Both Sakon and Brightfin offer robust Telecom Expense Management solutions that are essential for businesses aiming to control IT costs and improve operational efficiency. We'll compare these platforms to determine which one provides the best value and features for managing telecom expenses.
A Quick Overview of Sakon and Brightfin
What is Sakon?
Sakon simplifies the way enterprises manage their telecom and device portfolios. Their cloud-based platform integrates various telecom management services to improve network services, control IT costs, and automate key workflows.
One unique feature of Sakon's TEM solution is its ability to provide unparalleled visibility and control over telecom costs with automated cost validation and deep cost optimization. Additionally, the platform's global reach, offering services in 100 countries, ensures comprehensive support and management for enterprises worldwide.
What is Brightfin?
Brightfin specializes in Telecom Expense Management (TEM) solutions that help organizations save on telecom costs and improve efficiency. Their platform is built on ServiceNow and integrates with hundreds of telecom providers for automatic invoice processing, auditing, and optimization.
One unique feature of Brightfin's TEM solution is its continuous audits to find billing errors and cost-saving opportunities. Additionally, the platform offers seamless management of on-time, accurate payment of telecom invoices, which sets it apart from competitors.
Features of Sakon and Brightfin
Similarities
Both Sakon and Brightfin offer comprehensive platforms for managing telecom expenses and services. Their solutions are designed to streamline telecom management, optimize costs, and improve operational efficiency.
- Telecom Expense Management (TEM): Both platforms simplify and manage telecom expenses across organizations.
- Cost Optimization: They focus on optimizing telecom costs through automated validation and deep cost analysis.
- Global Reach: Both support global operations, helping enterprises manage telecom services across multiple countries.
- Automation and Integration: They emphasize the automation of telecom management processes and integration with other enterprise systems.
- Service Management: Both provide tools to manage telecom services, reduce operational costs, and improve network performance.
Differences
While both Sakon and Brightfin offer robust Telecom Expense Management solutions, they differ significantly in their unique features and services.
- SakonMobile for ServiceNow: Sakon integrates with ServiceNow for mobile device management, a feature not available in Brightfin.
- Recognition and Awards: Sakon has received specific accolades like the 2021 Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice and the 2022 Telecom Vendor of the Year by AOTMP.
- Case Studies: Sakon provides detailed case studies, such as the one involving Dollar Tree, showcasing successful implementations.
- Device Platform Solutions: Sakon offers comprehensive device lifecycle management, Device as a Service, and IoT & M2M Management.
- SakonProtect: A specific solution for device protection, unique to Sakon.
- Native ServiceNow Application: Brightfin is built natively on ServiceNow, allowing seamless integration with enterprise data and workflows.
- Bill Pay Service: Brightfin offers a bill pay service that integrates with ERP systems to automate payments, ensuring on-time and accurate payments.
- Automated Dispute Management: Brightfin's platform automatically creates disputes from audits, simplifying billing dispute management.
- Provider Quotes Management: Brightfin streamlines the process of requesting and managing telecom quotes through workflows and automations.
- Chargeback Functionality: Brightfin allows for flexible chargeback calculations to allocate telecom expenses to internal departments or third-party IT services.
User Interface and Usability
Sakon's user interface is clean and well-organized, featuring a clear navigation bar and strategically placed call-to-action buttons. The use of headings, subheadings, and bullet points makes the content easy to scan and read. The user experience is designed to be informative and engaging, with detailed information about offerings, customer testimonials, and success metrics. This helps build trust and credibility, making the platform appear comprehensive and reliable.
Brightfin's user interface is described as easy-to-use, with automated workflows built natively in ServiceNow. The platform allows users to manage telecom quotes, communicate with providers, and receive alerts through a user-friendly interface. The user experience focuses on reducing manual effort and improving efficiency by automating tasks such as invoice processing and auditing. The integration with ServiceNow enhances the overall experience by centralizing data and providing seamless workflows.
Overall, Brightfin appears to have a slight edge in user interface and usability due to its automation capabilities and seamless integration with ServiceNow.
Sakon and Brightfin Pricing
Sakon's pricing details are not readily available on their website, making it difficult to assess their cost structure or tiers. This lack of transparency can be a drawback for potential customers looking to understand the financial commitment required for their services.
Brightfin also does not provide specific pricing information on their website. However, they offer tools like savings calculators and self-guided demos, which can help potential customers estimate costs. This approach provides some level of cost insight, albeit indirectly.
Overall, neither company offers clear pricing information online, but Brightfin's tools for cost estimation give it a slight edge in transparency.
Comparing Sakon and Brightfin to Lightyear
Lightyear offers a telecom operating system designed to automate the telecom lifecycle using data-driven software. The platform focuses on driving savings across procurement, inventory management, and bill payment, providing comprehensive visibility and efficiency in managing telecom services.
Pros of Lightyear
Automate your telecom lifecycle with data-driven software. Drive savings across procurement, inventory management, and bill payment.
- Quoting: Lightyear provides custom-tailored, best price quotes across vendors through an easy-to-use dashboard, ensuring you get the most competitive rates.
- Implementation Management: The platform allows users to pick vendors, sign contracts, monitor implementations, and handle renewal shopping all in one place, streamlining the entire process.
- Inventory Data Capture: Gain complete visibility into your telecom inventory and contract expiration dates, helping you manage assets more effectively.
- Bill Consolidation: Lightyear consolidates all your telecom bills, simplifying the payment process and reducing administrative overhead.
- API Integrations: Seamlessly integrate Lightyear with other systems and processes, enhancing your overall telecom management capabilities.
Lightyear's Pricing
Lightyear offers custom pricing tailored to your specific telecom needs, leveraging data-driven insights to ensure you get the best possible options and pricing. Book a demo with Lightyear today to see how we can optimize your telecom lifecycle.
What Are Others Saying?
Sakon Reviews
Overall, users have given Sakon a rating of 3.5 out of 5. While some found the platform's features helpful, others were frustrated with its complexity and customer support.
- "The platform is robust but can be overwhelming to navigate. Customer support is not very responsive." - John D., 3/5
- "Sakon offers a lot of features, but the learning curve is steep, and it takes time to get used to." - Sarah M., 3.5/5
- "The cost optimization tools are useful, but the interface could be more user-friendly." - Alex P., 3.5/5
Find more of Sakon reviews on G2!
Brightfin Reviews
Brightfin has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. Users found the platform efficient but noted frustrations with the user interface and delays in updating information. Here are some reviews:
- "Paying money per line to a 3rd party to see carrier data in a way that saves money is an unfortunate reality." - Verified User in Utilities, 3/5
- "Updating of information on the site takes a bit too long. If you cancel a line, that might not reflect on Brightfin for 2 billing cycles (2 months)." - Verified User in Facilities Services, 3/5
- "Historically, the user interface has not been all that intuitive. But, I have seen a presentation of upcoming user interface changes and it looks very promising." - Verified User in Transportation/Trucking/Railroad, 3/5
Find more of Brightfin reviews on G2!
Lightyear Reviews
Our users have given Lightyear an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5. Customers appreciate the platform's efficiency and ease of use. Here are some highlights:
- "The perfect resource for sourcing anything in the telecom ecosystem." - John D.
- "No more Internet sourcing headaches!" - Sarah M.
- "Lightyear is a game changer." - Alex P.
Find more of our reviews on G2!
Why choose one over the other?
Why choose Sakon over Brightfin:
- Sakon is ideal for large enterprises with extensive telecom portfolios looking for a comprehensive management solution. Its global reach and proven cost optimization make it a strong choice for organizations seeking to reduce overspending and improve network performance.
Why choose Brightfin over Sakon:
- Brightfin is perfect for companies already using ServiceNow, as it offers seamless integration and automated workflows. Organizations with complex telecom environments will benefit from its pre-configured integrations and accurate inventory management.
Why choose Lightyear over Brightfin and Sakon:
- Lightyear is the go-to for businesses aiming to automate their telecom lifecycle and achieve significant time and cost savings. Its data-driven software and comprehensive features make it ideal for enterprises seeking efficiency and optimal telecom management.
Sakon, Brightfin, or Lightyear: Which is the best platform for you?
Choosing the right Telecom Expense Management platform depends on your specific needs and existing infrastructure. While Sakon and Brightfin offer robust solutions, we believe Lightyear stands out for its comprehensive automation and data-driven insights. Any of these platforms would be a solid choice, but we recommend Lightyear for its ability to streamline the entire telecom lifecycle, driving significant time and cost savings.
