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How to Streamline IT Purchasing with Centralized Procurement: FAQ

These answers to common questions about IT device procurement show how a purpose-built e-procurement platform provides organisations with better visibility, compliance, and speed so you can equip your teams with the technology they need.

How to Streamline IT Purchasing with Centralized Procurement: FAQ

Organizations today manage increasing operating complexities, juggling a wide variety of workflows that each require specialised devices, accessories, and technology tools to function efficiently. As operations scale across teams, departments, or locations, the purchasing process can become fragmented, inconsistent, and time-consuming. Employees are often left navigating multiple vendor sites, uncertain product specs, and approval bottlenecks, leading to delays, errors, and unnecessary costs.

These challenges are what drive many organisations to partner with an e-procurement provider—one that can centralise and simplify the process of sourcing the right devices for each unique touchpoint across the business. With a purpose-built procurement platform, companies gain better visibility, compliance, and speed in how they equip their teams with the technology they need. What are frequently asked questions about IT device purchasing?

1. What are the problems with decentralised or unregulated purchasing in a company?

Decentralized purchasing often results in:

  • Inconsistent technology deployments across departments
  • Higher costs due to lack of negotiated pricing
  • Difficulty in tracking and auditing purchases
  • Non-compliance with internal policies and external regulations
  • Wasted employee time and confusion during ordering

These issues can significantly impact operational efficiency, cost control, and IT standardisation.

2. Why should companies consider centralised purchasing?

Centralized purchasing brings structure and control to procurement. Key benefits include:

  • Control & Consistency: Pre-approved vendors and products ensure compatibility and policy compliance.
  • Streamlined Reordering: Employees can easily find and reorder standard products without guesswork.
  • Integrated Systems: Seamless connection with e-procurement platforms like Coupa and Ariba for financial visibility and control.
  • Cost Savings: Standard pricing, volume discounts, and reduced rogue spend.

3. What is a Punchout procurement portal?

A Punchout portal connects your internal e-procurement system (such as Coupa or Ariba) to a vendor's online catalogue. It allows employees to shop from an external site while maintaining centralised control over purchasing and approvals.

4. How does Levata's Punchout solution work?

Levata's Punchout solution enables:

  • Access to a customer-specific "My Products" page featuring approved items and negotiated pricing
  • Integration with your existing e-procurement systems so all purchases flow into a single ERP
  • The ability to browse multiple vendor sites within a centralised, controlled shopping experience
  • Built-in compliance, cost control, and purchase tracking—all behind the scenes

** 5. What are the benefits of using a Punchout portal for procurement teams and employees?**

For Procurement Teams:

  • Consistent product selection and vendor usage
  • Accurate budget and spend tracking
  • Improved compliance and audit-readiness

For Employees:

  • A familiar online shopping experience
  • No need to remember product specs or approved vendors
  • Faster ordering with fewer errors

6. Are Punchout solutions customisable?

Yes. Levata builds a customer-specific catalogue featuring only your approved products, pricing, and vendors. You get the flexibility to control purchasing while giving users a seamless and simplified shopping experience.

7. What common procurement management systems does Levata integrate with?

Levata integrates with major e-procurement platforms, including:

  • Coupa
  • SAP Ariba
  • Jaggaer
  • Other ERP-compatible platforms

8. How can I get started with Levata's centralised procurement solution?

To learn more or get started, contact our team directly. We'll work with you to build a Punchout portal that fits your organisation's procurement goals and processes.

Unlock the Full Advantage of Technology Lifecycle Management with TrueView

Levata's TrueView portal is more than just a purchasing platform—it's a centralised hub for managing every phase of the device lifecycle. From initial procurement to deployment, support, and eventual replacement, TrueView brings all your technology management tools into one seamless interface. When paired with Levata's e-procurement integration, TrueView becomes the ultimate command centre for IT decision-makers, giving them control without complication.

Key Benefits of TrueView:

  • Unified Experience – Combine procurement, asset tracking, and support workflows in a single, intuitive platform.
  • Lifecycle Visibility – Gain insights into device usage, support tickets, upgrade eligibility, and end-of-life timelines—without managing multiple systems.
  • Reduced IT Burden – Automate routine tasks, streamline user provisioning, and manage service requests with ease, freeing up your IT team to focus on strategic initiatives.
  • Procurement Portal Integration – Employees can shop from pre-approved product catalogues, while IT retains full oversight over orders, warranties, and device configurations.

With TrueView, organisations get more than just simplified purchasing—they gain a true strategic advantage in how they manage and scale their technology environment, all while reducing operational friction. Watch TrueView in Action

Contact Levata today to see a demo of TrueView and MyProducts.