Mobilization in e-Marketplaces in times of emergency

Christmas celebrations come year after year, and the spirit of gift-giving has become a tradition. Others exert the extra effort to get something special for the people dearest to them, especially among customers who managed to walk within a challenging business cycle in 2006. This year’s Christmas is another different commemoration, especially when Filipinos look back to the series of typhoons that wreaked havoc in the provinces, or other mishaps that may have occurred in their neighborhoods. Many of our kababayans suffered tremendously, leaving most of them without shelter, while others reel through the anguish of spending the season without their loved ones.

It is during these difficult times when mobilization is roused among Filipinos in the essence of damayan. The private sector has taken an active stance on emergency situations, driven by their Christian call to share their blessings to those who have less. What is most striking, however, is the fact that people are there to assist when the worse conditions occur. The role that media plays relative to information dissemination is partly to be lauded, mediating efforts required from both private and fiscal fronts.

A similar flow is likewise present in e-Marketplaces, especially when distressful situations happen. Purchasers need not feel abandoned when abrupt requirements come up, as they could readily share their load with a team to deliver results. Mobilization as regards to items that need to be bought or sold is accomplished, thanks to user-friendly systems that can be utilized in exchanges. These include catalogues that can be used for spot buying, aside from request-for-quotations and auctions, depending on the item being canvassed. Corporations can fast-track dissemination of goods to calamity victims, for example, by aggregating those they wish to buy and generate bonus discounts in the process. Moreover, exchanges provide necessary infrastructure and support measures while allowing collaboration within a community of buyers and sellers.

e-Marketplaces also enable participants to streamline communication, beginning with item specification, awarding merits, delivery points and settlement, and other relevant terms and conditions. Reference quotes can be made real-time, as buyers can immediately relay requirements to pre-identified suppliers that are already categorized based on items they carry. Through the assistance of third-party teams, swiftness on order responses is monitored, making it relatively convenient in effecting either a buy or sell decision.

Objectivity is never compromised based on trading partner selection, as similar routes are followed when it comes to pre-accreditation, quote solicitation or bidding invitation, and awarding, among others. Post-monitoring is also enhanced, as documents can be retrieved quickly when post-audit measures are to be undertaken within specific periods within a year. Evaluation processes are also upgraded, separating subjectivity from measured gauges. If a winning trading partner failed to accomplish his/her obligations, for example, contingencies are prepared, as selection is ranked. Rather than go through the entire negotiation process again, purchasers can simplify discussion priority based on the best possible prices solicited, without being strained by aspects tied to awarding compliance. Necessary checks and balances are also safeguarded, allowing business leaders to spot procedures that should be rectified, as well as those that can be improved further. This way, unnecessary conflicts can be avoided, as trading partners can relate to each other based on issues that need to be addressed, and properly ensure negotiations are balanced for all parties concerned.

All told, best results are achieved fastest when enterprises mobilize their common objective through e-Marketplaces. Collaboration can be done, despite challenges of a competitive business terrain.

* * *

Maritel M. Atienza is the assistant general manager of SourcePilipinas. For queries, e-mail her at [email protected]