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LightSource Reviews & Product Details

Sam A.
SA
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: Organic Review from User Profile
What do you like best about LightSource?

LightSource is a very good platform. At first I felt like it was a diamond in the rough -- now folks at every conference seem to be talking about it.

I guess the main thing is it's fast and easy to use. Eveyrone says that. Implementation is maybe 15 minutes, but training and learning it is a bit longer than that. their customer support team is also great. all ex-procurement consultants. I'm on it ... well not everyday .. but certainly once per week. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about LightSource?

The biggest challenge of LightSource is just getting the suppliers to try it. Once they try it --- they're also hooked.

I've had a bunch of suppliers ask me about how to get access for their own procurement team. It's a great sign! But, you have to nudge vendors a bit to use it for the first time. Or even just ask them to search their inbox again for the invite email. Otherwise, easy-as-pie. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is LightSource solving and how is that benefiting you?

Biggest thing is writing RFQ's and getting them out to suppliers Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

LightSource Overview

What is LightSource?

LightSource is the fastest-growing procurement platform on the planet. LightSource AI is already used by 3000+ companies across 100+ countries, including the Fortune 500 and Global 2000. Advances in Generative AI ("GenAI") are revolutionizing procurement. LightSource AI is the first AI-powered source-to-contract (S2C) platform. This all-in-one sourcing solution helps teams launch sourcing (RFX) events effortlessly, negotiate and award faster, manage contracts (CLM), as well as strategic supplier relationships (SRM). LightSource was named the "#1 Direct Materials Sourcing Solution (2024)" by Kearney. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, CA and led by the team formerly behind Tesla, Google[X], and McKinsey's procurement practice.

LightSource Details
Languages Supported
Arabic, Bengali, German, English, French, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Marathi, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional)
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Product Description

The next-generation operating system for procurement teams; Put simply, LightSource is an online platform for strategic sourcing. It’s designed for both buyers and suppliers, and includes sides of the app with tools for everybody in the supply chain ecosystem. For buyers: LightSource makes it easy to find incredible suppliers, send RFQs (requests for quotes), and make the best sourcing decisions while collaborating with your team. For suppliers: LightSource makes it easy to review an RFQ, responding with quotes quickly to win business, and find new sales and margin-improvement opportunities.


Seller Details
Year Founded
2020
HQ Location
San Francisco, California
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
30 employees on LinkedIn®
Description

We help bring procurement professionals into the future with incredible supplier discovery, quoting, and relationship management tools.


Spencer P.
SP
Overview Provided by:

Recent LightSource Reviews

Verified User
U
Verified UserEnterprise (> 1000 emp.)
5.0 out of 5
"Simplifying procurement and supply chain"
LightSource has streamlined and simplified our sourcing and vendor management processes. Whether it's finding suppliers or managing our vendor cont...
Jin-Won K.
JK
Jin-Won K.Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
5.0 out of 5
"Transformational Strategic Sourcing Tool that Breaks Down Silos"
The team and I are really liking LightSource so far. Getting started is extremely easy, and the platform's intuitive design means we're not wasting...
GJ
Gautam J.Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
5.0 out of 5
"Revolutionizing Procurement: LightSource Review"
LightSouce is a very intuitive and easy-to-use tool for RFP/RFQ that is revolutionizing procurement/sourcing organizations. We have deployed LightS...
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10 out of 11 Total Reviews for LightSource

4.9 out of 5
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10 out of 11 Total Reviews for LightSource
4.9 out of 5
10 out of 11 Total Reviews for LightSource
4.9 out of 5

LightSource Pros and Cons

How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
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G2 reviews are authentic and verified.
Jin-Won K.
JK
Vice President of Supply Chain
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: Organic
What do you like best about LightSource?

The team and I are really liking LightSource so far. Getting started is extremely easy, and the platform's intuitive design means we're not wasting time figuring things out. Its AI capabilities are seriously helpful, especially for our supplier management and contract work. Big shoutout to Sourav for the excellent support. We're on it regularly interacting with our suppliers. Having the cost and quoting information in a single location helps with rapid product launches and better visibility for our leadership group. It's got its quirks, but the constant updates are promising. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about LightSource?

It's not flawless, but the few issues I've encountered are so minor compared to the time and hassle it saves. LightSource is pretty much a part of the team now. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is LightSource solving and how is that benefiting you?

We are centralizing information about our supply base in a single location that is accessible for all departments that need access to this information in order to complete their work. This helps breakdown silos internally and ensure that we are making decisions based off "apples to apples" comparisons. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

GJ
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: Organic
What do you like best about LightSource?

LightSouce is a very intuitive and easy-to-use tool for RFP/RFQ that is revolutionizing procurement/sourcing organizations. We have deployed LightSource across multiple of our Portfolio Companies, and every organization raves about the tool and its features. It has improved the efficiencies and effectiveness of the Sourcing Managers (SMs) in each of the organization

The platform allows for the seamless addition of RFP items/SKUs and BOM details through a simple drop/drag feature. Easy to add suppliers and RFP details to launch an RFP within minutes. It has a state-of-the-art Supplier communication panel where SMs can answer questions from suppliers. The responses can be 1:1 with a supplier or broadcast to the whole supplier community. The platform also has a robust set of analysis tools to quickly compare the different supplier responses, calculate forecasted savings and identify best of the best pricing for the RFP

LightSource has a great support team (not to be confused with the Technical team working on the software platform) that can assist SMs in the RFP process. This support team can build the RFP for the SMs, communicate on behalf of the SMs/company with the supplier (if approved by the company) and help with RFP analysis. This saves tremendous time for the SMs and allows them focus on strategic/value added activities.

All the RFPs are centrally located, so no loss of data when a SM leaves the organization. The platform is ideal if you want to launch the same RFP frequently (e.g., Quarterly, Bi-Annually, Annually) for commodities that fluctuate a lot. Relaunching an existing RFP literally takes seconds and can be done with a click of a button

It’s a cloud-based tool, so easy to set up and integrate with other tools in the organization. We typically see a company deploy LightSource within a day or two. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about LightSource?

There are minor issues that get resolved quickly by the engineering team on a frequent basis. The features are constantly evolving, which is a big plus. The tool is frequently our teams and has improved our efficiecy and effectiveness Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is LightSource solving and how is that benefiting you?

LightSource is primarily solving the problems of complexity and time consumption in the procurement process. By offering a user-friendly, intuitive platform, it simplifies the creation of detailed RFPs and RFQs, significantly reducing the time typically required for these tasks. This efficiency allows sourcing managers to focus on more strategic aspects of their roles rather than getting bogged down by administrative burdens.

Additionally, the centralized data management system is a key benefit. It consolidates all essential procurement documents and information into one accessible location, facilitating easy data retrieval and sharing. This not only enhances organizational efficiency but also ensures continuity in procurement projects, making it easier to relaunch RFPs and transition tasks between team members without loss of information or momentum.

Overall, the benefits provided by LightSource, such as improved efficiency, streamlined communication, and centralized data storage, significantly enhance the effectiveness and agility of sourcing operations. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

MB
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: Organic
What do you like best about LightSource?

Can't speak highly enough of LightSource. The AI-driven approach makes handling everything from contracts to supplier scoring feel like less of a chore. Getting started was straightforward, cheers to Sourav for that. The LightSource team goes above and beyond to support any training or set-up work on the platform with us. It's become an everyday tool for us, and they're always adding new features. Plus, slotting it into our existing setup was fuss-free. Overall it has saved me many hours by automating countless activities and been extremely valuable to our organization. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about LightSource?

Can't say there's much I dislike about LightSource. It's made our work a lot easier. Sure, there's a bug now and then, but overall, it's great. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is LightSource solving and how is that benefiting you?

It is automating dozens of activities from bid analysis, supplier relationship management, contract lifecycle management and many more. Also makes organizing all kinds of documentation, messaging with suppliers, sharing large data files super easy. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

JR
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: Organic
What do you like best about LightSource?

LightSource provides us with transparency in a multinational, multi-company strategic sourcing process.

What stands out is how simple it was to get it up and running, and their AI really shines, streamlining our processes like a dream. The platform's robust for handling supplier interactions and BOM management without breaking a sweat. We lean on it heavily every day. Customer support’s responsive, which is a big plus. They’re always rolling out new features, which keeps things interesting. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about LightSource?

LightSource makes our lives easier... and the lives of suppliers more challenging!

We'd like to go further and interface LightSource with our ERP to save time and money.

LightSource has been a game changer for us. Any small issues have been quickly overshadowed by the massive boost in productivity we've seen. Can't imagine going back now. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is LightSource solving and how is that benefiting you?

I really like LightSource because it's so easy to use. The visual control lets you focus on what's really important.

What I like most is the bids comparison tool. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Vincent D.
VD
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Review source: Organic
What do you like best about LightSource?

The platform is user-friendly, and with the latest updates it's even easier to navigate. Also with interactive pop-up windows, you can access information without clicking on it, which saves a lot of time. The help center is also always available to respond to questions and take in feedback for possible new features. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about LightSource?

The only downside I experienced was at the beginning when you could only filtered sourcing project by owners. This issue as since been fixed with the possibility to filter by owners and collaborators. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is LightSource solving and how is that benefiting you?

LightSource is improving communication between engineering, buyers and suppliers. It aslo facilitates finding information, since it's all at the same place (no need to go trough multiple emails). Also with intergrated chatrooms with each supplier it's helps speed up communications. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

LF
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: Organic Review from User Profile
What do you like best about LightSource?

Been using LightSource for a while now, it makes our RFQ process easier and we can compair the quottaions faster. The AI gets what we need, making the whole process smooth. Setup was a breeze too, thanks to Pieter and Madeleine being super helpful. Overall it's a good tool. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about LightSource?

There's the occasional glitch or bug, but it's nothing compared to the overall benefit we've gotten. LightSource has really helped us streamline our operations. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is LightSource solving and how is that benefiting you?

It makes the quotations comparisom and analysis easier and save our time. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

MC
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Review source: Organic
What do you like best about LightSource?

We have been using LightSource for a while now. It makes the execution of sourcing very efficent and effective. Their team is always there to support us and the features they continue to add just make it more valuable for us. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about LightSource?

It's mostly good with LightSource. There's the odd issue, but nothing serious. Definitely wouldn't go back to how we did things before. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is LightSource solving and how is that benefiting you?

It allows us to much more efficently run sourcing events, engage with suppliers, and ensure stakeholders are part of each step of the process, well informed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Pharmaceuticals
UP
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Review source: Organic
What do you like best about LightSource?

LightSource has streamlined and simplified our sourcing and vendor management processes. Whether it's finding suppliers or managing our vendor contracts, LightSource has thoughtfully designed the platform for many industries, end users, and use cases. Setting it up was easy, thanks to the hands-on support from Pieter and Madeleine. It's become our team's go-to platform, and I'm impressed by the constant new updates and features. Highly recommend this product to all supply chain teams interested in speeding up sourcing. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about LightSource?

There are small issues here and there, but the team works quickly to resolve issues/bugs as they are discovered. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is LightSource solving and how is that benefiting you?

Strategic sourcing, contracting, and vendor management Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

GH
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Review source: Organic
What do you like best about LightSource?

Lightsource provides a whole new intellegence process to the commodity management and it's easy to use. The feature set keeps growing tailored to our requirements. Shoutout to Sourav for exceptional support. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about LightSource?

not much to complained about, but it would be wonderful if Chinese version of user manual available. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is LightSource solving and how is that benefiting you?

it keep tracks of all the RFQ records and has a pivot feature that helps us to analyze the data Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Logistics and Supply Chain
EL
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Review source: Organic
What do you like best about LightSource?

Lightsource enables our portfolio companies to run more rigorous sourcing waves. The tool reduces the amount of manual work and makes high-quality analyses easier/more straightforward. Customer support a differentiator vs other sourcing tools. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about LightSource?

Lightsource is still continuing to scal with supplier partners. The tool will only continue to get better as the secret gets out. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is LightSource solving and how is that benefiting you?

We run sourcing programs across mutiple portfolio companies. Lightsource enables our portfolio companies to effectively manage more of the process. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.