Introduction

e-Procurement system is an e-infrastructure for G2B purchase and sale of work, goods and services using the ICT tools. It is a win-win approach towards buying and selling inducing and enhancing transparency, efficiency and confidentially in procurement process through the application of PKI enabled tools. As a Global standard, a 5-10 percent of cost saving is achieved through the adoption of e-Procurement system

e-Procurement is a Mission Mode Project (MMP) under National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) of Government of India (GoI). With a vision & clear objective to embrace emerging technologies/ solution for socio-economic development of the State, Government of Kerala intends to implement the e-Procurement system to enhance transparency and efficiency in Public procurement activities and monitor the same on a real-time basis.

Vision
Government of Kerala envisages implementing a standardized e-Procurement system with a clear vision to:

Implement a comprehensive e-Procurement solution
Enhance trust in Government by adopting electronic Government Procurement
Transparency & Efficiency through procurement policy reforms & re-engineering

Benefits
The following are some of the perceived benefits on implementing an e-Procurement system:

Increased transparency & trust in public procurement
Effective utilization of funds & cost reduction
Enhanced process efficiency & better decision making
Faster procurement cycle
Reduced human interface
Anytime & anywhere bidding
Elimination of cartel formation enabling larger participation

Functional Modules in a brief
The following are the major components of a standard e-Procurement solution:

1) Vendor/ Supplier Management: Facilitates a single interface for the registration of all suppliers who intend to do business with the Government
2) Indent Management: Facilitate online creation of the works and goods indents and estimates in standardized/ customized formats for approval.
3) e-Tendering: Facilitates creation of online tender notification & document and its publishing, online bid submission, opening, evaluation & shortlisting.
4) Contract Management: Facilitates issuance of electronic Work Orders/ Purchase orders, updation of Measurement Book, progress of work, etc.
5) Catalogue Management: Facilitates management of new and concluded Rate Contracts
6) e-Payments: Facilitates and manages online payments of tender documents, bid submission fees, EMD, payments to contractors/ vendors etc.
7) Management Information System: Facilitates integration with other modules in order to generate reports from all functional modules.