to different roles. Software like Atamis, built on Salesforce, benefits from a familiar interface and clear role-based permissions, helping teams stay on track without feeling burdened​​.

The challenge 

Many organisations struggle to get a full picture of spend across categories. Indirect spend, in particular, can be fragmented across departments and suppliers. 

How to solve it 

Invest in tools that unify spend data into one platform. Spend Analysis functionality helps you drill down into third-party spend, identify anomalies and make smarter purchasing decisions – reducing maverick spend and uncovering savings opportunities​​.