Frequently Asked Questions
How long from signed agreement to a live governed sourcing event?
Sixty days, scoped to one department or procurement category. Your Vendor Portal is live on your infrastructure from Day 0, and your first compliance colour map is delivered by Day 7 — you see evidence of governance before the pilot is halfway done, not only at the end.
Does VST replace our existing ERP or NipeX/NJQS processes?
No. VST is the internal procurement governance layer — it handles prequalification, bidlists, sealed bids, evaluation, and award governance. Your ERP manages purchase orders and payments; NipeX governs industry-wide tenders. VST complements both, providing the defensible decision trail neither one produces on its own.
We already have experienced procurement staff — why do we need a system?
Experience is not a system. A strong team running a weak process still cannot produce a complete, timestamped, user-attributed audit trail on demand. VST does not replace your team's judgement — it enforces the governance structure so their expertise is channelled into strategy and decision-making, not manual data entry and document chasing.
Will our existing vendors and non-technical suppliers use the portal?
Yes. The Vendor Portal was designed for low-tech access — a step-by-step registration wizard, clear tender-room tabs, and simple document upload. Vendors need only a browser and an internet connection. If a supplier genuinely cannot access the portal, your staff can enter a bid on their behalf with the appropriate record.