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In today’s digital-first world, it’s surprising how many companies still rely on manual procurement processes. Many businesses use only basic tools like spreadsheets or email, to manage procurement and supplier relationships. This can limit your ability to control spending, manage suppliers effectively, and support business growth.
Modern procurement software can help by automating routine tasks, streamlining approvals, and giving you better oversight of company spending. This guide explains what makes great procurement software and reviews some of the best options for 2025.
What makes great procurement software?
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Before comparing products, it’s important to understand what sets the best procurement software apart.
Comprehensive automation
Good procurement software cuts out manual work. Look for solutions that automate purchase order creation, approval workflows, and data entry. This helps reduce errors and saves time.
Real-time financial visibility
Your software should provide instant insight into company spending, budgets, and committed funds. This information should be easy to access and understand, without requiring extra analysis.
Structured approval processes
A clear approval workflow is essential for accountability. The best tools allow you to customise approval rules, notify managers automatically, and keep a clear audit trail — without endless email chains.
User-friendly interface
Not everyone in your company will use procurement software every day. Choose a system that is simple and intuitive so everyone can use it with minimal training.
Seamless integrations
Your procurement software should work smoothly with your existing finance tools, such as accounting software and ERP systems. This avoids data silos and the need for manual transfers.
Best procurement software solutions for 2025
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Based on independent reviews and user feedback, here are some of the top procurement software solutions to consider.
Spendesk: All-in-one spend management
Spendesk combines procurement with spend management. It allows you to control company spending, manage procurement, pay invoices, and track expenses all in one platform.
Key features:
Purchase request and approval workflows
Invoice processing with audit trails
Virtual and physical cards with spending limits
Real-time budget tracking
Automated receipt capture and matching
Spend analytics and reporting
Spendesk is a good fit for midsized companies wanting to consolidate financial operations and improve spending visibility.
Precoro: Purchasing control
Precoro is a dedicated procurement tool for organisations with complex purchasing needs. It offers custom purchase order templates, automated approvals, and budget tracking.
Key features:
Custom purchase order templates
Automated approval workflows
Real-time budget monitoring
Vendor management
Three-way matching
Flexible data capture
Precoro is ideal for businesses with high volumes of purchase orders and supplier relationships.
Oracle Procurement Cloud: Enterprise solution
Oracle Procurement Cloud is part of the Oracle ERP suite, offering a comprehensive set of tools for large companies.
Key features:
Procure-to-pay automation
Supplier and contract management
Supplier collaboration portal
Risk and compliance tools
Integration with Oracle Cloud
This solution suits multinational companies that need industrial-strength procurement capabilities.
PLANERGY: Streamlined purchasing
PLANERGY focuses on making purchase order management simple. It allows you to set budgets, pre-approve vendors, and standardise processes.
Key features:
Budget controls
Vendor pre-approval
Delivery instruction management
Global purchasing oversight
Process automation
Opportunity identification
PLANERGY is useful for organisations wanting to bring structure to chaotic purchasing.
TradeGecko (QuickBooks Commerce): Inventory-focused procurement
TradeGecko is now part of QuickBooks Commerce and is designed for businesses managing inventory.
Key features:
Automated inventory reordering
Order tracking
Integrated accounting
Multi-channel inventory management
Supply chain optimisation
TradeGecko works well for retailers and wholesalers who need tight control over inventory levels.
Gatekeeper: Relationship and contract management
Gatekeeper is designed for managing vendor relationships and contracts.
Key features:
Vendor self-service portal
Employee request management
Contract lifecycle tracking
Custom workflows
Compliance monitoring
Gatekeeper is best for companies focused on long-term supplier relationships and contract compliance.
How to choose the right procurement software
Choosing the best procurement software can seem daunting, but considering a few key factors will help guide your decision.
1. Assess your needs
Decide if you need a dedicated procurement tool or a platform that also manages other spending. High-volume buyers may need specialist tools; others may benefit from integrated solutions.
2. Consider scalability
Pick software that can grow with your business. Enterprise tools offer many features but may be complex to set up. Mid-market options often balance features and ease of use.
3. Check implementation requirements
Enterprise systems can take months to implement. Modular platforms may let you see benefits sooner and expand over time.
4. Factor in total cost
Consider all costs, not just subscription fees. This includes setup, support, maintenance, and the time needed to get started.
5. Prioritise adoption
Choose software that is easy to use, requires little training, and works on mobile devices to ensure everyone will use it.
The future of procurement software
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As procurement continues to evolve, several trends are shaping the next generation of procurement software:
AI-powered analytics
Leading platforms use artificial intelligence to analyse spending, forecast needs, and suggest savings.
Sustainability tracking
Many tools now include features to track environmental impact in the supply chain.
Blockchain for transparency
Blockchain can offer verifiable records of supply chain transactions, helping with ethical sourcing and compliance.
Mobile-first design
Procurement tools are increasingly designed for mobile use, supporting remote and distributed teams.
Making the transition
To ensure a smooth move to new procurement software:
Map your current process and pain points
Get executive support
Plan data migration
Develop user training tailored to each role
Define success metrics, such as process speed or cost savings
Final thoughts
Manual procurement is slow and can hold your business back. Modern procurement software makes spending more efficient and transparent, helping your business grow. Whether you need a dedicated procurement tool or an all-in-one solution, moving beyond spreadsheets and email will help you make better, faster purchasing decisions.
Spendesk's all-in-one platform unifies procurement and spend management, giving you complete control from purchase request to payment. Our solution streamlines workflows, automates approvals, and provides real-time visibility across all company spending — helping you reduce processing times by up to 80% and never miss a contract renewal again.
Join over 5,000 finance teams already benefiting from Spendesk's intuitive platform. Book a personalised demo today to see how our procurement solution can transform your purchasing process, drive significant cost savings, and free your team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than administrative tasks.