A guide to supplier relationship management software (features, benefits & how it works)

A guide to supplier relationship management software (features, benefits & how it works)

In procurement, supplier relationships are key. For better or worse, they directly impact the prices you pay, your supply chain’s resilience and how reliably your organisation can deliver on its promises.

Investing in supplier relationship management keeps you on good terms and drives better outcomes, but you need the right tools to support strategic engagement throughout the whole lifecycle.

That’s where Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) software comes in. These solutions streamline supplier interactions, help you monitor performance, support risk mitigation and create long-term value.

In this guide, we explore what SRM software is, why it’s important, what features to look out for and how to choose a system that suits your organisation.

It helps procurement teams build stronger, more strategic supplier partnerships, providing data insights and tools for performance tracking, risk tiering and communication.

1. Centralised supplier database

An SRM system acts as a single source of truth for all supplier information. This includes basic contact details, performance history, compliance documentation and contractual data.

This central repository eliminates silos and ensures every team member is working with accurate, up-to-date information.

End-to-end solutions like Atamis give you the tools to maintain a structured supplier register, categorising vendors by department, category or risk profile.

3. Risk & compliance management

SRM platforms integrate risk management tools that allow users to track financial health, regulatory compliance, ESG credentials and geopolitical exposure. Risk dashboards and audit trails ensure teams stay ahead of potential disruptions. 

With the Atamis Supplier Assurance Enhancer, teams can issue and automate risk-focused questionnaires covering information security, social value and sustainability.

5. Collaboration & communication tools

The ability to seamlessly collaborate defines effective SRM.  

Built-in communication features, like secure messaging, document exchange and audit-logged discussions, let procurement teams engage with suppliers transparently and efficiently. 

For example, the Atamis Supplier Portal facilitates bid submission, clarification exchanges and secure document sharing, all within one ecosystem.

2. Performance tracking & scorecards

Monitoring supplier performance against KPIs is essential for value-driven procurement.

SRM software provides dashboards and scorecards that measure on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness, innovation and more.

These insights help procurement teams make informed decisions about contract renewals or supplier development initiatives.

4. Contract management

Many SRM tools feature integrated contract management. Procurement teams can track contract start and end dates, obligations, and performance metrics.

Tools like the Atamis Contract Builder allow clause-level versioning and comment tracking, streamlining negotiation and reducing legal workload.

6. Integration with procurement & ERP systems

SRM software must integrate seamlessly with wider procurement, ERP and finance systems to be effective.

This allows data to flow continuously from sourcing through to supplier performance management, enabling a strategic, end-to-end view of supplier relationships.

Atamis integrates its Contract & Supplier App with its Pipeline and Tender Apps, enabling procurement teams to manage the entire lifecycle from pre-market engagement through contract renewal.

1. Improved supplier performance

With centralised scorecards and real-time feedback, procurement teams can identify underperforming suppliers early and work together to improve outcomes. Visibility drives accountability, encouraging suppliers to consistently meet expectations.

3. Cost savings through data-driven decisions

By analysing historical supplier data and performance trends, procurement teams can negotiate better terms, consolidate spend and avoid costly supplier failures.  

Spend analysis tools like those in Atamis’ Enhancer suite further empower teams to identify and act on savings opportunities. 

5. More strategic procurement

With operational tasks streamlined and rich supplier data at their fingertips, procurement teams can shift focus from transactional to strategic – developing supplier partnerships, driving innovation and aligning procurement with business objectives.

2. Reduced supply chain risk

A well-structured SRM program supported by the right software allows teams to track and mitigate risks before they disrupt operations.

Whether it’s financial instability or regulatory non-compliance, early visibility into supplier vulnerabilities allows for timely interventions.

4. Streamlined onboarding & qualification

SRM tools digitise and automate supplier onboarding workflows, ensuring new vendors meet compliance requirements and are correctly classified from day one.

Automation reduces administrative burden while accelerating time-to-engagement.

1. Identify your procurement pain points

Start by mapping your current SRM challenges. Is visibility lacking? Are communications fragmented? Do contracts get lost in inboxes? Clarifying pain points will help you focus on solutions that truly meet your needs.

3. Look for scalability, ease of use & support

Choose a platform that can grow with your business. Look for intuitive interfaces, role-based access and reliable customer support. Onboarding a powerful system is only valuable if your team can use it confidently.

5. Budget & licensing models

Be clear on licensing structures (per user, per module, enterprise-wide) and total cost of ownership, including implementation and ongoing support. Look for modular systems like Atamis, where you can start with a core package and add functionality over time.

2. Consider integration with existing systems

Your SRM software needs to integrate with existing ERP, finance and procurement platforms to avoid data duplication and manual entry. Check for smooth integrations ideally with a user-friendly interface.

Atamis is hosted on Salesforce, offering secure, scalable and easily integrated solutions that work across departments.

4. Cloud-based vs. on-premises

Most modern SRM platforms are cloud-based, offering scalability, automatic updates and remote access. However, some organisations with specific data requirements may prefer on-premises solutions. Understand your IT and security needs when choosing your deployment model.

6. Demo & trials

Ask for a tailored demonstration based on your workflows to make sure it’s a good fit. Key stakeholders need to be able to evaluate usability, performance and alignment with business processes.

    Why Choose Atamis?

    With so many procurement software solutions out there, it’s essential to choose an e-procurement solution that works hard for you and is tailored to your unique needs. Here’s what makes Atamis different:

    • Customisation: Tailor the platform to fit your organisation’s structure and goals.
    • User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design ensures quick onboarding and adoption.
    • Data-Driven Insights: Access real-time dashboards and reports for informed decision-making.
    • Unrivalled Security: Hosted on the Salesforce platform, ensuring industry-leading security and reliability.
    • Ongoing Support: Our expert team is here to support you every step of the way, from implementation to optimisation.

    Book Your Free Demo Today

    Ready to transform your procurement processes? Let us show you how Atamis can make a difference.

    Streamline your procurement function, reduce costs and build stronger supplier relationships with Atamis’ powerful and customisable e-procurement platform. Contact us at info@atamis.co.uk or schedule your free demo and see our e-procurement solutions in action.

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