1. Introduction to OPEN (Online Procurement for Educational Needs) Presentation for BASE 11 th September 2009 Susan Dawson EPC Programme Director

2. What is OPEN? An online buying tool designed specifically for schools to make the process of buying goods and services faster, easier and simpler Schools can search, compare and select goods and services online from a wide range of suppliers nominated by schools and other public sector bodies

3. Why has OPEN been developed? The Gershon Review was written for government in 2004 outlining where key savings could be made Procurement was identified as a key area where schools could save money The Department for Children, Schools and Families set up an Educational Procurement Centre to help schools save money - OPEN was one of the products developed

4. What’s in it for schools? It’s free It is compatible with their financial management systems – so they save time They can compare goods and services – so they can save money

5. What’s in it for me? A great way for more schools to buy your goods and services Receive orders by email or directly into your back office system One catalogue can reach thousands of buyers Online reporting – who’s buying what and when And it’s free!

6. What suppliers have to say… “I like it a lot. I think it is very good. I use other systems and OPEN is by far the best. The electronic purchase order, eInvoicing and catalogue system is brilliant and is very easy to use.” Erik Morley, IT Manager, Wightman & Parrish

7. Let’s take a look at the system…

8. Search Results

9. Line item further info

10. Start Shopping- Home Screen

11. Supplier Portal- Documents

12. Frequently Asked Questions? Do I have to register with each Local Authority? No, you only have to register once. Can our catalogue be made available to schools in all Local Authorities? Yes, within the LA’s you currently trade with. Does joining OPEN mean that our payment process will change? No, they should stay the same

13. Frequently Asked Questions? We have separate pricelists dependent on customers can we load more than one catalogue? Yes. As we provide bespoke products and services, can we upload zero pricing catalogue? Yes.

14. How do I get involved? Once you have been nominated to join OPEN, it’s an easy process: 1. Register your details with us 2. We’ll set up your OPEN account and give you online access 3. Upload and manage your product catalogues 4. Start trading! (and a HelpDesk is available 24/7)

15. www.dcsf.gov.uk/open epc.enquiries.@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk