A big bid-big buy approach is unnecessary. Trading partners need firm agreements about communications, data formats and security. Unfortunately, such agreements are difficult and time-consuming. Only offices with the budget and staff to tackle complex issues can make any headway. Once customized online procurement systems are in place, new hurdles arise such as training and authorizing employees, and finding trading partners that have the required interfaces.
Many agencies have a perception that the Internet is a dangerous place to do business.
If an agency accounting system can deal with credit card payments, it already has the foundation to tackle online commerce. This is the best proving ground for small, speedy transactions. Shawn P. McCarthy designs search and navigation products for a Web search engine provider. All rights reserved.