Technology is embedded in every corner of the modern enterprise—from SaaS subscriptions and cloud infrastructure to telecom and mobile services. As organizations scale, so do their technology expenses. Yet, many finance and IT leaders still treat Technology Expense Management (TEM) as an afterthought, a reactive function focused on invoice processing or software license tracking.
That mindset leaves money on the table.
TEM done right is not just about managing costs. It’s about optimizing spend, improving visibility, eliminating waste, and enabling better decision-making. What if TEM was thought of as a strategic lever for CFOs and CIOs—a way to align technology investment with business value?
The Hidden Cost of Disconnected Technology Spend
It’s common for large enterprises to spend millions every month on IT and telecom services without a clear understanding of where that money is going. Contracts are scattered. Invoices go unchecked. Unused services persist. And without centralized oversight, common technology expense management pitfalls persist and opportunities are lost.
Take, for example, a global leader in mobility solutions. With over $2.5M in monthly IT and telecom spend spread across 1,350+ accounts, the company had little visibility into its inventory or vendor performance. Disconnected contracts, billing discrepancies, and unused services were driving unnecessary costs and operational inefficiencies.
The E78 Approach: From Cost Tracking to Cost Transformation
What differentiates E78’s approach to TEM is that we don’t just track costs—we transform them. Our methodology is rooted in financial rigor and operational discipline, combining detailed audits, vendor negotiations, and real-time data intelligence to deliver meaningful, sustained results.
Our framework follows a three-step process:
- Inventory Validation & Cost Discovery
We begin with a comprehensive audit of telecom, network, cloud, wireless, and SaaS spend. Every contract, invoice, and service is verified for accuracy, compliance, and relevance. This step alone often uncovers material errors and unutilized assets. - Optimization & Cost Rationalization
Using market benchmarks and internal performance data, we identify inefficiencies and negotiate improved vendor terms. We help right-size services to actual usage and streamline redundant categories. - Ongoing Governance & Automation
Long-term cost control requires visibility and discipline. We implement automated processing and provide real-time BI and Data Lake resources, enabling leaders to monitor and adjust spend proactively.
The Numbers Behind the Value
This approach isn’t theoretical—it’s proven. In the case of the global mobility company:
- 7% overall IT and telecom spend reduction in 90 days
- 12% total fixed-line cost savings within 120 days
- $235K in monthly savings across 15 spend categories
- $90K/month in additional savings through renegotiated contracts
- $154K in recovered unused vendor credits
- 95% of accounts automated in under 30 days
These results weren’t driven by software alone. They were the product of strategic analysis, cross-functional execution, and hands-on cost management.
Download our case study detailing how a global mobility leader reduced IT and telecom spend by 12% in just 120 days—through a hands-on, data-driven approach that goes beyond traditional TEM.
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CFOs and CIOs are increasingly expected to deliver more with less. That means every dollar of technology spend must be justified and aligned to business outcomes. TEM should not be seen as back-office overhead—it should be viewed as a key capability to drive efficiency, reduce risk, and support strategic growth.
E78’s TEM practice is designed to enable that shift. We work alongside finance and technology leaders to not only cut costs but also to build the systems, processes, and visibility needed to maintain control over time.
What does modern TEM look like?
When evaluating a TEM solution, leaders should ask:
- Does this approach go beyond software to deliver strategic outcomes?
- Is there visibility into all technology spend categories—not just telecom?
- Are contract audits, vendor negotiations, and financial validations part of the process?
- Is there a roadmap for sustained cost optimization, not just one-time savings?
If the answer to any of these is no, it may be time to consider a more comprehensive, hands-on approach.
Final Thoughts
Technology expense management isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making your technology investments smarter. With the right partner, organizations can turn cost complexity into a source of strategic advantage.
For a no-cost assessment of your current IT and telecom spend, contact us.
