Outsource Magazine Issue 34 - (Page 82)

Technology invesTmenT in 2014 Technology is obviously crucial - but is there a consensus amongst senior finance professionals as to just how important it is, or how best to leverage it? Brendan Walsh, American Express Brendan Walsh is the Senior Vice President and General Manager for American Express Global Corporate Payments, Europe. He is responsible for the European Commercial Card business across 17 markets. T he importance of technology cannot be understated in today's economy - whether using the cloud to connect with employees working outside the office, or using video-conferencing to cut costs, technology is something all companies need to consider when planning investment strategies for next year. I'm not alone in thinking this. We recently commissioned a study that showed 76 per cent of senior finance executives plan to increase investments in technology next year, which should be heartening for the sector. Proper investment in technology is widely recognised as a key contributor to company growth plans. Of course, companies plan to use the technology in different ways: nearly half of the CFOs surveyed said they plan to use technology to cut costs, while most of the remainder will rely on data insights to improve analytical effectiveness. Still, there are some grey areas in how they'll manage this. While nearly everyone surveyed agreed on the need to invest more in technology in the year ahead, the findings also show few companies have a defined strategy in place for this investment. In short, finance executives know investment in technology is important; they just aren't sure how to go about it. A cAll for cleArer mobile strAtegy Mobile innovation is certainly a priority for finance executives, and nearly 80 per cent recognise the need to make better use of mobile technology over the next year. Their goals for doing so are multiple and range from providing finance and business users with better query and retrieval capabilities, up-to-the-minute access to data and to sharing data effectively. All of which enables executives to make better real-time decisions and in any location. However, there is a discrepancy between companies in how best to achieve these goals. Less than a quarter report having a formal plan in place for deploying mobile "For me, modern technology has ruined romance and movies - nobody can run to the airplane gate anymore." - Lorene Scafaria 82 ● ● ● www.outsourcemagazine.co.uk http://www.outsourcemagazine.co.uk

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Outsource Magazine Issue 34

Challenges and Champions
Outsourcing in a Troubled Economic Environment
Richard Jones
High Stakes
In Transition
The Bigger Picture
Numbers, Numbers Everywhere...
NOA Round-Up
Struggling To Get Through?
International Commercial Disputes In Outsourcing Agreements
Is Infrastructure Necessary?
Global Freelance Platforms Grow Up
Trumping Price – Only with Best value
Kerry Hallard
Technology Investment in 2014
Water Will Always Find A Way
The Right Time Is Now
You, Robot?
The Legal View
Top Ten
NelsonHall Round-Up
Online Round-Up
The Deal Doctor
Inside Source
The Last Word

Outsource Magazine Issue 34