E-procurement beyond the buyer cost perspective

Purpose – The objective of this paper is to provide and argue for a comprehensive view of eprocurement that involves both the buyer and suppliers and that goes beyond looking at mere cost reductions on the buyer side. More specifically, the paper describes benefits and barriers of implementing e-procurement solutions for both buyers and suppliers. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reports on a literature review combined with a case study. The case is a public organization in Sweden, which prepares to implement an eprocurement solution. Interviews were also conducted with a selection of suppliers to the case organization. Findings – In e-procurement literature, drivers and barriers are often viewed only from the perspective of a buying organization. Benefits are mainly cost-related for the buying organization, while barriers often include suppliers. It is proposed that benefits and barriers should include both buyers and suppliers. The literature review and the case study findingsform the basis for further investigation into this problem area. Research limitations/implications – This study focuses on a public organization in Sweden. Yet, it could have implications for many public or private organizations considering implementing e-procurement systems. Practical implications – This research suggest that organizations to a greater extent should take the supplier´s side into account when implementing e-procurement solutions. Originality/Value – The study highlights a full cycle view on e-procurement taking both buyer and supplier into account