Unlocking Hidden Value: Smarter Contracting to Recover Procurement Losses

Unlocking the Hidden Value Within Procurement Contracts

In today’s business environment, organizations often overlook the potential financial benefits locked away in their procurement contracts. According to a recent global survey by World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) and contract lifecycle management company Ironclad, organizations stand to recover millions in lost value by enhancing their contract management processes. The findings reveal a concerning reality: companies lose approximately 11% of the value embedded in their contracts after those agreements are signed, with large enterprises potentially forfeiting as much as $55 million annually.

This phenomenon, termed “post-signature value leakage,” emphasizes the importance of meticulous contract management not just during negotiation but also throughout the operational delivery of contracts. Various factors contribute to these losses, including unauthorized scope changes, overlooked price adjustments, and auto-renewals resulting in unfavorable terms. These issues may appear minor at first glance, but they can collectively accumulate into significant financial impacts across extensive contract portfolios.

The Importance of Effective Contract Transition

One critical aspect identified in the survey is the “handover gap.” This term describes the point at which the procurement and legal teams step back after a contract is signed, surrendering control to operational teams who may not have full visibility or understanding of the contract’s intentions. This disconnect can lead to unclear ownership of obligations and trackable performance benchmarks, ultimately resulting in lost opportunities to extract value from agreements.

Tim Cummins, president of WorldCC, emphasized that the majority of value loss does not stem from poor negotiation but rather from how contracts are managed post-signature. As contracts shift into execution, governance, and relationship management, many benefits outlined in the agreements can become obscured without proper oversight.

Bridging Capability Gaps for Better Management

To mitigate value leakage, organizations need to enhance their internal capabilities. The survey highlighted significant gaps in process maturity, responsibility clarity, governance models, and post-award accountability. These deficiencies typically span across different business functions and necessitate a more cohesive and integrated approach to contract management.

WorldCC and Ironclad propose that addressing these gaps can lead to substantial financial recovery. By improving post-award contract management processes, organizations could potentially reclaim 2% to 3% of their total spend in the first year, with recoverable amounts growing to 5% to 10% over a longer period. For larger firms, this could translate into recoveries ranging from $25 million to $50 million.

Leveraging Technology for Improved Outcomes

The integration of contract lifecycle management systems, particularly those utilizing artificial intelligence, is becoming increasingly vital in maximizing procurement efficiencies. These systems can help organizations extract obligations, monitor performance indicators, and ensure deadlines are tracked, providing crucial visibility into contract execution. Dan Springer, CEO of Ironclad, points out that while many companies have embedded values within their contracts, they often lack the systems necessary for effective management. This points to the growing need for technological solutions that streamline compliance and accountability.

Conclusion: Strategic Steps Forward

For organizations seeking to reclaim lost procurement value, it is essential to prioritize the improvement of contract management processes after signing. Building enhanced visibility into obligations, actively monitoring performance, and leveraging advanced technology can significantly mitigate risks associated with post-signature value leakage. As businesses adapt to the changing landscape, the financial opportunities in smarter contracting become clearer. By taking strategic actions now, organizations can pave the way for increased financial performance and operational efficiency.