Procurement and South Tyneside Council

E-procurement

What is e-procurement?

E-procurement means using an electronic system to buy goods, works and services rather than a paper based system. All elements of the transaction from the initial ordering to the invoicing and payment can be carried out electronically via e-mail, fax and web in order to streamline processes and reduce costs.

Why is it important?

The Government is keen to see more business done electronically. This means that we will increasingly be looking to encourage companies to take on board e-procurement and work with those companies who can trade electronically in order to meet the Government’s requirements.

How can it help you?

E-procurement won’t just help you in your dealings with the Council – it will help you to interact more effectively other customers and suppliers. It will improve you ability to compete with other suppliers, regardless of size in a much wider market. E-procurement can ensure that suppliers are paid more quickly and will help you to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

What’s the Council doing?

  1. e-ordering: the Council has adopted the local government e-procurement system IDeA:Marketplace. This is an Internet based virtual shopping centre which is currently being introduced on a Directorate by Directorate basis to enable electronic ordering. Through the Marketplace the Council will be seeking to replace current methods of sending orders by post or fax with e-mail. However, it will continue to send paper or faxed orders to those suppliers without an e-mail address in the short or medium term.
  2. e-tendering: The Council is increasingly using the NEPO portal website to advertise forthcoming contracts and invite and receive tenders.
  3. e-invoicing: the Council has yet to move to electronic invoicing but this is something which is likely to be introduced in the future.

How can we help?

We realise that not all companies are in a position to trade electronically and are currently investigating ways to help local companies take up e-procurement. You should look at this website for details. In the meantime if you require any further advice or information please contact us.