Coupa Overview in 2024: Key Points & Top 5 Alternatives

P2P suites are critical for finance operations and streamlining the procurement processes. In this market with 10+ P2P suites, Coupa is one of the market leaders with >3k employees. It offers a monolithic solution in P2P automation that can be augmented with Coupa Apps. ¹ Yet, due to various enterprise requirements (e.g. higher levels of AP invoice automation targets), businesses may prefer other solutions.²

If you are already using Coupa, please bear in mind that P2P suite migration can be complex. You can check out solutions like APAI to add more capability to Coupa and solve your business problem without a long migration program. For those considering deploying Coupa or reconsidering their Coupa installation, we are listing Coupa’s top alternatives.

Comparison of Coupa and 5 Alternatives

*Ratings and reviews are based on Gartner Peer Insights, G2 and Capterra. Vendors who received more reviews are ranked first.

**SAP Ariba’s subscription packages are based on the total number of documents transacted in a year. Bronze package includes 5 to 24 documents or < $250,000. Silver includes 25 to 99 documents; Gold includes 100 to 499 documents and Platinum includes 500 or more documents.

Coupa overview

The Coupa Business Spend Management suite is offered by Coupa. Organizations searching for a single solution that can address a variety of finance operations use cases may consider Coupa. As with any software, Coupa has pros and cons.

User reviews:

Gartner Peer Insights: 4.6/5 based on 632 reviews.³

G2: 4.2/5 based on 279 reviews. ⁴

Capterra: 4.2/5 based on 85 reviews. ⁵

Pros:

Integration. One of the key benefits of adopting Coupa as a P2P solution is its ability to integrate with other systems, such as ERPs. The software offers an automatic integration to numerous other systems.⁶

Payment capabilities. Coupa is the one of the leading vendors for financial use cases because of its payment processing capabilities. Customers are given options to increase the total amount of spend under monitoring by means of deeply incorporated virtual card creation and approval routines that enable both in-application and offline use cases.

E-Purchasing. Coupa’s e-purchasing platform features one of the most comprehensive catalogs that can be browsed and shopped from within the platform.

Fraud detection. With Coupa businesses can detect fraud, errors and flag suspicious activity across all business spend. Coupa has developed Spend Guard software, which can produce solutions specifically for risk management, duplicate invoice and fraud detection problems. (Figure 1).

Cons:

Implementation can be a complex process, requiring time and resources to ensure a smooth transition.

Costs. Coupa’s pricing model may not align with small to mid businesses’ budgetary requirements.

Learning curve. To the extent that Coupa offers comprehensive solutions, its interface is also comprehensive. The lack of in-app prompts can make it difficult for new users to adapt.⁸

Poor customer support. It may be challenging to acquire prompt assistance from Coupa, as its customer service may be limited in certain countries or for particular languages. Their aid is often costly and falls short of expectations.

Limited customization. Although Coupa offers basic customization of workflows, when it comes to specific requirements such as adding custom fields, changing approval chains and more, it may remain limited.⁹How to overcome Coupa’s shortcomings?

Coupa without Coupa Apps is a monolithic solution that can fall short of some enterprise requirements. For example, in the P2P cycle, users may have to deal with time-consuming processes such as manually entering the information on the invoice (Figure 2). While using Coupa, users may also have to manually match the invoice line to the PO line.¹⁰ Implementation of APAI platforms can improve automation rates.

1- SAP Ariba

Pros:

Mature. Since Ariba is part of SAP with its 100,000+ employees, SAP Ariba has access to an extensive partner and support network.

Integration. One of the key benefits of choosing SAP Ariba is its capabilities integrate with other software, it is especially attractive for SAP users.

Expense tracking. With SAP Ariba, one can automate expense tracking and streamline AP processes.

Advanced analytics and reporting. SAP Ariba provides analytics functionalities. This allows businesses to gain important insights into procurement processes and supplier performance. With access to real-time data and reporting dashboards, the decision-making processes can be improved.

Cons:

Hard to navigate. Using SAP Ariba is a complex process for users who do not have primary experience on the platform. (Figure 3). This means that specific training might be required, which could be time consuming for businesses. Also, the interface is not very- user friendly. In case of mistakes, users might have to start the whole process from scratch.¹²

Slow. The software can slow-down in case of a high number of POs and invoices. Invoices can get held up in the system which cause complexities.¹⁴

Difficulties in approval processes. Some of the steps like editing of submitted or approved purchase requisitions and adding extra approvals can be complex. Approval flows can take a long time as manual feedback approval is awaited.

Rigid. The system can have difficulties in coping with changes made to POs after they have initially been created. (Figure 4) 

Overall, despite cons, customers searching for direct support for POs, inventory management, work orders can find SAP useful.

User reviews:

Gartner Peer Insights: 4.2/5 based on 353 reviews.¹⁶

G2: 4.1/5 based on 476 reviews.¹⁷

Capterra: 3.4/5 based on 46 reviews.¹⁸

2-Basware

Basware was initially specialized in accounts payable automation but has later expanded to offer a comprehensive Procure-to-Pay (P2P) suite.

Pros:

Supplier network. The platform excels in e-invoicing transitions thanks to its integrations with various supplier networks that claim to process €800+ billion annual spend.¹⁹

Strong focus on integrations. Basware claims that the one-size-fits-all approach of P2P suites can lock customers into suites with uneven quality that will often take years to roll out. Basware offers a microservices architecture which is an ecosystem of application plugins that run on a core spend management platform.²⁰

Fraud detection. Use of AI and machine learning can enhance fraud detection and expenditure management activities.

Cons:

Implementation may require time and resources to ensure an easy transition.

Reliance on both third-party and in-house analytics tools, which may complicate the analytics applications.

User reviews:

Gartner Peer Insights: 4.5/5 based on 138 reviews.²¹

G2: 4.0/5 based on 110 reviews.²²

Capterra: 4.1/5 based on 20 reviews.²³

3- Oracle procurement cloud

Pros:

In Gartner’s peer-reviews and report, Oracle scores above average in payments and analytics. Oracle can provide robust reporting functionalities with real-time data and reporting dashboards. To integrate unique services native to ERP systems, Oracle is focusing on growth in payments through strategic alliances with major international banks and financial institutions.²⁴

User friendly. Oracle’s interface is user-friendly. This makes it easier for users to adapt to the platform.

Scalable. Oracle offers scalable solutions that can cater to specific needs regardless of the size of the business.²⁵

Offers a wide range of integrated solutions. Oracle provides a wide range of enterprise solutions and cloud services, including Oracle Fusion Cloud Procurement, a component of Fusion Cloud Applications suite. Accessible via a public cloud, this platform can be an option for organizations wanting to manage various types of spending.

Cons:

The software might need improvements in services procurement and supplier collaboration.

Modules use efficiency. here are redundant fields across the modules. For instance, if a company buys an entire end to end suite, instead of being able to use individual models when needed, they will be faced with a set of models where transitions are difficult and integration is weak.²⁶ See also (Figure 5)

Lack of support. Oracle’s support is inadequate when the application experiences problems such as slowdowns or disorientation.²⁸

User Reviews:

Gartner Peer Insights: 4.2/5 based on 95 reviews.²⁹

G2: 4.1/5 based on 37 reviews.³⁰

Capterra: 4.2/5 based on 5 reviews.³¹

4- PRM360

Pros:

Auction capabilities. PRM360 provides tools for customers to join auctions without facing obstacles and in complete transparency. This way,  customers can adapt to the application in a quicker manner. PRM360 can also provide detailed post-auction reports. By analyzing these reports, companies can identify negotiation approaches and make the most appropriate choices.³²

Synchronization. One of the advantages of PRM360 is, it provides a good level of sync with ERP systems.

Customizable. PRM360 is a highly customizable platform that provides solutions that enables businesses to make faster decisions and finalize vendors. It offers comprehensive automation with catalog management, contract management, RFQ process and conducting auction.

Vendor friendly: In PRM360, vendors get notified if, for instance, they are shortlisted for quote submission. They can also get to know the status of their quote submitted by using the portal. They can view POs when mentioned which eliminates the need to send any mail to vendors for each PO. See (Figure 6).

Cons:

UI design. UI interface and the workflows are open to improvements as, especially first time users get easy understanding of the tool.³⁴

Invoice scanning. The solutions PRM360 offer can fall short in invoice scanning. Customers point out that the software solutions do not include technologies related to invoice scanning such as OCR. Thus, if not used with an extra OCR tool, the system does not take the data directly from the uploaded invoice.³⁵ See also (Figure 7).

Slow. The loading issues can occur while loading high-numbers of data.

User Reviews:

Gartner Peer Insights: 4.8/5 based on 150 reviews.³⁷

G2: 4.8/5 based on 140 reviews.³⁸

Capterra: N/A

5- Jaggaer ONE

JAGGAER’s JAGGAER ONE suite is a multi-functional cloud-based solution.

Pros:

Comprehensive solution. JAGGAER ONE provides a one-stop-shop for managing various types of spend, making it a good fit for businesses with diverse procurement needs.

Integration and E-Purchasing. The software integrates well with external systems and offers above-average e-purchasing features.

Supplier financing capabilities. One of the major benefits of choosing Jaggaer is its supplier financing capabilities. With features such as early payment discounts and dynamic discounting, Jaggaer enables businesses to optimize their working capital and strengthen relationships with suppliers.

Improved cash-flows. By offering flexible payment options, Jaggaer empowers businesses to negotiate better terms and improve cash flow.

Specialized functionalities. Standout features include integrations with product life cycle management (PLM) and planning systems for direct materials procurement.

Cons:

Third-Party OCR feedback: According to a Gartner report, there has been negative customer feedback concerning its third-party optical character recognition (OCR) capture solution.³⁹

Overall UI performance. Jaggaer’s UI functions are open for improvement. The slowness of the functions can sometimes cause problems for users, such as diversity spend tracking.⁴⁰ See also (Figure 8).

User reviews:

Gartner Peer Insights: 4.4/5 based on 148 reviews.⁴²

G2: 4.4/5 based on 27 reviews.⁴³

Capterra: 4.3/5 based on 3 reviews.⁴⁴

For further questions regarding the topic, reach out to us:

External links

External Links

• 1. “Coupa App Marketplace”, Coupa, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 2. “Peer Review for Coupa BSM Platform”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 3. “Coupa BSM Platform Reviews”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 4. “Coupa Reviews & Product Details”, G2, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 5. “Coupa Reviews”, Capterra, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 6. “Peer Review for Coupa BSM Platform”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 7. “The Smarter Way to Monitor Business Spend”, Coupa, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 8. “Coupa Reviews & Product Details”, G2, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
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• 12. “SAP Ariba Reviews & Product Details”, G2, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 13. “Peer Review for SAP Ariba Buying and Invoicing”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 14. “SAP Ariba Reviews & Product Details”, G2, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 15. “Peer Review for SAP Ariba Buying and Invoicing”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
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• 17. “SAP Ariba Reviews & Product Details”, G2, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 18. “SAP Ariba Reviews”, Capterra, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 19. “The Basware e-Invoicing Network”, Basware, Retrieved on September 22, 2023
• 20. “The Rise of Ecosystem in Procurement and Sourcing”, Basware, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
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• 23. “Basware Reviews”, Capterra, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 24. “Critical Capabilities for Procure-to-Pay Suites”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 25. “Peer Review for Oracle Fusion Cloud Procurement”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 26. “Peer Review for Oracle Fusion Cloud Procurement”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 27. “Peer Review for Oracle Fusion Cloud Procurement”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 28. “Peer Review for Oracle Fusion Cloud Procurement”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
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• 32. “PRM360 Reviews & Product Details”, G2, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
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• 37. “PRM360 Simplified Procure-to-Pay Suite Reviews”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 38. “PRM360 Reviews & Product Details”, G2, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 39. “Critical Capabilities for Procure-to-Pay Suites”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 40. “Peer Review for Jaggaer One”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 41. “Peer Review for Jaggaer One”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 42. “JAGGAER ONE Reviews”, Gartner, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 43. “Jaggaer Reviews & Product Details”, G2, Retrieved on September 11, 2023
• 44. “JAGGAER ONE Sourcing Reviews”, Capterra, Retrieved on September 11, 2023