PPL Supplier and Contractor
e-Enablement Questions and Answers
Q. What is PPL asking my organization to do?
A. We would like you to partner with us to use technology to reduce transaction processing costs for both of us. You can do this by registering with the GEP e-marketplace that will electronically transact RFQs, purchase orders, change orders, purchase order acknowledgements and invoices. PPL can also arrange Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments.
Q. What value will this offer my organization?
A. Conducting business electronically with PPL can significantly lower your order processing costs (clerical, printing, mailing), shorten your fulfillment cycle, reduce errors, speed payment processing and enhance cash flow. Use of an electronic marketplace can extend your market reach, differentiate you among other suppliers for greater competitive advantage and increase customer satisfaction.
Q. How is PPL doing this?
A. PPL uses GEP, a supply chain electronic marketplace, to assist its suppliers and contractors to conduct electronic transactions. GEP improves the efficiency of supply chain transactions between buyers and suppliers. GEP is not directly involved in PPL bid evaluations, award decisions or supplier relationships. Simply click the GEP logo on the Supplier e-Commerce with PPL Website for PPL Supplier e-Commerce Enablement.
Q. How much will it cost my organization?
A. There are no connection or transaction fees for transactions through the GEP Supplier Portal. If Supplier chooses the integration option, Supplier pays a one time fee of $800 to GEP to complete the integration and there are no transaction fees.
Q. What determines whether using the GEP Supplier Portal or integration is best for my organization?
A. The GEP Supplier Portal enables procure-to-pay transactions with only a Web browser. It can be a sufficient solution for suppliers with fewer than 45 transactions a month. Suppliers with higher transaction volumes and system capability are encouraged to integrate their system directly to GEP to take advantage of even greater process efficiencies.
GEP provides translation services that allow you to send and receive transactions in a variety of electronic formats (EDI, XML). GEP will consult with you to determine the best solution for your needs and capabilities.
Q. How many contacts can I authorize to log in to the GEP system?
A. We suggest that you designate appropriate contacts, for RFQ/bidding, order processing and invoicing. The GEP Supplier Portal gives you the ability to directly manage your Profile.
Q. What are the implications of not becoming electronically-enabled with PPL?
A. PPL is increasingly using its electronic marketplace as a single connection to our suppliers and contractors. When appropriate, our RFQs and RFPs require that suppliers and contractors use e-commerce for resulting transactions. For other contracts, a supplier’s or contractor’s willingness to do so will be a factor in PPL’s award decision. PPL and GEP will work with you to resolve your concerns.
Q. Where can I get additional information on how this process works?
A. Simply click on PPL Supplier e-Commerce Enablement.
Q. Who do I contact if I have a problem?
A. Simply click on e-Commerce Contacts.