ADB Systemer AS has completed a major infrastructure and application implementation project in conjunction with the HPC that has introduced full end to end supply chain functionality and supplier collaboration services. The HPC has introduced WorkMate Order Manager™ to enable all suppliers that transact with its Trust members using the WorkMate Procurement Suite™ the ability to communicate electronically in real time all aspects of the supply chain fulfilment process.

University College London Hospital (UCLH) NHS Foundation Trust is the first Trust to go live with the applications within the month of October and has already considered the project a resounding success.

 

"Currently out of the first wave of 31 suppliers engaged we have received an 84% uptake which is an extremely encouraging start. The second wave of supplier engagement is underway with a further 80 suppliers due to be contacted" - Stewart Foxall (Deputy Project Manager)

 

"UCLH NHS Foundation Trust anticipates having 150 - 200 suppliers live and interacting with WorkMate Order Manager by the end of December. This will constitute a significant amount of non-pay expenditure that can be managed quickly and cost effectively through the functionality offered through WorkMate Order Manager." - Mustafa Sheikh (Project Manager)

WorkMate Order Manager™ is a web based application that structures all supplier communication through a secure internet-based portal. Rich two-way collaboration enables suppliers to access purchase orders, invoice information and financial details while they can submit order confirmation, change requests, shipping information and payment details. The supplier can also respond to free text order requests or online RFQ’s and will be automatically notified about any inquiries. The supplier can interact with the buyer and is able to submit fast feed-back.

The HPC uses ADB’s Procurement Suite to manage the functions of Centralised Buying, Distributed Buying and Supplier Collaboration centrally on behalf of all member Trusts and remotely for the provision of procurement services locally at each Trust.

The Healthcare Purchasing Consortium is the major NHS provider of purchasing, supply chain and commercial services across the West Midlands and North Central London. On October 1st 2006, HPC merged with the Lifesource Collaborative Procurement Hub and the West Midlands Procurement Alliance (WMPA).

The new partnership works on behalf of more than 60 NHS Trusts. Together they spend £2.4 billion a year on goods and services. Their aim is to maximise their purchasing power, secure the best value for money and deliver savings and services that enhance patient care.