Executive Summary
Fast Signs, one of the world’s largest franchise systems with 780+ independently owned locations across 9 countries, selected ProcurementExpress to revolutionize procurement across their entire network. As a $700+ million franchise organization, Fast Signs needed a solution that could handle the unique challenges of franchise operations – independent ownership, varied approval processes, and diverse vendor relationships – while providing corporate visibility and standardization.
The partnership represents a strategic transformation from paper-based, manual processes to AI-powered procurement automation, delivering unprecedented transparency and control to franchise owners while maintaining the independence that defines their business model.
The Challenge: Complex Multi-Location Procurement
Fast Signs faced the procurement challenges that plague multi-location franchise operations:
Fragmented Approval Processes
- Each of 780+ locations operated with different approval workflows
- Paper-based purchase orders created inefficiencies and compliance gaps
- No standardized process across the franchise network
- Manual approvals caused delays for time-sensitive orders
Limited Visibility and Control
- Corporate had no insight into franchise spending patterns
- Individual franchisees lacked real-time budget visibility
- No centralized vendor management or negotiating power
- Difficulty tracking purchase orders from request to payment
Mobile Workforce Challenges
- Sales teams constantly on the road needed quick purchase order creation
- Field staff required mobile access for approvals and order tracking
- Traditional desktop-only systems didn’t meet operational needs
- Paper processes incompatible with mobile-first workflows
Compliance and Documentation Needs
- Each franchise required audit-ready documentation
- Corporate needed visibility for vendor relationship management
- Individual locations needed budget control and tracking
- Regulatory compliance varied by jurisdiction
Why Fast Signs Selected ProcurementExpress
After evaluating multiple solutions in final selection rounds, Fast Signs chose ProcurementExpress based on five critical differentiators:
1. Franchise-Ready Architecture
ProcurementExpress uniquely understood franchise operations, offering:
- Individual billing to each location while maintaining group discounts
- Customizable approval workflows per location
- Corporate visibility without compromising franchise independence
- Scalable onboarding for hundreds of locations
2. Mobile-First Design
Critical for Fast Signs’ mobile workforce:
- Full functionality on smartphones and tablets
- Real-time synchronization between web and mobile
- Quick purchase order creation for field sales teams
- Mobile invoice capture and approval workflows
3. Rapid Implementation and Support
Fast Signs needed a partner who could scale:
- Dedicated support team (Brad, Mariska, and Richard) providing 20 hours/day, 5 days/week coverage
- Individual onboarding for each franchise location
- Video call support, chat, phone, and WhatsApp accessibility
- Implementation measured in weeks, not months
4. Advanced AI and Automation Features
Cutting-edge capabilities that competitors couldn’t match:
- AI-powered invoice processing and matching
- Automated purchase order generation from supplier catalogs
- Smart approval routing based on customizable rules
- QR code scanning for delivery verification (available on request)
5. Proven Track Record
ProcurementExpress demonstrated enterprise readiness:
- 250 companies globally managing $3 billion in annual spend
- Customers like Cisco with thousands of users
- 98% retention rate post-implementation
- 5-7 year average customer lifespan
- SOC 2 Type 2 compliance and 99.99% uptime
Implementation Approach: Designed for Franchise Success
Phase 1: Pilot Program (Weeks 1-6)
- Initial Implementation: Started with Sarosh’s high-performing location as pilot
- Customization: Configured approval workflows, custom fields, and vendor catalogs
- Training: Comprehensive onboarding for pilot location team
- Testing: Validated all workflows including mobile functionality and integrations
Phase 2: Network Rollout (Months 2-12)
- Voluntary Adoption: Franchises choose to join based on demonstrated value
- Individual Onboarding: Each location treated as unique implementation
- Support Structure: Dedicated customer success team for franchise network
- Custom Pricing: Group discounts with individual billing arrangements
Phase 3: Advanced Features (Ongoing)
- AI Enhancement: Advanced invoice automation and spend analytics
- Integration Expansion: Connecting with franchise-specific vendors like Grimco
- Custom Development: $250/hour professional services for unique requirements
- Convention Support: Presence at franchise conventions for ongoing engagement
Results: Transforming Franchise Operations
Operational Efficiency Gains
- Purchase Order Creation: Reduced from 15+ minutes to under 2 minutes using punch-out catalogs
- Approval Cycles: Mobile workflows eliminated delays from days to hours
- Invoice Processing: AI automation reduced manual work by 75%
- Budget Visibility: Real-time dashboards replaced monthly spreadsheet reconciliation
Cost Management Impact
- Vendor Consolidation: Corporate visibility enabled better vendor negotiations
- Maverick Spending: Standardized processes reduced unauthorized purchases
- Processing Costs: Eliminated paper-based workflows and manual data entry
- Audit Readiness: Automated documentation reduced compliance preparation time
Franchise Owner Benefits
- Independence Maintained: Custom approval flows for each location’s needs
- Mobile Access: Field teams can create and approve purchases anywhere
- Budget Control: Real-time spending visibility prevents budget overruns
- Support Excellence: 24/7 support ensures minimal downtime or confusion
Corporate Advantages
- Network Visibility: Dashboard view across all participating franchises
- Vendor Management: Consolidated spend data improves negotiating position
- Best Practice Sharing: Successful processes replicated across network
- Growth Platform: Standardized procurement supports franchise expansion
Technical Excellence: Built for Enterprise Scale
Infrastructure and Reliability
- AWS Hosting: Multi-region deployment with European failover
- Uptime Performance: 99.99% availability over 90-day periods
- Security Compliance: SOC 2 Type 2 certified with bank-grade security
- Scalability: Proven capacity handling thousands of concurrent users
Integration Capabilities
- ERP Connections: Seamless integration with QuickBooks and major accounting systems
- Vendor Portals: Direct connections to Amazon, Grimco, and franchise-preferred suppliers
- API Access: Custom integrations for specialized franchise requirements
- Data Portability: Complete export capabilities for franchises changing systems
User Experience Design
- Consumer-Grade Interface: Intuitive design requiring minimal training
- Mobile Optimization: Full functionality across all devices
- Customizable Workflows: Tailored experiences for different user roles
- Real-Time Collaboration: Internal messaging and supplier communication tools
What Fast Signs Leadership Says
Amy Sisson, Senior Supply Chain Manager (Corporate): “We needed a solution that could handle our unique franchise structure – 780+ independently owned locations each requiring individual treatment while maintaining corporate oversight. ProcurementExpress understood this challenge from day one and delivered exactly what we needed.”
Sarosh Nayar, Fast Signs Franchisee: “As one of the largest franchisees in the network, I needed a system that could handle our scale while being simple enough for my field teams. The mobile functionality is game-changing – my sales staff can create purchase orders in under a minute while standing in a client’s office.”
Kevin De Piazza, Corporate IT: “The security and compliance capabilities were crucial for our vendor assessment. SOC 2 Type 2 certification, AWS hosting, and 99.99% uptime gave us confidence in recommending ProcurementExpress across our entire network.”
Looking Ahead: Strategic Partnership Growth
Convention and Network Engagement
- January 2025 Owner’s Convention: ProcurementExpress will exhibit in Charlotte, NC, demonstrating success to 780+ franchise owners
- Roundtable Discussions: Direct engagement with franchise owners considering adoption
- Success Story Presentations: Sarosh sharing real results with fellow franchisees
Multi-Brand Expansion
Fast Signs’ parent company operates additional franchise brands:
- Camp Bow Wow: Pet services franchise network ready for procurement standardization
- Other Portfolio Brands: Additional franchise concepts evaluating ProcurementExpress
Continuous Innovation
- AI Enhancements: Advanced generative AI features for natural language purchase order creation
- Compliance Automation: Smart policy enforcement and automated audit trails
- Predictive Analytics: Spend forecasting and budget optimization recommendations
Key Success Factors
1. Franchise-Specific Understanding
ProcurementExpress recognized that franchise operations require:
- Individual autonomy with corporate visibility
- Scalable support across hundreds of locations
- Flexible implementation accommodating varied readiness levels
- Pricing models that work for independent business owners
2. Implementation Excellence
- Dedicated Support Team: Three named support specialists providing continuity
- 24/7 Accessibility: Multiple communication channels ensuring rapid issue resolution
- Individual Training: Each location receives personalized onboarding
- Ongoing Optimization: Continuous improvement based on user feedback
3. Technology Leadership
- AI-Powered Automation: Reducing manual work while improving accuracy
- Mobile-First Design: Meeting users where they work
- Enterprise Security: SOC 2 compliance and bank-grade infrastructure
- Integration Excellence: Seamless connections to existing business systems
ROI Impact: Measurable Value Across the Network
Based on industry benchmarks and implementation results:
Cost Savings
- Invoice Processing: 75-80% reduction in processing costs
- Procurement Cycle Time: 40-70% faster purchase-to-payment cycles
- Administrative Overhead: Significant reduction in manual data entry and reconciliation
- Audit Preparation: 80% time reduction for compliance documentation
Efficiency Gains
- Purchase Order Creation: From 15+ minutes to under 2 minutes
- Approval Workflows: Real-time mobile approvals eliminate delays
- Budget Visibility: Instant access to spending data and trends
- Vendor Management: Consolidated view enabling better negotiations
Risk Reduction
- Compliance Assurance: Automated audit trails and documentation
- Budget Control: Real-time visibility prevents overspending
- Fraud Prevention: Standardized approval workflows and documentation
- Data Security: Enterprise-grade security protecting sensitive financial information
Conclusion: A Partnership Built for Growth
Fast Signs’ selection of ProcurementExpress represents more than a technology implementation – it’s a strategic partnership designed to support franchise growth and operational excellence. By choosing a solution that understands franchise operations and scales with business needs, Fast Signs has positioned their network for continued expansion and success.
The partnership demonstrates ProcurementExpress’s unique ability to serve complex, multi-location organizations while maintaining the simplicity and effectiveness that drives user adoption. As Fast Signs continues growing their global footprint, ProcurementExpress provides the procurement foundation that scales with their ambitions.
Ready to transform your multi-location procurement operations?
Contact ProcurementExpress to learn how we can deliver the same results for your organization. Whether you’re managing franchise operations, multiple locations, or complex approval workflows, our AI-powered platform provides the visibility, control, and efficiency your business needs to thrive.
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Fast Signs International, Inc. is a leading franchise organization with 780+ locations across 9 countries, specializing in comprehensive signage and visual communications solutions for businesses worldwide.
