Framespan satisfies the urgent need for a framework consolidation platform by making it simpler for buyers to quickly locate the appropriate procurement pathway
More than 500 users have already signed up to trial a new searchable directory that pulls together NHS procurement framework agreements into one place.
Framespan launched in October this year and is powered by healthcare technology company, Virtualstock.
The aim is to make it easier for buyers to find the right procurement pathway in a matter of minutes, with links through to the original frameworks.
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Previously, procurement professionals would need to carry out time-consuming searches for frameworks, promoted by providers on different websites, each working differently and providing different levels of information.
The idea came about after a discussion in 2021 between founder Ed Bradley and incoming Chief Procurement Officer, Claire Bye (University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust). What was described was an acute need for a framework consolidation platform; Framespan was born.
“Framespan launched in October and already has agreements in place with 18 framework providers and over 70 NHS trusts,” said Ed Bradley, founder of Framespan.
“We’ve built the platform around feedback and advice from procurement departments in hospital trusts, their suppliers and the providers of the frameworks themselves, so it really is designed for and around procurement professionals.”
During a presentation to delegates at last week’s HCSA conference in Manchester, it was revealed that Framespan will be able to interoperate with any NHS procurement system. There are also plans to develop a collaboration space for teams, suppliers and framework providers to discuss future procurement needs directly within the system.
Ed added: “It was fantastic to have the opportunity to share Framespan with NHS Procurement professionals last week at the HCSA conference – and we have received some really positive feedback from early adopters already.
“Moving forward, we hope even more NHS trusts will join the platform, alongside suppliers and framework providers, so we can help streamline the procurement journey and ultimately save time and money for our hardworking health service professionals.”
Time-limited free trials are being offered to NHS trusts for the rest of 2022 – with no obligation to continue after the trial – as part of a collaborative approach to developing the product, so that it continues to meet the needs of procurement teams.
Framespan is now also available through NEP Cloud, a cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning Finance and Procurement tool provided through the largest NHS consortium in England; and through the pricing analytics platform, Advise Inc.
Christine Hall, Managing Director at NEP Cloud, said: “We know just how busy our procurement colleagues are in the NHS and it’s clear to us that the Framespan solution just makes sense.
“By having all the procurement frameworks accessible from one place, it helps enhance and streamline the whole procurement process.
“The directory is so easy to use and the team behind Framespan are open to feedback and ideas from its users – an ethos we share at NEP – which means the product evolves and ensures it brings total value to our everyday procurement needs.
“We’re proud to be associated with Framespan and to support our partner Virtualstock, as it continues to develop this essential tool fit for the future – and it’s why we’re delighted to offer the opportunity to all NEP members to access this via our NEP Cloud solution.”
To find out more about Framespan, please email info@Framespan.com or, if you are an NHS Trust and would like to sign up for the trial, visit our website.
