Ready access to spend and supplier data that is accurate, comprehensive and fit-for-purpose is essential for the effective transformation of government procurement. In its Operational Efficiency Review (OEP) HM Treasury has set  a savings target of £35bn for the public sector as a whole, to be achieved by the end of 2010/11.  They have also recognised that consistent, comparable data is a key requirement in the delivery of these savings targets.

However, all too often the only expenditure data available is missing vital attributes, is inappropriately classified for procurement purposes, is difficult to compare with others and is distributed across multiple systems.

In order to address this obstacle, Spikes Cavell has developed a unique & proprietary methodology for the quick and cost effective extraction, standardisation, classification and enrichment of Government expenditure data. Delivered as an online service (SaaS) called 'the Observatory', and supplied on an annual subscription basis along with a suite of easy-to-use online analytical tools. The Observatory delivers the tools, intelligence and data the procurement function needs to reduce costs, realise collaboration opportunities, improve contract compliance, and drive continuous improvements in spend and supplier management.

We have already processed and significantly enhanced more than 1,000 public sector datasets for almost 700 customers, including local authorities, universities, charities, colleges of further education, NHS trusts, fire & rescue, police and central government bodies across the United Kingdom. 

Our emphasis on data is deliberate. A spend analysis tool or application is only as good as the data being analysed.