In today’s digital landscape, organizations are increasingly turning to secure space solutions to safeguard their operations. During a recent fireside chat, industry experts gathered to discuss reasons to use a secure space solution. The session brought together top industry leaders from Hilton, Marriott, and Sircle to share their experiences and offer insights into the value of secure space solutions.
Panelists:
- Doro Bechstaedt: Director of Procurement Applications Global, Hilton
- Sachin Thomas: Director of Procurement Data Management, Marriott
- Pablo Perez: Director of Finance, Sircle Collection
The journey towards secure solutions
Thanh Lou set the stage by inviting the panelists to share their journey with secure space solutions. “I’d love to know where you are in your P2P journey and your maturity,” she prompted. Pablo Perez, a regional finance director in London, shared that their organization was at the early stages, having just completed two weeks of discovery with BirchStreet. “We have a pretty exciting beginning,” he noted, highlighting the anticipation and potential these solutions promise.
Overcoming challenges in implementation
One of the common challenges discussed was the complexity of implementing secure solutions across diverse operations. Doro Bechstaedt from Hilton pointed out that while “the implementation itself is not very different,” customization based on specific customer needs remains crucial. Here, the expertise of corporate teams becomes invaluable, as they help tailor solutions to optimize efficiency without compromising on security.
Emphasizing data transparency
Data-driven decision-making proved another focal point of the discussion. With access to real-time data, panelists noted how secure space solutions provide transparency that previously seemed unattainable. Sachin Thomas noted, “Instead of having to wait for the whole month, you get that instantaneous feedback.” This immediacy enables organizations to swiftly make informed decisions, adjusting strategies as necessary without waiting for a cycle of financial reports.
Success stories and strategic implementations
Doro shared success stories from the field, underscoring the ways secure space solutions have transformed operations. For instance, dramatically reducing approval times and enhancing compliance with regulatory requirements have been significant achievements. “The biggest success story,” she said, “is bringing transparency where they buy and what they buy from.” This transparency allows properties to make better purchasing decisions and optimize their procurement processes.
The role of technology in future procurement
Looking forward, the panelists discussed how the integration of advanced technology like AI could further refine procurement strategies. Doro emphasized that AI’s role is not to replace jobs but to complement human efforts by streamlining and optimizing processes. “That’s yet to be seen,” she remarked, with a nod to the possibilities AI could bring to secure space solutions in the coming years.
Advice for those considering secure solutions
For organizations contemplating the leap into secure space solutions, Pablo offered sage advice from his journey with multiple implementations. Understanding your organization’s specific needs and gaining buy-in from all stakeholders is vital. He suggested that “having honest conversations about what you are trying to achieve” is crucial to ensuring a successful transition. Equally important is approaching implementation in stages, allowing time for adaptation to new workflows.
Takeaways
The fireside chat brought clarity to the evolving landscape of secure space solutions. For these solutions to truly benefit organizations, they require thoughtful implementation, continuous refinement, and a commitment to effectively leveraging data insights. As organizations navigate this territory, the shared experiences and lessons from industry leaders serve as invaluable guides to achieving security and efficiency in a rapidly changing environment.