e-Procurement: From Strategy to Implementation

Chapter 3. Understanding the Strategic Nature of E-Procurement

Objective Too often in the past purchasing has been seen as a tactical, back office activity. But, from now on, it should be viewed as a critical part of a company’s overall e-business strategy. ERP and APS systems have improved internal company processes. E-procurement systems improve the external B2B processes. E-procurement is a matter of strategy first and technology second. The idea of automating and integrating the procurement process should have a compelling value proposition for many different corporate officers. E-procurement will not only reduce purchasing costs but will help to move manufacturing and distribution firms closer to becoming an extended enterprise, where the ...