Pioneering provider needs a new process
FOR EV is a pioneering provider of charging stations for electric vehicles (EV). Their ambitious plans involve delivering high-quality, accessible electric vehicle charging hubs across the UK and a unique fleet proposition, which offers bespoke solutions for fleets of all sizes to transition to a net zero future with ease.
As a rapidly growing company, its ability to send out tenders via emails was significantly hampering the efficiency and competitiveness of this process.
With newly appointed Commercial & Procurement Manager, Denis Lyden, taking over the procurement helm, one of his first priorities was to digitise the procurement process to improve professionalism, pace and performance in line with the company's hypergrowth goals.
We spoke in depth with Denis about his successful experience with Market Dojo Sourcing and Supplier Onboarding.
"We rolled out the system in mid November, then by December we started to put live tenders through the software."
Challenges
Charging operator complexity
FOR EV's business model as an EV charge point operator is to source the equipment, maintain it, and provide the electrical charge to the station over its lifespan of approximately 25 years.
In terms of the installation and civil works, FOR EV needs a robust supply chain of contractors and suppliers. To add a further layer of complexity, FOR EV must integrate with UK-wide Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) such as Scottish Power and National Grid.
Before adopting Market Dojo's solutions, FOR EV relied on inefficient email communication to manage this complex supply chain which led to inconsistent, resource-heavy procurement and admin processes.
Turning complexity into clarity
Having a background in both public and private sector procurement, including starting his career as a software developer of e-sourcing platforms, Denis had clear objectives of what he wanted to achieve.
"Competitive tendering was not something we did as a matter of course because of the complex processes that we go through to land sites and get connections. Previously, we tended to go to maybe one, maybe two, potential contractors via email so we were really looking for something that would allow us to better manage that process going forward and open up the competition."
What Our Clients Say
Market Dojo is probably one of the most competitive solutions in the market that I've come across in terms of the level of functionality that you get with the system.
Solution
Why Market Dojo?
There were several requirements that Denis identified as key to finding the right solution, and the reason he chose Market Dojo Sourcing and Supplier Onboarding.
First, the solution needed to provide a simple, straightforward platform to run multiple tenders and evaluate bids within the system. Second, Denis wanted the flexibility to use the platform for supplier onboarding and management of suppliers and contractors, particularly for Health & Safety / CDM regulations compliance.
The ease of implementation
Denis opted to handle the internal training and stakeholder buy-in personally which proved to be an easy process.
"The training piece and buy-in has been pretty straightforward. Initially it was mainly myself running the tenders, but now we've got another team member actively using the system. We've also started to expand it across the business in terms of giving view access to the business development team."
Better than email tenders
By moving away from emails as the main form of running tenders, Denis has brought a new level of professionalism to FOR EV's procurement processes.
"By being that bit more professional—in terms of what we're sending out, how we're sending it out, holding to the timescales, closing it down when it closes so there are no late bids—we have gained more structure around the process which has been good."
Results
Easy comparison of contractors
The biggest surprise that Denis had is being able to directly compare contractors' quotes or bids and seeing the difference which, in some cases, is significant.
"I'd say the most valuable part has been the comparison of tenders that allows us to challenge the contractors to say, 'we know you get this asset value but you're also holding potentially 50% of that back,' which to be fair they're entitled to do but, 'the two others competing with you have passed on the full value to us'."
Realising cost savings
"Savings wise, just by averaging the tenders out we can see that we've saved money on the jobs that we've gone forward with."
Overall, by using Market Dojo Sourcing, Denis and his team have far more visibility into the bidding process and are confident they are getting true market value from their suppliers.
"We wouldn't have this if we hadn't changed the process and introduced the system. It's given us a lot more visibility."
Improving supplier relationships
By running tenders and onboarding suppliers through Market Dojo's solutions, FOR EV have strengthened relationships with their contractors by having regular and open communications.
"It has enabled us to engage with contractors more and has opened up a two-way conversation about the information being sent out. We also have monthly supplier relationship meetings and the tender pipeline is one of the big agenda items."
Key lessons learnt
We asked Denis for any advice and tips he would give to someone who was just starting a digital transformation project in sourcing.
"Embrace it. I think finding the right product that delivers what you're looking for in terms of the specifics. Get a clear idea of what you need and then find a solution that fits with that and can grow with you."
"A lot of products come with functionality that is probably not needed. Find the one that suits your needs and allows you to grow with it. That's the key."
And lastly...
Would you recommend Market Dojo?
"Yes. It's easy to use. All the functionality that you're likely to need is there. The system's easy to configure and the price point is great. Access to Market Dojo's support has been great too—any questions have always been answered really quickly and you get a personal response which is really good."