eProcurement Scotland service (ePS) was set up in 2002 and is now regarded as one of the most comprehensive and successful Public Sector eProcurement initiatives in the world.
ePS was procured, and is managed, by the Scottish Government for the whole of the public sector in Scotland to use. The service is provided by Capgemini UK using Elcom's technology platform. A national eProcurement programme team manage the roll out of the service across Scotland. The team works with organisations to improve procurement processes and ensure that systems are compatible. Organisations wishing to participate in ePS pay an implementation fee.
The number of public sector bodies using ePS continues to grow on a yearly basis. The value of transactional spend going through ePS is continually on an upward trend. This means that as more business is carried out electronically then more efficiencies are gained, including:
· a single contract for the service, managed within Scottish Government
· immediate benefit to all users of upgrades to the service
· consistency in business practices which supports suppliers, both large and small, across Scotland
· standardised process which reduces maverick spending in organisations and forces compliance to contracts
· merged procurement and finance information to manage spend throughout the process
· quicker payment of invoices
· faster delivery of goods and services
· sharing of best practice
· supporting collaboration through content management and coding standards.
· Ongoing efficiency savings and benefits to both buying organisations and suppliers
· Reduction in paper used by changing to electronic processes.
· Reduction in journey's made to deliver tenders, purchase orders and invoices
ePS is an approach to public sector procurement that delivers rapid, sustainable and significant benefits to participating organisations. ePS drives commitment to public sector efficiencies, focusing on achieving the best value for the people of Scotland.