Procurement

From Buyers Manual

Procurement is the term for the full range of activities related to the purchasing of goods, services and works.

E-procurement

E-procurement (electronic procurement, sometimes known as supplier exchange) is the term to describe electronic systems used to purchase goods services and works. This may include the internet or networking data systems and can be used right from the initial notification of the contract all the way through to payments and invoicing.

With the popularity of the internet many organisations in the public and private sectors now approach many aspects of business though the web. This is much cheaper as it cuts overhead costs and helps processes run smoother and quicker as communication can be sent and received instantly through the web.

When buyers and suppliers use e-procurement systems they can carry out procedures, such as send and receive bids and important documents, much more efficiently. As a result, the accredited timescale for the e-sender process is reduced therefore an open tender with an electronic contract notice and electronic tender documents would be 40 days instead of 52. A restricted tender would be 30 days for stage 1 (PQQ) instead of 37, and 35 days for stage 2 (ITT) instead of 40.