Our SAP Enterprise Buyer Professional (EBP) e-Procurement system has been deployed throughout Royal Mail. This system involves over 2000 users, more than 90 suppliers and access to over 100,000 catalogued items.

It is our objective to move towards electronic transmission of orders, via xml, direct into our suppliers order processing system, and have electronic receipt of invoices, via xml, direct into our finance system. This will be our preferred method of order transmission and invoice receipt from this point forward. Selection of suppliers will always include a set criteria: the supplier's ability to process orders and invoices end to end without re-keying; where appropriate, the ability to provide electronic catalogues and the ability to access related information, such as order status, via the Internet.

We are already inviting existing suppliers to convert to electronic catalogues and orders as part of a prioritised programme. However, if you are an existing supplier and have not yet been contacted but wish to convert to these methods, please contact the Purchasing Development Team by emailing: supplier.enquiries@royalmail.com

Electronic reverse auctions, (eAuctions) are also starting to be applied as part of our tendering process. There is a good chance that when you next tender for Royal Mail work, you will be taking part in an online process. If you do, you will be given free training on the 'simple to use' software and be supported throughout the process by our eAuctions team on the site.