In the era of digitization, Ulixe Group and TimeFlow form a strategic partnership to revolutionize procurement with all-in-one digital solutions, improving management and transparency in IT processes.

In the era of digitization, procurement requires solutions that not only speed up processes but also offer transparency and adaptability to overcome traditional legacy systems. 

In our ongoing commitment to innovation in ICT, Ulixe Group has entered into a strategic partnership with TimeFlow, a pioneer in the development of digital procurement solutions. The all-in-one Vendor Platform, which specializes in managing and optimizing procurement and in & outsourcing processes, radically transforms the way IT procurement and suppliers are managed.  

Let's look together at the strategic points of this parthership that emerged during the IT Value Chain event sponsored by TimeFlow and sponsored by Ulixe Group held mecoledi at Step Futurability in Milan. 

Index

1. A Market in Constant Evolution: the digitization of procurement 
2. The Synergy between Ulixe Group and TimeFlow: A New Paradigm in Procurement 
   1. TimeFlow: The All-in-One Vendor Platform 
   2. Ulixe's Integration Strategy 
3. Benefits of digitization in procurement 
4. Future Perspectives for Procurement 

A Market in Constant Evolution: the digitization of procurement

Why is it important today to talk about Digital Procurement? We find the answers to this question in the data presented by Lorenzo Danese, Ceo and co-Founder of TimeFlow.

Lorenzo Danese, CEO Timeflow

The research conducted by Fortune Business Insight (2024) regarding the size and growth of the procurement software market predicts 10.9 percent growth by 2029 reaching a size of $13.80 BILLION. 

Adding to this scenario is an acceleration in the development of technologies related to AI, Cloud and Cyber Security, which has led to an increased demand for specific technical skills that are not fully met by the current supply. In fact, according to the survey conducted by Ernst & Young (2023)81 percent of the organizations surveyed experience a shortage of technical skills and a need to renew skills within their organizations. 

Let's now look at the main issues that arise in this scenario for procurement officers and consequently for your company's business:

• Scouting: the lack of a public database of qualified national IT vendors and the mismatch between supply and demand in Italy pushes toward offshore outsourcing. 
• IT partner selection: Lack of benchmarks to evaluate bids and critical issues in process traceability and transparency of contract negotiations. 
• Planning and resource allocation: fragmentation of workflows and ability of suppliers to meet internal needs causes inefficiencies and delays. 
• Monitoring and control: the use of outdated tools for performance monitoring, leads to loss of valuable data limiting the effectiveness of sourcing and procurement.

We can observe the problems, given by the lack of digitization of procurement processes, related to the activities carried out day by day by employees. Fabio Francolancia, Group Chief Procurement and Strategic Sourcing Officer at Engineering, brought out strongly how TimeFlow's solution allows to obviate one of the main problems of those repetitive and bureaucratized activities: "Crazy busy." 

The overload of work given, for example, by repetitive tasks, compliance policies, or engagement timetakes away from the value that humans can add to the definition of sourcing strategies that can bring real value. 

Luca Lisci, Executive Art Director & Digital

As argued by Luca Lisci, AI is able to support us in scenario analysis and propose possible decision alternatives, but the choice remains the mastery of the human factor. 

The Synergy between Ulixe Group and TimeFlow: A New Paradigm in Procurement 

Ulixe Group, with its commitment to innovation in the ICT sector, has entered into this strategic partnership with TimeFlow, a pioneer in the development of digital procurement solutions. This collaboration is set to radically transform the way companies manage IT procurement and suppliers, creating a new paradigm in procurement. 

Using the words of our Managing Director, Francesco Scrufari: 

"Our alliance with TimeFlow accelerates digital transformation by directly addressing the skills gap in IT. This partnership enables us to optimize IT process management, promising a profound impact on operational effectiveness. 'IT Value Chain Revolution' highlights how, together, we are already on the path to making a difference." 

Ulixe Group and Timeflow

TimeFlow: The All-in-One Vendor Platform 

TimeFlow's all-in-one platform is a revolutionary solution that integrates and streamlines procurement and in & outsourcing processes. Specializing in IT skills management, this platform enables centralization of data, automation of repetitive processes, and improved operational efficiency. Using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, TimeFlow offers tools for supplier selection and evaluation, resource planning, and performance monitoring. This solution enables companies to make faster, data-driven decisions, thereby improving their competitiveness in the global market.

Team Timeflow

Ulixe's Integration Strategy 

Ulixe Group, with its technical and functional know-how, is the ideal partner for the integration of the TimeFlow platform. The integration strategy, presented by Stefano Tosini, Business Manager, during the event, involves a structured methodological approach that starts with the analysis of existing processes (AS-IS) to identify critical points and areas for improvement. Next, optimized processes (TO-BE) are developed and integrated into the client's IT ecosystem. During implementation, Ulixe works closely with TimeFlow teams to ensure that all required functionality is customized and configured to the client's specific needs. 

Stefano Tosini, Business Manager

Our approach ensures not only effective technology integration, but also tangible improvements in the operational efficiency and decision-making ability of procurement managers. 

The partnership between Ulixe Group and TimeFlow represents a powerful synergy that not only simplifies procurement processes, but also transforms the way companies can plan and manage their resources. With this partnership, we are poised to redefine the future of procurement, bringing innovation and sustainable value to every stage of the IT value chain. 

Benefits of digitization in procurement

The integration of the TimeFlow platform with support from Ulixe Group offers a number of significant procurement benefits, let's look at them together: 

• Operational Efficiency: By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, the platform frees up valuable time for procurement professionals, allowing them to focus on strategic activities. 
• Data-Driven Decisions: By centralizing data and using artificial intelligence tools, companies can make faster and more informed decisions, improving the accuracy of forecasting and planning. 
• Transparency and Traceability: The platform provides complete visibility into all phases of procurement, from supplier selection to contract management, ensuring greater transparency and traceability. 
• Adaptability and Scalability: TimeFlow's solutions are designed to be scalable and adaptable to each company's specific needs, enabling sustainable growth and continuous process optimization. 
• Cost Reduction: By improving operational efficiency and reducing errors, the platform contributes to a significant reduction in operating costs and an increase in profit margin. 
• Career path and reskilling in line with demands 

Future Perspectives for Procurement 

Looking to the future, it was highlighted during the event how the integration of advanced technologies such as AI and big data into procurement will not only solve current challenges, but also transform this function into a key driver of competitive advantage. Future prospects include: 

• Strategic Procurement: The adoption of advanced technologies will enable procurement to evolve from an operational function to a strategic function that can directly influence business decisions. 
• Predictive Analytics: Using big data and artificial intelligence, it will be possible to predict market trends, anticipate customer needs and optimize procurement. 
• Integrated IT Ecosystems: The creation of fully integrated IT ecosystems will enable more efficient and collaborative management of resources, improving business responsiveness and agility. 
• Continuing Education: Investing in reskilling and upskilling programs will ensure that staff remain up-to-date with the latest technologies and methodologies, improving the quality of work and increasing employee satisfaction. 

These future prospects outline a clear path to transform procurement into an engine of growth and innovation, thanks to the synergy between Ulixe Group and TimeFlow. 

If you would like to learn about and get our support in digitizing procurement processes make an appointment: link 

Timeflow event