"Speeding up and simplifying the procurement process"
Background
Profile Respiratory Systems (Profile) is a world leader in respiratory care. Originating with Medic-Aid Limited (renamed as Profile Respiratory Systems in 1977), the Group has grown as a developer and supplier of inhaled drug delivery systems.
Profile were selected by NHS Tayside as a key supplier for adoption onto the eProcurement Scotl@nd (ePS) service during NHS Tayside's second phase of user roll out. Prior to the implementation of ePS in NHS Tayside the requisitioning process involved Ward and Theatre staff selecting products from a paper catalogue, completing a non-stock paper requisition, sending it via internal mail to the supplies department for procurement staff to raise an official order through the order processing system (Integra). Orders were then sent to Profile by fax or post.
The process from the initial request at user level to the official order being received by the supplier would take up to four days.
Content and Connection Options
Content (What we buy)
Profile prepared an electronic catalogue file comprising the specific product set agreed for NHS Tayside. The file was created in a standard Microsoft Excel format. The contents of the file were checked and loaded onto ePS.
Connection (How we place orders and improve efficiency in the transaction process)
Users select the required items from the electronic catalogue and orders are sent from ePS via e-mail. Profile is currently in the process of replacing its ERP system. The new systems working together will facilitate a number of future e-business initiatives. Significant processing benefits are expected from the transmission of orders via cXML in place of email.
Business Benefits
Supply Chain Efficiency
Due to the simplicity of ePS, purchase orders are now placed directly by the user with Profile. Steps have now been eliminated from the requisitioning process. ePS has improved supply chain efficiency with goods now being delivered to the end user in two to three days.
Cost Savings
Profile appreciate that benefits are achievable through eProcurement and the pricing structure reflects this.
Stock Levels
The levels of stock within the Ward/Theatre areas has been reduced as a result of improving the ordering process.
Management Information
Users and budget holders have more visibility of spend.
Payments
Use of a robust catalogue management tool enables invoice queries to be reduced, leading to prompt payments to the supplier.
Supplier's Viewpoint
"A user-friendly interface and ward-level access means that orders go straight through from source to suppliers such as Profile, greatly speeding up and simplifying the procurement process. We are delighted to be working with NHS Tayside on this ground-breaking project. Ultimately, ePS will improve the quality of care available in our hospitals by ensuring that supplies are with those who need them as soon as possible."
Simon McGuire - UK Sales & Marketing Director, Profile Respiratory Systems
More information …
To obtain further information relating to this article on the NHS Tayside and Profile Respiratory Systems implementation of the eProcurement Scotl@nd Service please contact:
NHS Tayside
Scott McNiven
Profile Respiratory Systems
Simon McGuire
If you would like further general information on the ePS service or would like to receive future eProcurement Scotl@nd Service newsletters, please contact the eProcurement Scotl@nd service desk