eTrading for Schools

A small pilot was run between April and July 2008 with schools in Gwynedd, Pembrokeshire and Swansea, the purpose of which was to capture findings and lessons learned to assist in planning the rollout of eTrading for Schools on a wider basis.

A more in depth trial running from September 2008 to July 2009 will continue to test eTrading for Schools, its implementation and integration. Currently three Local Authorities are participating, with a potential for more to join.

eTrading for Schools has been designed to take into account the specific needs of schools.

• A simple, secure, online service that allows schools to select goods and services from local, regional and national suppliers
• Full integration with the SIMS financial management system ensures that current working processes – such as order approval – can continue
• User friendly with easy to follow step-by-step functionality.

Using the system, schools can enjoy the following functionality

• Placing orders and receiving invoices electronically
• Access to online ‘Yellow Pages’ style supplier listings
• A ‘home-shopping’ style buying experience with access to online supplier catalogues
• An RFQ (Request for Quotations) process that allows the buyer to electronically raise, view and award RFQs – and for the supplier to respond electronically too.
• Details of all approved transactions with suppliers for peace of mind
• Online assistance with administrative tasks

You can find out more about the benefits associated with the use of of eTrading for Schools, by clicking on this link.