ART - Baltimore Triples Purchasing Efficiency 2010

The document discusses the implementation of an e-procurement system in the City of Baltimore, which replaced their paper-based purchasing system. The web-based BuySpeed system has significantly improved purchasing efficiency, reducing pending requisitions by 50% and tripling the number of purchases processed per month. All city purchasing is now managed online, including requisitions, purchase orders, bids, vendor registrations, invoices, and receipts. The system is integrated with the city's financial system and provides a three-way match between purchase orders, receipts, and invoices. The e-procurement system is accessible to over 500 staff and managers in 44 departments. Vendor registration has increased competition for city purchases, with the registered vendors' list growing from 3,000 to 10,000. The system enabled approximately $230 million in purchases through 15,000 purchase orders in 2009. The implementation of BuySpeed has streamlined the purchasing process, reduced processing times, and improved transparency. The document also mentions the integration of BuySpeed with the city's financial system and the use of statistical information to measure agency performance.