Unit4's Scanmarket tops sourcing data quadrant again

Scanmarket by Unit4 ranked first in Info-Tech Research Group's Strategic Sourcing Data Quadrant for the second consecutive year, based on verified end-user reviews on SoftwareReviews.

The announcement coincided with broader adoption of Unit4's source-to-contract software across several markets, including a mix of new customers and organisations expanding existing relationships. Recent go-lives and wins included Afa Insurance, Bury Council, NG Nordic, Southern Co-op and the University of East Anglia.

Info-Tech's Data Quadrant reports assess software products through user feedback on product features and customer experience. In the latest strategic sourcing assessment, users rated Scanmarket highly across the sourcing process, with particular strength in eRFx, eAuction tools and contract management.

Phil Bode, Principal Advisory Director at Info-Tech Research Group, said procurement teams are looking beyond simple cost savings as they manage risk, supplier oversight and contract data.

"Organisations are looking for greater visibility into the risks and data that impact contractual outcomes and decision-making during the contract lifecycle," Bode said. "Leaders want tools and access to data to strengthen governance and vendor accountability. ROI can be important, but sustainable value comes from better information and more informed decisions rather than cost savings alone."

Product focus

Alongside the customer update, Unit4 outlined where it is focusing development of Scanmarket. One area is artificial intelligence in contract management, which it is using to automate data capture, summarise key terms, issue alerts and speed execution.

A second priority is a reimplementation of the eAuction module. The work includes a new user interface and rebuilt back-end architecture intended to support heavier usage as more customers adopt eAuctions.

Unit4 has also begun product research focused on public sector procurement requirements, including integrations with public procurement portals and support for compliance and governance standards used by public bodies.

That focus is significant because public sector organisations are under pressure to simplify purchasing while maintaining oversight and meeting regulatory obligations. Bury Council's inclusion among recent users highlights Unit4's efforts to expand in that customer segment.

One customer already using the sourcing and auction modules described the auction redesign as a notable development.

"As a longstanding customer of Scanmarket (Unit4) and an active user of the e‐RFX and e‐Auction modules, we're truly excited about the upcoming re‐design of the e‐Auction module," said Patrice Finnegan, Global Lead E-Sourcing, Associated British Foods. "The Scanmarket e‐Auction module is already one of the best in the industry in terms of product features and UI/UX for both buyers and suppliers, so it's great to know that all of this will not only be preserved but further enhanced with the planned developments. Thanks to our continued partnership with Scanmarket we've been able to contribute feedback and gain early visibility into the roadmap, and we're excited about the value this next evolution will deliver. It's a clear reflection of Unit4's strong, ongoing investment in Scanmarket's S2C capabilities, and we're genuinely thrilled about what's coming next."

Customer base

The named organisations reflect a customer mix spanning insurance, local government, waste and environmental services, retail co-operatives and higher education. Afa Insurance has broad coverage across Sweden, Southern Co-op operates more than 300 branches across food, funeral and coffee businesses, and the University of East Anglia has more than 17,000 students.

For Unit4, that spread suggests demand for sourcing and contract tools across sectors with different procurement structures and governance requirements. It also indicates that the source-to-contract software market still depends as much on usability and adoption as on feature depth.

Jean de Villiers, Unit4's chief customer officer, linked the latest customer activity and ranking to changes in how procurement teams work.

"We are delighted with our continued momentum and recognition from Info-Tech Research Group, because it reflects our deep understanding of the way procurement is evolving to become more data-driven and digital," de Villiers said. "We are maintaining our leadership position, because the platform is setting the industry benchmark in terms of product capability and customer experience. Alongside our continued commitment to innovation in areas like AI, our customers understand that our goal is to deliver an intuitive, powerful sourcing platform built to support the full sourcing lifecycle."