FAQs eSourcing

eSourcing

• What is an electronic request or bid?

  It is a request that is made via the cloud-based, digital platform used by us. You, the bidder, will receive an invitation by email. In the first invitation you will receive the link to the platform, your username and a one-time password. The purchaser responsible for you will send you the request via the cloud-based platform. As a supplier, you can use the platform for free.

• How do I use the eSourcing platform as a supplier?

  Once you have received an invitation by email, on the platform you will be able to see the request, the specifications and enclosed technical and commercial documents, ask the purchaser about the request in question, receive answers, fill out any questionnaires, upload requested documents and submit your proposal. When submitting your proposal, you can choose between entering the prices directly on the platform, uploading an Excel file and uploading a GAEB file. The platform automatically calculates the total price from the entered individual prices and the recorded quantities before you send us your proposal by pressing the button “Submit proposal”. After registering on the platform, you will find an overview of all events that we invited you to.

• What is an e-auction?

  An e-auction is a process in which the price negotiation is carried out online with several competitors at the same time. This makes negotiations easier, more transparent and quicker for you, as our suppliers, and RWE. Since 1 January 2019, the electronic auctions and the electronic requests/invitations to bid have been integrated in a unique eSourcing platform for you, so that you can reach all eSourcing activities through a single access point. As a bidder, you can take part in an auction free of charge.

• Is an e-auction just about the price?

  No. RWE’s Group Purchasing considers all relevant factors with appropriate weighting in the assignment. Besides the price, these include the quality, credit rating, payment conditions, service and references. The eSourcing platform we use considers these factors internally on a request-specific basis.

• Who is Futura Solutions GmbH?

  Futura Solutions GmbH is an independent service provider. On their cloud-based digital trading platform myFUTURA® they conduct tenders, requests and eAuctions for us. myFUTURA® is specialised on the B2B commerce and ensures a secure and fair tender, request and eAuction process.

Benefits

• What benefits do you have as the supplier?

  As a potential supplier of RWE, you have the following benefits: 

  • Cheaper, more efficient access 
  • Reduced distribution costs 
  • In the case of reverse auctions, direct response to proposals of competitors 
  • High degree of transparency 
  • Defined assignment time and limited period 
  • Worldwide applicability of the solution 

Assistance and Support

• How can I get assistance?

  If you go to the eSourcing platform used by us, you will find a short introduction and a comprehensive guide for suppliers under the menu item ‘Contact and Assistance’. As this is regularly updated, we recommend always accessing this document from this central point.

• Is there any support?

  You will find the support telephone numbers in the email inviting you to take part in a request or auction as well as on the platform under “Contact and Assistance”. You will receive high-quality support which only ends when the issue has been resolved. Support is available in six languages during the business hours of Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Is this eSourcing solution secure?

  Yes. A high degree of data security is guaranteed by 128-bit encryption.