What is Supplier e-enablement?
It is the process of e-enabling suppliers to conduct business through eProcurement Scotl@nd. A clear and consistent approach is used by the Programme in the e-enablement of suppliers. The consistency ensures a professional standard approach, removing duplication of effort and mixed messages.
Key Concepts
There are 4 key concepts which form the back bone of the supplier e-enablement methodology:
1 Buyer Ownership
Relationships with suppliers exist at a buyer level, rather than with the Programme team. As a result, buyers are responsible for driving the hands-on supplier e-enablement activity, with necessary support, direction and technical expertise provided by the Programme team. Each buyer can tailor activities to the needs of their own roll out plan and priorities and communicate these with their own suppliers in order to manage their expectations.
2 The Sponsorship Model and Central Co-ordination of effort
The model supports a 'Once Only' education and engagement process for suppliers. A point of contact, from a buying organisation is identified and assumes responsibility for engaging and adopting a named supplier, on behalf of the Programme. This reduces the workload and effort for both suppliers and buyers and consequently enhances the value propositions presented to each body.
To co-ordinate the activity of the individual sponsoring buyers, a standard monthly report is produced giving details of all suppliers, connection options and stage of enablement.
3 Training and support provided throughout the First Phase of Implementation
Individual buying organisations receive training from the Programme team regarding supplier e-enablement material and techniques. This training is provided at the beginning of the engagement activity with the buying organisations and further support is then provided to each buyer during face-to-face meetings with the first wave of suppliers.
4 Common Engagement Process and Material
A common engagement process is used across the whole Programme allowing for the use of consistent messages and for the use of common definitions associated with the engagement process. In addition, the commonality ensures that there is the sharing of learning between buying organisations across the service and that all messaging is unambiguous.
These 4 common threads are essential to the successful implementation of supplier e-enablement across the Programme.
In addition to these key concepts associated with the Programme's supplier adoption activity is the need to segment the supplier base.