Bringing procurement to the cloud
Many businesses are taking their applications to the cloud, but for organisations that work with confidential and sensitive data handling rules, there’s added complexity. Security is a pre-requisite for all highly-regulated organisations looking at cloud technology, given the repercussions to reputation and bottom line of the business should a breach occur. So it comes to no surprise that highly regulated organisations are highly skeptical when it comes to putting business data in the cloud.
One such historically risk averse industry is financial services, but is also one that we’ve recently seen a shift in thinking. Some of the leading banking and financial organisations, including the Coventry Building Society (CBS), are embracing the latest cloud technology security issues. As a rapidly growing business, CBS realised that manual procurement processes could no longer keep up with the ever-increasing demands of the business, and they invested in our Medius Sourcing & Contract Management, a best of breed cloud procurement technology, to cope with growth securely and sustainably.
We helped CBS to identify areas to improve processes, whilst creating an environment that allowed the buying teams to access the right products and services from the right suppliers at the right price – all via a single, secure, online platform. Backed by the ISO27001 accreditations, the solution meets the stringent security requirements set by CBS with the following measures:
- Virtual private network (VPN) established between Medius and CBS to ensure secure access at all times
- SSL security installation on the website for all users
- Single Sign On allows CBS users to securely log onto Medius Spend Management with their network account
- Full end to end encryption of all integration files as well as the integration communication channels
- Sensitive data encrypted within the database
- Regular penetration testing
- Secure development principles applied throughout the project
“We have a zero to very low tolerance when it comes to potential security issues and Medius allayed any of our concerns over adopting a cloud-based eProcurement system.”
Rachel Lasisi, Head of Procurement, Coventry Building Society
With a secure and close integration with CBS’s existing IT systems, the S2P software was rolled out to over 400 users. With the intuitive interface coupled with user workshops, staff quickly overcame any initial reservation about using the system, resulting in exceptionally positive user uptake. CBS realised many benefits including improved efficiency and better control over all buying activities – from initial tender through to supplier onboarding.
Read the full case study to follow CBS’s journey and see how Medius Sourcing & Contract Management securely transformed organisation-wide procurement.
