PPL Supplier 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 becoming part of an e-marketplace that will electronically transact purchase orders, change orders, purchase order acknowledgements, invoices and 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 an electronic marketplace called Enporion to assist its suppliers and help them get ready to conduct electronic transactions. Enporion serves the energy industry by improving the efficiency of supply chain transactions between buyers and suppliers. Enporion is not directly involved in PPL bid evaluations, award decisions or supplier relationships. Simply click on PPL Supplier e-Commerce Enablement.
Q. How much will it cost my organization?
A. PPL has worked with Enporion to minimize the cost of electronic transactions with PPL. You can use Enporion’s Order Manager Web site for a fee of 1 percent of transaction value, which is capped annually at $7,500. Or, you have the option to connect your computer system directly to Enporion for an additional one-time fee of $2,500.
Q. What determines whether Order Manager or integration is best for my organization?
A. Order Manager 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 are encouraged to integrate directly to Enporion to take advantage of even greater process efficiencies.
Enporion provides translation services that allow you to send and receive transactions in a variety of electronic formats (EDI, XML). Enporion 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 Enporion system?
A. We suggest that you designate two contacts, one for order processing and one for invoicing.
Q. What are the implications of not becoming electronically-enabled with PPL?
A. PPL is increasingly using Enporion as a single connection to our suppliers. Some of our RFQs already request that suppliers use e-commerce. For other contracts, a supplier’s willingness to do so will be a factor in PPL’s award decision. PPL and Enporion 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.