Public sector procurement is evolving at a fair clip. It’s almost a case of adapt or die. This applies just as much to public sector buyers as suppliers in the context of supply chain management . So, how do you keep pace with evolution? How do buyers ensure they’re always compliant, always sustainable, and always vigilant when partnering with ethical suppliers?
For a start, they can make their lives significantly easier by using an eSourcing platform to manage their procurement processes.
This post will delve into the benefits eSourcing platforms, like Delta eSourcing, have for procurement professionals who want to optimise their procurement processes through strategic sourcing and select the right supplier for the job.
Why Choosing the Right Procurement Platform Matters
Platforms have evolved way beyond simple sourcing tools and procurement services. Now, you must look at the whole package when choosing a platform that fits your purposes. Consider things like:
- The variety of sourcing tools available. These include things like support services (checklists, webinars), cybersecurity certifications, branded portals, etc.
- Advanced tech and cloud-based sourcing software. This includes automation, procurement analytics, APIs, regulatory compliance, and features that contribute towards transparency, like communication hubs and open access to data.
Delta eSourcing is a market-leading public sector procurement portal. As a pioneer in eTendering for the B2G market, we are always on the cutting edge of technology with a range of services that work together to provide a fully supported eProcurement solution.
Below, we’ll go into five of the most important features to look for in an eSourcing platform in 2025.
Feature #1 – Complete Contract Lifecycle Management
You want a platform that is a one-stop shop. That means one platform that helps you manage every stage in the tender lifecycle. Delta eSourcing, for instance, enables buyers to create branded portals where they can manage their tenders.
The central hub should enable procurement teams to create and send a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) to assess potential suppliers. Suppliers who pass are sent Invitations to Tender (ITTs). Bid submissions are evaluated, and contracts are awarded. All in one place.
Good procurement platforms should also provide real-time updates to keep all stakeholders on the same page, meeting the new full visibility requirements. They should include pre-configured templates as a base or guide for you to customise tender-related documents for each new tender, along with advanced analytics to track performance .
Ideally, you want an eSourcing platform with automation features, like automated scoring, to further speed up sourcing processes.
Everything should tie together in a neat, regulatory-compliant bow.
Feature #2 – Supplier Communication and Engagement Tools
Open and clear communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings, build trust, and ensure sourcing processes are transparent, with a clear audit trail. You need a platform that facilitates effective communication by providing a secure message centre for Q&A management, early market engagement, and alerts and notifications.
Inclusive procurement features reduce errors, nurture supplier relationships, and encourage supplier collaboration.
Bonus: Delta eSourcing provides access to a community of over 100,000 suppliers. It’s a competitive, buyers’ market that procurement teams dream of.
Feature #3 – Intuitive Design & User-Friendly Interface with Configurable Workflows
Never underestimate the value of a user-friendly interface. You might be impressed by a platform’s bells and whistles, but it’s not much cop if you can’t find your way around. Even if it comes with training and ongoing customer support, it’s annoying when there are delays because it won’t print your templates – again.
Customisation and personalisation in workflows are also important. Clear differentiation helps manage project types, especially if you have several contracts running simultaneously. You can also configure workflows according to procurement teams, which also helps when there are several contracts in the pipeline.
Feature #4 – Transparent Evaluation & Audit Trails
Some platforms have automation features that assist with bid evaluation. This is great for procurement professionals because they only really need to get involved during the final stages of the supplier selection process. Both stages – automation and manual – must be transparent and stand up to public scrutiny.
In fact, the entire selection process must be transparent to spot errors and intentional mishandling of funds. Transparency keeps stakeholders accountable and the process above board. To this end, procurement platforms include scoring matrices, weighted criteria, and automated evaluation summaries.
Any eSourcing platform worth its salt should have built-in compliance to ensure it adheres to the Procurement Act’s regulations and meets internal audit needs. This can include support for multi-team scoring and blind evaluations.
Feature #5 – Framework and DPS Management
Frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) can significantly simplify and accelerate procurement processes in certain circumstances, usually recurring contracts or stock-standard (off-the-shelf) contracts.
eSourcing platforms should be able to run recurring or open contracting systems with the greatest of ease, with features that include auto-enrolment for suppliers and mini-competitions, while monitoring usage.
Delta eSourcing has your back because we can simplify and facilitate framework agreements and DPS setup, and contract management.
Bonus Features to Consider in 2025
Those are the five biggest or most important features to look for, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones.
As a little bonus, here are four additional features that should be on your radar for the remainder of 2025 – and beyond.
1) API integrations with finance and contract tools. Delta eSourcing includes Delta Open API in its suite of eSourcing tools and services, so you have access to real-time data related to your contracts, tenders, and suppliers.
2) AI-assisted procurement services, including bid tracking and supplier suggestions.
3) Mobile accessibility, so you can access your portal and support services from mobile devices wherever there is internet.
4) Social value scoring models, so you can get quantifiable data regarding social value initiatives, making it easier to compare suppliers when it comes to overall value.
Delta eSourcing: Our Platform is Designed Around These Features (and More)
Delta eSourcing is one of the oldest, most successful public sector procurement platforms around. As a result of our hard-earned expertise, we are trusted by over 500 organisations that value our commitment to transparency and their degree of control through our innovative software solutions .
Our eSourcing platform, which guides you through the contract lifecycle, helping you manage the process from beginning to end, is designed to save you time and reduce inherent risks in the supplier selection process. Pound for pound, you can’t beat our value.
Book a free demo and find out more about our eSourcing features.
