What is Purchase to Pay (P2P)?
P2P is a generic term used to encompass the use of web-based technologies and electronic networks for the payment of goods and services. It is the process of enabling buying organisations and suppliers to make use of technology in order to make processes more efficient. The expected net result is that resource focus will be on the frontline delivery of improved services across the Scottish public sector.
In order to achieve efficient P2P processes ePS recommend a Multi-Functional Team is established to review, re-engineer and rationalise P2P processes.
What types of P2P solutions are available?
In order to close the requisition/order to payment cycle there are a number of P2P solutions that can be used through ePS these include:
- Integrated/Embedded Procurement Cards - the VISA Government Procurement Card (GPC) is available to all public sector bodies. The VISA GPC consolidates multiple paper invoices into one statement/file. This file can be uploaded electronically or, dependant on the capability of the buying organisation's finance system the consolidated statement can be entered manually;
- Electronic or Manual Consolidated Invoicing;
- Evaluated Receipt Settlement also known also as Payment on Receipt/Self Billing;
- eInvoicing.
How will I know which P2P solution to use?
The model below will help identify the best P2P solution for various goods and services. Please also refer to the document titled P2P summary - Digitalising the Purchasing Cycle.
eInvoicing has not been included in the above model however read details of eInvoicing within the ePS service here.
Useful information sources for P2P
The following documentation has been developed by the eProcurement Scotl@nd Programme:
P2P summary - Digitising the Purchasing Cycle which includes:
- P2P and the role of eInvoicing and ePayables
- P2P glossary of terms
- P2P Process Cost Analysis
View Digitising the Purchasing Cycle document.
Read the Case Studies on Integrated Procurement Cards, Evaluated Receipt Settlement and Electronic Consolidated Invoicing.
See also Integrated Procurement Cards.
For general information on the Government Procurement Card go to the website www.purchasingcard.info
More information
If you would like any further information on P2P please contact:
Sarah Stevenson
P2P Specialist
ePS Programme Office
Telephone: 0131 244 0723
Email: sarah.stevenson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
If you would like information on the ePS service, please contact:
eProcurement Scotl@nd Office
Telephone: 0131 244 3618
Email: eprocurement@scotland.gsi.gov.uk