At the start of January, it can be easy to slip back into old routines but this should not be the case. If you are a believer in New Year’s resolutions, then we suggest that you start by using best practice when it comes to eProcurement.
The start of the new year is the perfect time to refresh your eProcurement strategy. Find out how to undertake eProcurement efficiently in 2018.
Moving Procurement Online
Many years ago, the traditional way to procure and bid for supplies was on paper. As technology progressed, the public sector migrated to electronic media so that documents could be stored and printed. Nowadays the entire process can be done through the internet and there are many tools buyers and suppliers can use to improve the efficiency of their procurement.
By moving online, procurement has become a more streamlined process as it eliminates the manual process of entering data. From a supplier perspective, it is also more efficient as errors in supplier responses can reduced by structuring the input of their response, delays and reworking.
What is eProcurement?
If you are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of public procurement then eProcurement is the application of technology to automate the exchange of procurement information throughout the supply chain.
Tender Management systems, such as that provided by Delta eSourcing are a commonly used eProcurement tool. They allow buyers and suppliers to create and respond to each step of the procurement process from notice creation to contract award. Every aspect of the process from notice creation by buyers and document submission by suppliers to bid evaluation, award announcement and feedback is conducted and logged in a secure online environment.
What are the main advantages of eProcurement?
eProcurement systems have been used by procurement professionals for over a decade now. Buyers and suppliers can reap the benefits of eProcurement systems as they provide operational savings for both parties.
Communication between buyers and suppliers is stronger using eProcurement as questions and answers that have been submitted in relation to the bid can be sent quickly, 24 hours a day. This speeds up the procurement process and makes the market more accessible for suppliers with less experience and from a wider geographical area, thereby opening up the market and giving buyers more choice.
In addition, the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Public Contracts Regulations (Scotland) 2015 require the use of electronic communication between buyers and suppliers. While this has been phased in, all contracting authorities will have to be fully compliant with electronic communications requirements by 18 October 2018. The use of eProcurement Systems, particularly Tender Management systems, will make it easier to be compliant.
Apart from the obvious savings on printing, postage and physical document storage, eProcurement systems allow buyers to remain compliant with the Regulations, while reducing the time and effort spent preparing, publishing and evaluating tenders.
How can Delta help?
A new study has found that many government procurement organisations have yet to adopt eProcurement software solutions. If you are part of one of them, move your organisation into the future with eProcurement.
If you are unconvinced by eProcurement and want to stick to the ‘way you have always done it’, try before you buy. Delta eSourcing offers a free demo.
We have worked with the public sector for many years and our team are committed to offering advice that will improve procurement processes within your organisation.
Request a FREE demo today and find out more about how eProcurement can improve your organisation.
