CBRE - Gaining control over CAPEX and OPEX expenditure in IT procurement 

CAPEX spending is quite stable and managed globally by the IT function, with an approved annual budget. Fixed global prices are negotiated with vendors. Any currency fluctuations are dealt with at the time of order to avoid complications with the finance function. 

Hardware unification on a global scale produces significant savings as does CBRE’s “pay per click” purchasing model for certain types of software, including imaged software installed on their laptops. 

IT does not touch the orders which go from the user via Coupa, to the line manager approval and then onwards to vendor e.g., Markit and finally for delivery to the user. 

OPEX spending is set to rise 300%. OPEX spending is managed by the individual CBRE businesses. 

Employee spending is controlled in the sense that IT buys everything (for internal needs) and holds stock. Employees can access a set of standardised products (including laptops, headsets, AV devices etc.) through a Coupa-integrated Markit IT products catalogue. 

CBRE business have access to a larger second Markit catalogue where they can source and buy a wider range of products on behalf of CBRE clients.  

With OPEX spending monitoring costs and availability are key areas.