Making connection easy for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
Background
Established in 1994, Thomson Alarms is a Scottish company employing 14 people and with a turnover of £650,000 per annum. It provides security, communications and network solutions to the public and private sector and as a sub-contractor to prime contractors.
Thomson Alarms were selected by North Ayrshire Council as a key supplier for adoption onto the eProcurement Scotl@nd (ePS) service during the Council's initial implementation phase.
eEnablement Timetable
Thomson Alarms attended a Supplier Engagement Seminar in June 2004, which comprised of some background to the ePS Service, a run-through of the transaction options, the benefits to suppliers and the eEnablement process. Shortly after the seminar Thomson were taken through the ePS standard 6-step eEnablement process by North Ayrshire Council. These steps are:
- Validation
- Engagement
- Content options
- Connection options
- Go-live
- Supplier Development
All ePS supplier eEnablement follows these standard six steps. This ensures, a consistent and controlled approach for suppliers.
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 benefits presented to each body.
Business Benefits
Prior to ePS implementation the process from identification of need through to order generation was very time consuming for all involved. A fragmented process of phone calls, faxes and emails to allocate customer codes and log requests with the support desk, resulted in a printed order faxed to the suppliers and generally taking 2-4 days. Mistakes in the communication of requirements were common.
Following ePS implementation the process is paperless, faster, less hassle and with fewer mistakes.
Benefits are also apparent to Thomson in the supplier e-enablement sponsorship model as they have been quickly connected with NHS Lanarkshire as an existing ePS supplier. Existing ePS suppliers can be identified quickly by the buying organisations by searching an online database containing contact details for each supplier.
Supplier's Viewpoint
"Going through the process to become connected was easy and painless from start to finish. It is encouraging to see public sector bodies adopting a co-ordinated approach to these things which makes doing business with them easier. As an SME, the ability to show we can handle eProcurement is a great advert for us". Colin Boyle, Thomson Alarms.
More Information
To obtain further information relating to this case study on North Ayrshire Council and Thomson Alarms' implementation of the eProcurement Scotl@nd Service please contact:
North Ayrshire Council - Lorna Morley
Telephone: 01294 324254
E-mail: LMorley@north-ayrshire.co.uk
Thomson Alarms - Colin Boyle
E-mail: mail@tacsonline.com