Exeter College has partnered with Probrand, the IT procurement platform, to undertake a six-figure multi-phase network refresh. The transaction has been fulfilled completely online, thanks to the platform’s capability to simplify the procurement process, saving the college time and money.
Probrand uses marketplace technology to connect buyers with over 300,000 products and services from distributors and vendors. It saves people time and money by showing live price and stock, automatic price comparison and personalised discounts often lost in the supply chain.
The shift to a digital-first approach is expected to deliver significant efficiencies to Exeter College’s procurement processes. The organisation has already realised discounts through Probrand’s Price Entitlement feature which provides customers with unique additional discounts secured from suppliers.
Ian Nethercot MCIPS, supply chain director, Probrand, said: ‘‘We’ve worked closely with Exeter College to understand their requirements and ensure that the IT team is empowered to maximise the full potential of our procurement platform. The team is already benefitting from a digital-first approach which is simplifying the entire procurement process, helping to save time and money.’’
David Alsop, Head of IT services, Exeter College, said: “As an education provider, we are always looking for the most efficient approach that can deliver best value. We found the Marketplace incredibly intuitive to use and - teamed with the unrivalled expertise and customer service from Probrand – we have been able to get the equipment and services we need at the best price, without wasting time and effort running manual comparisons.”
The network refresh was quoted and ordered solely via the Marketplace, with proposals generated and unique catalogues delivered to meet the customer’s needs.
The six-figure order will start with the first of a five-phase rollout, including switching, associated power supplies, cabling and licensing that will improve productivity and create a faster operating system for students and staff.
Probrand is accredited by procurement (CIPS) and finance (ICAEW) professionals for delivering procurement excellence and consistent best value.