Vendor governance

Vendor governance is about orchestrating success in software projects that are delivered by external implementation partners or vendors.

These projects are inherently different from internal development – especially when multiple vendors are dependent on each other’s deliveries. The usual methods of problem-solving via informal interactions are undermined by challenges such as limited transparency on progress, communication barriers between different organisational cultures, conflicting financial interests and uncertainty about contractual obligations for scope adjustments.

Without proper governance, misalignments between vendors, timelines and organisational goals will remain unresolved, leading to significant problems later in the project lifecycle. You may recognise some of these questions.

• Are project timelines and contract terms realistically aligned?
• Are we receiving the best possible advice from our external partners?
• Are we addressing potential bottlenecks early enough to avoid delays?
• What are the current risks of misalignment between our implementation partners?
• How can we improve visibility across our software delivery portfolio?

A well-executed vendor governance framework fosters fruitful collaboration between all involved parties, creating an environment where challenges are addressed constructively and legal measures for dispute resolution can be avoided.

Get the support you need

Our Vendor Governance service is designed to maintain harmony between project timelines, vendors’ contractual commitments and long-term strategic goals. We serve as an independent third party providing oversight and reviewing details to uncover potential surprises and ensure that lines of communication and accountability are clear among all parties involved. Our role is to be your eyes and ears, offering the steady hand of experience, reducing risks and helping you maintain clarity and control across your project portfolio.

Our approach includes the following:

• Commercial review of project schedules against contractual commitments, highlighting discrepancies before they turn into disputes or delays.
• Assessment of the current setup regarding supplier budget management, resource allocation and the effectiveness of your change request processes.
• Delivery assurance audit, including planning reviews, technical checks and solution design evaluations.
• Facilitation of steering committee meetings to ensure proper stakeholder engagement.

We know from experience that successful delivery from an external vendor extends well beyond go-live. It takes a strong focus from the outset to consider post-go-live activities as an essential part of the project lifecycle. We work closely with your internal team and vendors to ensure proper knowledge transfer and internal ownership, bridging the project transition from implementation to operational phases.

Vendor governance as an internal capability

Depending on your organisation’s setup, it may be beneficial to invest in developing internal vendor governance capabilities. We can help strengthen your team’s ability to drive transparency, accountability and effective risk management, and assist in establishing a Centre of Excellence to both oversee delivery and ensure internal ownership. Working alongside your internal teams and external partners, we help create a governance structure that keeps all three in place.

The quality of your technology strategy and successful execution can make or break your business. We help ensure that your technology investments and initiatives align with your business objectives to deliver the desired impact. Our team of seasoned professionals has developed its expertise through years of hands-on experience, covering a broad range of areas.

So the question is, what are you grappling with at the moment?