How Proactis helped
Proactis’ marketplace functionality was selected to load contracted suppliers’ goods and services into a common marketplace for low value, frequently-ordered consumables and equipment. Items that could specifically make an impact in terms of speed of ordering and price savings were selected - IT equipment, IT consumables, safety equipment, laboratory supplies, catering and furniture. Punch-outs were also created, often as XML so the order is placed directly into the supplier’s system, for more specialist items or when suppliers were unable to supply catalogues.
Proactis provides the platform to host all supplier catalogues and punch-outs as required. This means the institution only has to manage a single connection from the ERP system; Proactis manages the rest.
The secure ‘online store’ connects employees to major suppliers’ websites and catalogues, with favourable, nationally-agreed prices. As procurement is centralised, other departments can still use the system and find what they need - their request goes to Procurement to check and submit the order. The solution also enables the University to easily deal with major/national suppliers, medium-sized suppliers and low-tech, smaller suppliers.