A reference model and software support for bid preparation in supply chains in the construction industry

Abstract

This paper describes two results of the European ESPRIT project no. 22828 CSCCM, which aims at optimising the bidding process of small and medium companies in the construction industry. Firstly, a reference model as a description of an ideal bidding process is presented. The model aims to assist companies in redesigning their bid preparation by providing them with an example of how a systematic bidding process could look like. Secondly, a corresponding software system is outlined, supporting the complete bidding process, starting from capturing the customer requirements, up to pursuing of the bid. The software system provides specific support for sending price requests to suppliers by email and for importing their answers directly into the bid. Thus, it enables co-operation and electronic commerce in supply chains in the construction industry. The software system is currently implemented and validated in pilot projects in a supply chain consisting of a tiler company, a wholesaler and a manufacturer of marble and granite. These companies co-operate in the research project with three software houses and a research institute.