Accord Signs Up To UKprocure SystemsE-Marketplace Exchange

Posted on Aug 9, 2004

Accord has signed-up to UKprocure Systems eMarketplace to make its integrated office supplies portfolio available to all NHS Trusts and local authorities via an online one-stop-shop. The move enables public sector organisations to source and purchase Accord’s products and services via an integrated e-commerce solution, whilst providing them with access to preferred public sector pricing. This will help public sector organisations to reduce the cost of transactions and rationalise the procurement process and spending. By harnessing UKprocure Systems Oracle-based eMarketplace, local authorities can also meet 2005 Modernisation and IEG targets.

Accord, voted 2003 ‘Office Products Dealer of the Year’, by Advantia Business Solutions, has made its entire product portfolio available through electronic catalogues on the UKprocure Systems eMarketplace. The intuitive system also enables public sector purchasers to compare cost options on a like for like basis, for example by suggesting a cheaper alternative on a non-branded item. UKprocure Systems eMarketplace enables public sector purchasers to place orders with Accord and track order status and receipt of goods ordered. Accord is able to issue automated invoices through the integration of its back-end order management system into UKprocure Systems eMarketplace e-invoicing module.

Richard Whittal, Managing Director, Accord, said: “Accord is a single source supplier of office solutions and services, including paper, envelopes, office stationery, office furniture, printer consumables, print management, janitorial products and business gifts. Making our products available via UKprocure Systems eMarketplace is a strategic move for us. We provide a fresh and positive impetus to the public sector, providing business solutions that meet their specific requirements. By harnessing the UKprocure Systems eMarketplace, which is the recognised leader in health and the broader public sector, we are able to do business with public sector organisations via an electronic one-stop-shop. This means quick access to the right products and services at the lowest possible cost, as well as meeting the major political imperative of e-procurement set out within the Modernisation Strategy and IEG targets.”

Shish Lal, CEO, UKprocure Systems said: “Electronic trading delivers massive benefits to both public sector organisations and suppliers. It enables suppliers to provide a faster, more streamlined and cost-effective service and as a result purchasers reap the dual benefits of highest quality and lowest cost. By embracing UKprocure Systems eMarketplace platform, Accord has made a firm commitment to making its high quality products and services accessible online. The savings that Accord is making through back-office automation and integration with the UKprocure Systems eMarketplace are being passed on to customers through preferred public sector pricing. Now, public sector organisations can have fully automated access to the highest quality office products, at the same time as the most competitive prices.”

The sophisticated management reporting functionality within UKprocure Systems eMarketplace gives purchasers access to information on what staff are buying, the size of orders, the percentage of purchases within contract and how well suppliers are performing, giving them a great advantage when negotiating for the right goods and services at the best overall value.

About Accord
Accord (www.accordoffice.co.uk) is a leading UK provider of products for the office whose Vision is to be a business with ‘a passion to deliver beyond customers’ expectations’. As a national supplier Accord provides unrivalled service to customers in the UK public sector as well as a number of major house hold names; many of whom require bespoke supply chain solutions for their day to day operations. Specialising in managing supply chain partners in order to secure optimum value for its customers, Accord is renowned for creating long term customer relationships that continue to evolve as its customers’ business needs change.

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About UK Procure

UKprocure Systems (www.ukprocure.com) is the leading supplier of end-to-end procurement solutions to the UK public sector, with an emphasis on healthcare, local government and education. UKprocure Systems provides managed services and hosted solutions that support the full procurement process, from sourcing and managing to ordering and invoicing. Its industry-leading eSourcing and eMarketplace solutions, which are based on the robust Oracle platform, are reinforced by UKprocure Systems consultancy services and unrivalled knowledge of the public sector supplier base and business processes. UKprocure Systems enables its customers to achieve dramatic cost savings through the transformation of the procurement process, savings that can be re-deployed to improve front line service delivery. At the same time, UKprocure Systems innovative solutions help public sector organisations meet Government targets for Modernisation, Best Value and Collaboration.

For more information please contact:
Tara Williams
UKprocure Systems
T: 020 7936 9489
M: 07976 906673
E: tara.williams@ukprocure.com

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