
Enterprise Client Secures ~17.5m Value Beyond Renewal Trajectory
Industry: Enterprise Pharmaceutical
Service: ROI Led Software Investment Management
Result: Savings outcome of ~ 43% to 45%.
Executive Summary
An enterprise customer reset their software renewal trajectory by measuring value against their true control point instead of the standard exit rate. By converting commercial pressure into measurable, defensible ROI, the engagement unlocked ~17.5m in value, a reduction of around 45% against the initial control point spend trajectory.
The Challenge
The client faced a complex renewal where the control point revealed a materially higher spend trajectory driven by vendor pricing, product expansion and agreement structures. Standard benchmarking against the exit rate would have severely understated the real value at risk. Key operational challenges included:
- Vendor led price and packaging pressure
- Unchecked cost growth from new technology and security requirements
- Limited flexibility inherent in traditional renewal mechanics
- The urgent need for an objective baseline to clearly evidence ROI
The Solution
Livingstone reframed the engagement around strategic value realisation. Moving the customer away from passive price acceptance, Livingstone enabled controlled commercial decision making by establishing an objective value baseline and introducing strategic market tension. Key execution steps included:
- Establishing a clear control point and value baseline to measure real risk
- Optimizing the bill of materials directly around verified operational demand
- Evaluating highly flexible contract structures to preserve long term agility
- Negotiating the final commercial outcome using competitive market tension
The Outcome
- Defensible ROI Secured a reduction of around 17m to 17.5m from the initial control point trajectory, yielding an immediate savings outcome of roughly 43% to 45%.
- Control Beyond Signature Created a robust operating model for managing ongoing demand, business growth, true ups and future technology adoption.
- Forward Value Positioned the customer to safeguard long term value through continuous optimization, strict FinOps discipline and proactive renewal readiness.
The Conclusion
The strongest ROI stories are measured against the commercial trajectory a business successfully avoids, not simply the final price paid at exit. By anchoring savings to a rigorous control point baseline, Livingstone ensures that value realisation stays clear, credible and entirely repeatable for mature procurement organisations.
Want to take control of your software estate?
Get in touch with Livingstone to see how our independent advisory services can help you achieve similar results.
View our renewal services here