Discusses online procurement strategies, citing the ASBO MD/DC platform that is used to procure everything from curriculum materials, teaching supplies, and facility needs. The amount of time and paperwork saved, discounts realized, lack of backlog, use of preferred suppliers, and advantages to budgeting and cost estimating are described. Includes two references.

Discusses how electronic procurement systems have saved institutions money and expedited purchasing. An easy user interface, easy auditing, and enforced adherence to purchasing rules are additional benefits.

Discusses the evolution of online procurement for schools, the advantages of the practice to both large and small school districts, and a step-by-step method for ordering materials that encompasses e-procurement solutions and processes. An example of online procurement practices in place at Kentucky's Laurel County Public Schools is included.

This discusses the growth of online-purchasing systems used by states and school districts to buy everything from pencils to cleaning supplies. However, experts point out significant drawbacks in e-procurement. [Free subscriber registration is required.]

Explains the benefits of e-procurement (ordering supplies through computer networks) and discusses what colleges should look for when choosing a service provider.

Discusses schools' use of Web-based procurement for supplies. Describes the cost savings and other benefits of this purchasing method, along with prominent vendors.

Explores how, tempered by the collapse of the dot-com boom, education institutions are taking a more guarded approach to moving their purchasing operations online; however, those who have moved to such systems have found less bureaucracy, more efficiency, and better prices.

Provides four suggestions to follow when purchasing from web-based companies: Put in place a strong RFP process; conduct due diligence of the finalists; use contractual terms to mitigate risk; and clearly set project expectations and timeliness.

Examines the setup of American University's electronic procurement system and explains how it works and the benefits it brings to the school. Cautionary advice on setting up an online purchasing system is also offered.

A sidebar to an article on education portals discusses e-commerce for school purchasing and lists 10 web sites.

Discusses why e-commerce is being used so sparingly by big business and school purchasers alike, the benefits on going on-line for school buyers, and the integration of e-commerce with the districts accounting and management information systems. Available online services are detailed.

Discusses how schools and universities are turning to the Internet to improve business and facilities operations. The use of websites to help institutions manage most or all of the purchasing process and the Internet services targeting education are described.