Hidden Risks and Opportunities in Tail Spend Management

Overview

For years, tail spend has been seen as a transactional nuisance—an area too complex to manage effectively. But today, AI, automation and regulatory demands are reshaping how procurement leaders tackle tail spend. It’s no longer just about cost reduction; it’s about visibility, risk management and business resilience.

This webinar goes beyond the “why” and dives into the “how”—the strategies, technologies and best practices that leading organizations are using to gain control over tail spend.

What you'll learn:

What is tail spend?

Tail spend refers to the portion of an organization’s procurement expenditures that comprises a high volume of low-value transactions, typically accounting for about 80% of transactions but only 20% of total spend. This segment often includes one-off purchases, maverick spending (unauthorized or off-contract purchases) and other low-value transactions that bypass standard procurement processes.

Why it matters more than ever

Effectively managing tail spend is crucial, as neglecting it can lead to missed cost-saving opportunities, increased risks and inefficiencies. Traditional procurement strategies have focused on high-value strategic categories, but now organizations are realizing the financial and compliance risks hidden in tail spend.

Tail spend can harbor hidden compliance, legal and financial risks.

How to Overcome Non-Compliant Purchases & Maverick Spend

One of the biggest challenges in tail spend is fragmented purchasing across multiple channels. How can procurement teams regain control while maintaining agility and ease of use?

• How can guided buying strategies create a seamless, compliant purchasing experience?
• How do automated approvals and AI-driven workflows proactively block maverick spend?
• What role does real-time spend visibility play in preventing policy violations before they occur?
• Who benefits most from a fully integrated procurement and expense management approach?