In early calendar 2019, all of the colleges and universities that collectively make up the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) will launch a new, easy-to-use online e-procurement portal. The new portal — called UShopNH — will modernize and improve the way we all make work-related purchases. This initiative is another in a series of important steps we are taking to manage our financial resources more effectively as we transform to using best practices in all aspects of our operations.
With the introduction of UShopNH, procurement will become standardized, and we will be able to:
- Leverage the system’s size and collective purchasing power to negotiate with vendors to buy what we need, but pay less for it—from the smallest items such as pens and pencils and cleaning supplies, to computers and sophisticated lab and research equipment
- More easily and efficiently place orders for — and review and approve the purchase of — all goods and services, eliminating manual data entry for requisitioning, vendor payment and reimbursement
- Improve our competitiveness with other higher education institutions, simply by running our educational, research and office facilities more efficiently and effectively
- Have greater insight into overall spending, allowing each department to better manage its respective budget
- Build strategic, business-sensible ways to source goods and services, based on system-wide purchasing data
UShopNH will transform how we procure goods and services, transitioning from P-Cards and Direct Pays to a more efficient and effective purchasing process. UShopNH will provide easy access to our top suppliers, including those for office, scientific, technology and maintenance, repair and operations supplies. We will continuously add vendors to the portal, conduct training sessions, offer online training resources and add additional UShopNHfunctionality.
By July 1, virtually all procurement of goods and services will be conducted through UShopNH, eliminating the need for most P-Cards. The new procurement system will be phased in over the next six months; adequate training will be provided, and the procurement process will be more efficient and effective than it is today.
More information about the transition to and targeted training for UShopNH will be provided in the coming weeks and months. If you have questions about UShopNH, please contact Anne Surman, director of procurement operations, at Anne.Surman@usnh.edu.