JAGGAER/Tejari partners with Dubai Government to reveal the latest digital procurement developments

JAGGAER, the world’s largest independent spend management company, has highlighted the latest procurement trends during an industry webinar.

The event, which hosted representatives from the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Economic Development, and Dubai Municipality, highlighted the successful optimisation and digitalisation of procurement processes across the government entities. 

Hossam Refaat, Managing Director, JAGGAER MEA, said: “Ensuring effective and efficient management of strategic sourcing events, supplier registration, and performance through a single, user-friendly centralised repository, has been a game-changer to many government entities and businesses in the Middle East. 

“This will be even more important post-COVID-19 as organisations focus more on digital procurement solutions which offer more agility and speed in their procurement practices which will be key to realising greater success in their recovery.”

During the webinar, several benefits, trends, and best practices were identified relating to the Dubai government's Procurement Portal eSupply. The portal was developed in partnership between Dubai Smart Government and Tejari/JAGGAER to provide an opportunity for suppliers to participate in transparent online bidding activities for contracts and tenders published by over 40 major Dubai Government entities.

Several discussion points were addressed during the webinar related to the challenges faced before adopting the eSupply platform. These included the processes implemented to maximise engagement with suppliers, the successes surrounding the implementation of the platform, and the changes to procurement as a result of COVID-19.

The findings revealed that not only did the platform increase the number of suppliers, it also promoted greater ease of communication. The environmental benefits were also highlighted as paperless tendering processes and contracts have been implemented. The security credentials, processing power, connectivity, and time efficiencies within the evaluation process were also highlighted.

Overall, the portal was lauded for providing buyers and prospective suppliers the most efficient, effective, and transparent means of interaction.

The customer success engagement continued post-webinar with a dedicated Dubai Municipality workshop which saw over 177 of the entities Contracts and Purchasing personnel receive certification on their adoption of the eSupply portal. 

Discussing JAGGAER MEA’s future growth plans, it was revealed the company would be increasing headcount throughout 2020 as it addresses increased demand for a range of recently launched and updated services. Increased emphasis on the UAE market and expansion into Saudi Arabia is set to drive demand.   

“I believe now is the time to look forward with a certain degree of optimism. Industries are opening up, and the wheels of business are beginning to turn again. 2020 has challenged us all. However, we have shown our resilience to overcome adversity in the past. Although the short-term outlook still presents difficulties, we have the technology and know-how to recover and come back stronger.

“We are here to stay, we are investing, and we are growing,” concluded Refaat.