The difference between a monitoring solution and a procurement system

If you work in the field of public procurement, you have most likely come across the terms monitoring service and procurement tool. But what do they mean and what role do they play in your work? Let's take a look at these terms, how they are used and what they mean for you as a procurement professional.

 

What is a monitoring service?

A watch service is an electronic tool that suppliers can use to easily find current tenders published digitally. The monitoring service presents current tenders, but you can also get an overview of upcoming tenders. Many monitoring services have a function that allows you to filter procurements based on industry, but also on CPV codes, to find procurements that are relevant to your company. You can also choose to view procurements located in a limited number of counties, all of Sweden or all of Europe.

Some monitoring services also include an analysis tool that enables both suppliers and buyers to analyze public procurement. For example, you can see who won a tender, what price was offered, when the contract expires and what requirements were set - all to be ready for the next business opportunity.

The advantage of having a monitoring service is that you can receive monitoring of selected procurements that match your company and your business. There are several different monitoring services, including Mercell Tender Discovery.

 

What is a procurement tool? 

A procurement tool is an electronic service that public organizations use to prepare and publish a tender. It is also where suppliers submit their tenders. For a public procurement to be carried out correctly, it is required, among other things, that both the publication of procurement documents, all communication between the procurer and the supplier, as well as the submission of applications and tenders, take place digitally. A procurement tool therefore ensures that the buyer works efficiently and correctly with public procurement in line with current laws and regulations.

 

What is the difference between a monitoring service and a procurement tool?

A monitoring service is thus a tool for suppliers to find current and relevant tenders, while a procurement tool is the service where the procurer creates and publishes the tender and the supplier then submits its offer. It also manages all electronic documents and communication between the procurer and suppliers.