(Online Procurement for Educational Needs)
OPEN is an electronic procurement system which mirrors existing school processes but can also be tailored to suit individual schools' needs.
OPEN has been designed to support the work of schools' purchasers by improving access to suppliers, reducing process time and creating a secure environment to work within.
Buyers can search, compare and select goods and services from a wide range of suppliers nominated by schools and other public-sector bodies. The authoriser for the Financial Management System (FMS) retains final control on all orders going out as they will be submitted via FMS. The Educational Procurement Centre (EPC) has been working with Capita providers to ensure future developments FMS are in line with OPEN.
If you would like more information relating to how SMIS are supporting the OPEN
project please contact Sharon Cox on 0121 544 2001 or
Sharon.cox@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
Visit the EPC website at www.dcsf.gov.uk/epc
Visit the OPEN website at http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/open