The Evolution of Electronic Procurement: Transforming Business as Usual

Chapter 1: Setting the Stage

Supply (Chain) Management and Strategic Sourcing

The Increasing Importance of Supply Management

Concluding Thoughts 

Chapter 2: Why You Cannot Neglect Electronic Procurement

The Opportunities Are on the Table

Benefits of Electronic Procurement

Visibility

Communication

Efficiency

Automation

Standardization

Availability

Additional drivers

Buyer Beware: Drawbacks of Electronic Procurement

System Capabilities

Implementation Costs

Reduced Human Interaction

Internal Resistance

Supplier Limitations

Security

The Importance of Preparation

Planning

Systems Analysis and Planning

Systems Design

Development

Integration and Testing

Implementation

Operations and Maintenance

Further Consideration

Concluding Thoughts 

Chapter 3: The Evolution of Electronic Procurement

A Common Theme: Facilitating Information Flows

Electronic Data Interchange 

Materials Requirements Planning

Manufacturing Resource Planning

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems

Integration and Implementation Benefits

Implementation Considerations

ERP Systems as an Enabler of Competitive Success

Additional Applications

Concluding Thoughts 

Chapter 4: The Advent of the Internet and Online Reverse Auctions

Tapping into My Evolving Research Stream

Making the Online Reverse Auction Decision

Bundling Research

Adoption Research

Avoiding Mistakes and Developing Best Practices

Mechanics of Online Reverse Auctions

Supplier Benefits

Chapter 5: Online Reverse Auctions: Challenges and Best Practices

The Importance of Having the Right Bid Package

Preceding Work on Item and Bundle Characteristics

The Importance of Preparation

The importance of Education and Training

Value Added Benefits Offered by Third-Party Providers

Dispelling the Myths Surrounding Online Reverse Auctions

Online Reverse Auctions are Only About Price

Online Reverse Auctions are Only Suitable for Commodities

Online Reverse Auctions Damage Buyer-Supplier Relationships

Online Reverse Auctions Are a Passing Fad

An illustrative Example of a Successful Online Reverse Auction Implementation

Concluding Thoughts 

Chapter 6: Becoming Mainstream: Electronic Sourcing Suites

Strategic Modules

Spend Analysis

Performance Management

Contract Management

Operational Modules

Catalogue Management

Requisition Management

Purchase Order Management

Invoice Management

Electronic Sourcing Suite Provider Landscape

Concluding Thoughts 

Chapter 7: The Potential of Social Media

Definition and Background

Study Design

What Is Social Media?

Why Is Social Media Used Not More Often?

How Can Social Media Be Used to Drive Business Performance?

Concluding Thoughts

Chapter 8: Outlook to an Exciting Future

Blockchain

Big Data Analytics

Data Visualization

Concluding Thoughts