New system improves ease in purchasing Dell computer products

New system improves ease in purchasing Dell computer productsAugust 14, 2007Kevin Morrowkdmorrow@syr.edu

A new procedure introduced by the University’s purchasing department enables campus departments to purchase desktop and notebook computers directly from Dell through the online eProcurement module in PeopleSoft Financials, accessible via MySlice, offering savings in both time and money.

Previously, institutional computer purchases were managed through the SU Bookstore. Private sales of computers to students will continue to be made through the bookstore.

According to Susan Joyner, senior purchasing agent in the purchasing department, eProcurement will allow clients to purchase directly from internal or external catalogs, with little or no intervention by SU purchasing agents. Dell’s Volume Purchase Agreement will provide discounts of up to 30 percent off the prices shown on Dell’s Higher Education website.

For instance, an OptiPlex 745 Minitower normally costing $1,399 when purchased through Dell’s website can be obtained for $1,100 as a result of the volume purchasing agreement. A Latitude D630 that would typically sell for $1,970 is now available for $1,373.

SU Information Technology and Services (ITS) is inviting information coordinators from across campus to attend an Aug. 20 training session to set up authorization for departments to gain access to the eProcurement system.

Subsequently, the purchasing department will offer training workshops for departmental requisitioners beginning later this month and continuing into September. For information on the workshop schedule and to register for a session, visit http://purchasing.syr.edu.