319: Improve the Way Buyers and Suppliers Work Together, with Nipendo

Today I'm joined by Nipendo, a forward-thinking software brand that is on a mission to improve how buyers and suppliers work together to combat Source-to-Pay inefficiencies and costs. The Nipendo platform is an intelligent intermediator between buyers and suppliers, using technologies like Robotic Process Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, to streamline interactions and benefit all trading partners. The Nipendo platform is used by cross-vertical medium-sized and large companies across the globe, helping them reduce costs and improve procurement and supply chain efficiencies, as well as supporting their competitive strength. Today Paul Noel, Chief Revenue Officer at Nipendo, joins me to chat all about the company and what they do; their recent acquisition by Amex; changing the game in a flooded SaaS market; helping brands to embrace digital transformation processes; and the importance of bringing buyers and suppliers together in mutually beneficial partnerships.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.38] How and why Nipendo was founded, and what attracted Paul to the brand. "It was that approach – much more additive than disruptive – that really intrigued me as the new age of spend management." [10.34] An overview of Nipendo – what they do and how they help their customers. [12.55] Buyers: their key challenges, how the Nipendo platform works for them, and the benefits it delivers. [15.02] Suppliers: their unique set of obstacles, and what the Nipendo platform looks like from a seller's perspective. "As buyers get their act together more, it forces more requirements on the suppliers… the big saving for suppliers is having one place where they can work with multiple customers." [17.45] The impact of facilitating buyers and suppliers to work more successfully together, at a business and industry level. "People stop doing tedious things!... The pandemic gave everyone a shot in the arm - people started thinking 'what am I doing that's value add, what am I doing that can be automated?'" [21.15] Paul's thoughts on digitization and what he thinks organizations have been doing wrong, and right. [23.56] What integration and onboarding look like with Nipendo. "The availability of your IT can be a block, but when you've figured that out, the rest of is pretty easy. We're going to do the heavy lifting, because we'll make sure that message is going to flow through whatever pipe you open up, it's just a matter of opening that pipe." [27.44] The ideal client for Nipendo. [29.46] Several case studies showing how Nipendo helped key clients improve efficiency, collaboration and communication, ultimately supporting overall business growth, optimization and cost reduction. [34.06] The future for Nipendo. "2023 you'll see our name out there for a more holistic approach that a mid-market company can use, so they can leverage technology to walk and talk like a big guy, without having to be a big guy." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Nipendo's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Nipendo and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with Paul on LinkedIn. If you're in the mood for a good read, check out our Women In Supply Chain blog interview with good friend of the show Sarah Scudder - she talks all about how, in the early days of her career, learning that procurement and marketing weren't collaborating led to her breakthrough moment. Check out our other podcasts HERE.