There is no set process for ISE; the nature of the purchase will affect the process in each case. The following are some suggested basic steps.
First, the purchase⁄SCM team should attain knowledge of the market as a whole. The team should have a thorough and accurate picture of the market when preparing to talk to suppliers. When deciding on which suppliers to initiate communications with, the purchase⁄SCM team should seek to identify industry leaders in the relevant marketplace, as well as incumbent Postal Service suppliers if available. The key areas of focus are:
After identifying key focus areas of the market, communications focus on important factors such as the likely level of market interest, the technical or business feasibility of what is proposed, best value, supply cycle time, and whether unexamined business options exist. Additionally, the following should be examined:
