e-Procurement

e-Procurement has proved to be an invaluable tool in streamlining the public procurement (as well as the procurement in general) process.

The overall benefits of e-Procurement comprise of:

Support of the principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination, transparency and security

Increase of productivity

Reduced usage of paper, postage, printing, and copying while drafting notices, tenders, participation requests, invoices, etc. Additionally, procurement staff shifts their focus from often meaningless administrative duties to concentrate on procurement strategy and analysis.

Easier decision making

The details of a procurement decision are available, allowing managers to examine total expenditures quickly and efficiently.

Better management of information

Electronic procurement dramatically reduces data entry errors and repetition of information, and provides highly detailed and easily accessible data through electronic documents, as well as advanced searching and auditing facilities. This is essential to facilitate the expansion of management reporting, monitoring, financial analysis and forecasting capabilities.

Faster transactions

Electronic processing leads to great time savings and efficiency due to:

  • Automated processes eliminating unnecessary activities;
  • e-enabled relationship with suppliers, which speeds  procurement cycle times and leads to supplier performance improvements;
  • Greater data accuracy, minimising ordering inaccuracies.

Transparency through wider market participation and easier access

Contracting authorities can reach more suppliers, resulting in an increasing competition and lowering costs. Suppliers on the other hand will have access to government bid information at their convenience, expanding the reach of government to new suppliers and participants.

Reduced support costs

Richer contract information available to suppliers may reduce support costs, as fewer inquiries for clarification will be made. In addition, set-up and operational costs to address such incidents will be reduced.

Effective allocation of public money

By ensuring the best possible results in terms of both quality and cost.

Efficiency in time

The simplification of repetitive tasks reduces the procurement cycle.