Technology

Electronic commerce with suppliers is a major enabler of transactional cost reductions and of moving the Postal Service toward SCM excellence. It is the goal of the Postal Service to have an integrated electronic business solution for all supply processes. This extends to the entire supply chain, including communications and document exchanges between clients, SM, suppliers, and other Postal Service supplying stakeholders. The Postal Service will attempt to automate the supply chain process — particularly from order placement to disposal — as much as possible.

Inherent in this principle is an expectation that Postal Service suppliers will become capable of conducting business electronically. New suppliers will be enabled by electronic requirements, purchase order, and invoice and payment processes, when an electronic business solution is available. Additionally, commitments with existing suppliers using requirements, purchase order, and invoice and payment processes will be transacted using an electronic communications method whenever possible.