checklist
Is your VMS provider a vendor or a partner?
How to tell the difference and why you should care.
If you use a vendor management system (VMS), you likely have strong opinions about its capabilities, functionality, and ease of use. But have you considered how your VMS provider perceives you? This is crucial because it affects their behavior towards you and the support your program receives.
If your VMS provider sees you as another manager among many who license their software tools, your relationship is likely transactional. However, if they view you as an innovative entrepreneur striving to meet your company’s talent needs in today’s on-demand economy, you’re probably seen as a partner.
If your VMS provider treats you like a partner, you should experience:
These are just a few of the ways you can tell if your VMS provider is a partner or just a vendor.
Scoring guidance
Mostly checked (10–12 selected):
You have a collaborative foundation. Deepen your tech alignment and explore innovation to drive strategic outcomes.
Some checked (4–9 selected):
You have a solid base. Strengthen communication channels, tap into provider expertise, and align your roadmap.
Few or none checked (0–3 selected): Your provider is acting more like a vendor than a partner. It’s time to prioritize foundational relationship-building.
If your provider is acting more like a vendor than a partner, you may want to ask them, “Why?” If their answer is unsatisfactory, it may be time to switch.
Remember, the best VMS is the one that best fulfills the needs of your organization.
7 most important qualities for a successful VMS partnership
To learn more about the value an effective partnership provides, download our complimentary eBook
Read the ebook