Gartner defines cloud financial management (CFM) tools as tooling that provides the ability to collect, organize, display, optimize and manage the investments in cloud computing infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS). They leverage algorithms, statistical models and/or AI/machine learning (ML) in support of cost reports, dashboards and/or other mechanisms/interfaces that provide capabilities to monitor cost, utilization and value indicators. This allows users to identify trends, anomalies and misaligned expectations, as well as opportunities to increase the efficiency of cloud configurations, architecture and contracts. CFM tools enable enterprises to collect and analyze public cloud cost and usage information and apply controls to define budget and cost policies to optimize spending on a continuous basis.
Procurement orchestration platforms are advanced software solutions that prescribe and execute end-to-end source-to-pay workflows to achieve specific business outcomes. They aggregate and enrich procurement data from multiple sources, simulate the impact of decisions, and dynamically determine optimal actions—such as selecting buying channels or suppliers—based on user input, policies, and market insights. While current platforms often rely on static workflows and pre-configured integrations, they are primarily used by large enterprises and organizations with complex procurement needs, streamlining activities like contract renewals and supplier onboarding. These platforms enable greater automation, integration, and decision-making, though full-scale orchestration remains an evolving capability.