6. Who decides in sourcing? Roles and authorizations

Sourcing's embedding in the organization

Sourcing is embedded in the organization's decision-making structure. The operating model, authorization levels, and approval processes ensure control and agility.

Operating models

Procurement organizations follow one of three models:

Model
Characteristics
Advantage
Disadvantage
Centralized
All sourcing originates from a central team
Uniform processes, greater negotiating power
Distance from business needs
Decentralized
Sourcing takes place at business units
Faster, more flexible
Harder to ensure uniform quality
Hybrid
Central + business units cooperation
Balance of control and agility
More complex governance

Most large companies use a hybrid solution: the center (often in the form of a Center of Excellence) sets policies and provides tools, while business units execute sourcing activities within defined boundaries.

Fluenta One supports all three models: central templates and approval chains provide control, while role-based access and delegable authorizations provide agility.

Roles in Fluenta One

Role
Authorization
Event creator/editor
Full control over RFx events
Approver
Event can only be published after approval
Evaluator
Scoring of assigned proposal parts
Supplier manager
Maintaining the supplier database
Observer
Read access without intervention
Confidential information handler
Access to protected fields

Approval chains can be customized by category, value, and other parameters.

RACI and responsibility sharing

The sourcing process typically involves multiple functions. A typical responsibility sharing:

Activity
Business
Sourcing
Finance
Legal
Risk
Defining requirements
R/A
C
C
-
C
Sourcing strategy
C
R/A
C
-
C
RFx issuance
-
R/A
-
C
C
Technical evaluation
R
C
-
-
-
Commercial evaluation
C
R
A
-
-
Award decision
A
R
C
C
C
Contract signing
-
C
-
R/A
-

R = Responsible (executor), A = Accountable, C = Consulted

In Fluenta One, responsibility sharing can be implemented through role and authorization configuration. The system doesn't force a specific RACI model—but provides the tools to enforce one.