BSS, which relies on over 1,300 high end OKI pin printers across its UK and Irish operations, recently looked for ways to reduce spend and increase efficiency in this area. It used Trade Interchange’s eAuction service to review its current support arrangements for the delivery of its printer break fix contract. The contract sets out how a specialist supplier would repair or replace any of the Groups 1,352 OKI pin printers that may develop faults or fall out of lease.

The tender itself was divided into two distinct parts. Part one covered the break fix support of the 1,352 pin printers located within BSS’ UK and Irish operations, whereas part two covered the supply of printer consumables, such as print heads and printer ribbons.

Analysing pre-qualification information, BSS invited 15 suppliers to view the tender. Of those which took part in the first stage of the bid, a number were selected which met the exact requirements of the tender.

The shortlisted suppliers were then invited to bid for the contract using Trade Interchange’s eAuction service. As a result, the BSS Group has renegotiated its contract for break fix support for 15% less cost than its previous contract, resulting in considerable time and cost savings all round.

Tim Hoiles, Operations Director, Trade Interchange, commented, “There are many products or services, like printers, that business rely upon to function on a daily basis. Organisations often take these costs for granted and simply renew contracts. However, BSS has shown how with very little effort, thanks to eProcurement technology, considerable savings can be made on these costs.”