Electronic procurement has been around for a while, but according to analysts has now reached maturity and has started to deliver some very significant benefits. However, simply buying some software plugging it in and waiting for the benefits to roll in, will prove a fruitless exercise.

Fran Howarth, practice leader of enterprise business applications at Bloor Research says it is essential that public sector bodies regard e-procurement as part of the bigger procurement picture.

'Users have to examine their existing business processes because you can't change them if you don't know what is going on at the moment,' Howarth said.

'You also have to get a sufficient number of people to use it and get suppliers up and running, and make sure you measure what you're doing. Unless you measure what you're doing, you're not going to use it,' she said.

Sound Advice:

• Know what you spend beforehand so opportunities for improvement can be identified. Spending analysis can often identify the best way to roll out any e-procurement system
• Drive e-procurement from the top. Support and input of any e-procurement system from high ranking staff is essential because it involves a major shift in management across the board.
• Get support from users within the organisation. The most successful e-procurement deployments have all involved staff training programmes.
• Ensure participation of suppliers is appealing and there are appealing benefits for them. If e-procurement looks like a hassle to suppliers and there's nothing in it for them, they won't do it.
• Start with areas that will deliver the biggest savings to garner support in early stages. Gain acceptance and demonstrate value before progressing further.