The eSourcing process can be divided into two phases – eRFx and eAuctions. The eRFx can be used either for gathering only the price information (eTender) from potential suppliers or more thoroughly inquiring also all the other relevant data (eQuestionnaire). eRFx is suitable for all kinds of price and information enquiries that traditionally have been conducted via the email, fax or for example telephone. Using the eRFx makes the buyers life easier. It significantly reduces continuous teleconferensing and emailing with the suppliers.

The eRFX helps companies to organize and systematize the buying procedures. When all the negotiations are conducted online, it is easy for everybody involved to find what has been agreed upon. All the purchasing data is stored in to one place and can be found whenever needed. As the people responsible for purchasing may change their job positions, it is very useful to have all the purchasing data available whenever needed instead of losing it in people’s email inboxes.

With the organized and systematized purchasing process, also the timetable will be more accurately informed to all the suppliers. Gathering the suppliers’ answers via the system makes it easy also for the suppliers to know where and when to submit offers, product information and other details. The suppliers will also receive an instant feedback regarding their actions. Using the eRFx gives the buyer a possibility to interact with the suppliers and for example make specifying questions. After receiving all the answers and quotes it is possible to compare the answers the suppliers have given. It is possible continue negotiating via the system as long as needed. When found potential the eRFx can also be further negotiated by turning it into an eAuction.

The eRFx is offered in SaaS-model (software as a service). The main benefits of using eSourcing in SaaS-model are that there is no need to install the software in buyers’ or suppliers’ computers. The users also have instant access to the benefits and the feature updates and releases are continuous and conducted simultaneously for all end users. The software is accessible anywhere anytime via the Internet. For example during business trips it is easy to follow and update the ongoing projects.