This message was originally published in the Daily Bulletin on January 17, 2023.
"We are pleased to share that the University will be implementing an eProcurement system to modernize and gain efficiencies in our procurement to payment processes," says a memo from Jacinda Reitsma, Vice-President, Administration and Finance, Sarah Hadley, CFO, Finance, and Gregory Smith, CIO circulated to the University's Executive Council on Friday, January 12.
"Jaggaer eProcurement is currently used by 6 members of the Canadian U15 (Canadian Research Universities) as well as 85 per cent of R1’s (research-intensive schools) in the US; in particular, by 7 out of 8 US Ivy League Schools. The University of Waterloo has opted-in to an available collaborative contract and a project has been launched to implement the Jaggaer eProcurement system," the memo continues. "Providing stakeholders with more modern technology and processes, the Jaggaer system offers an environment that more closely aligns with the familiar buying experience of online marketplaces."
"The University will achieve cost savings through consolidation of purchases to preferred, contracted suppliers, as well as through simpler and more condensed process flows per transaction, with fewer manual touchpoints throughout the process."
What does this mean to me?
"The project team, including a 3rd party implementation partner, is currently in the early stages of planning for this transition, and the anticipated go-live date is late Fall 2024," the memo continues. "A Project Advisory Group is being established, including representatives from high volume procuring groups, to provide guidance and direction to the project, to service as change sponsors, and potentially pilot areas. In addition, higher-volume purchasers on campus may be contacted for feedback."
"We look forward to providing this modernized approach to campus, and to providing further updates on the project and its launch," the memo concludes.
A Jaggaer Implementation website has been set up where information on the project will be posted.
Photograph courtesy of JAGGAER.