Digital Benchmarking Aids E-Procurement

Compiled ByTraci Purdum A soon-to-be digital benchmarking process will provide companies with key metrics and best practices to improve deployment of their e-purchasing systems. eC3 (collect, compare, and collaborate), a solution being developed by Tempe, Ariz.-based Center for Advanced Purchasing Studies (CAPS Research) and e-commerce solutions provider Ariba Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif., will be available to all large companies regardless which e-procurement system is implemented. "Companies participating in the eC3 benchmark will better understand their procurement processes, be able to identify efficiencies and savings in the purchasing function, and continue to make improvements which allow good purchasing practices to be a well-recognized competitive advantage," says Phillip Carter, executive director of CAPS Research. The project will focus on e-Procurement transactions and providing benefits in three distinct areas:

Measurement -- Defines the key metrics required to successfully manage deployment and usage programs for enterprise-level e-Procurement systems.

Comparison -- Creates meaningful targets for participants' e-Procurement deployments based on relevant comparisons within their industry and with best-in-class efforts globally.

Improvement -- Enables both new and existing e-Procurement users to understand global best practices in e-Procurement and appropriately incorporate them into their own rollout plans. eC3 is based on CAPS Research benchmark studies representing 30 industry groups for over 10 years. CAPS Research is affiliated with Arizona State University and the National Assn. of Purchasing Management.