The purchase/SCM team must ensure that data files are accurate and complete before classifying or analyzing spend information. Validation is performed by checking results with relevant stakeholders and suppliers. Comparing historical spend by purchasing organization to current year spend budgets provides an excellent check of analysis integrity. As necessary, purchase/SCM teams can adjust data, fill in gaps, and agree on priorities for further investigation. The ability to reconcile the spend analysis with the current budget is critical to building credibility with customers and measuring results.
