Project Spotlight: Developing Benchmarking Tools for frameworks
In this Project Spotlight, we catch up with Data Services Specialist Ryan to find out more about the work behind NOE CPC’s Benchmarking Tool and how it helps customers explore the potential savings available through our frameworks. Ryan also shares some of the other digital tools he has developed to make everyday processes easier for colleagues and customers.
“My role at NOE CPC is a Data Services Specialist, where my primary responsibility is the management, facilitation and processing of organisation data. I ensure that incoming data gets to where it needs to be in a usable format, fixing any issues as they arise. This can include reporting, catalogue, framework and supplier submission data.
“One of the major tools that I have developed is NOE CPC’s Benchmarking Tool, which came about after identifying a gap in the framework savings analysis we offer to customers. Having worked in NHS trust procurement teams and faced the difficulties of understanding the cost implications of frameworks, I wanted to develop a tool that provided reportable costings for users wanting to utilise our frameworks. This sparked the creation of NOE CPC’s Benchmarking Tool, which provides customers with an in-depth analysis of the savings they can make when using our frameworks. The tool can be used on a selection of our frameworks, including Language Services (NOE.0583), Laundry and Linen Services Total Solutions (NOE.0572) and Tech Devices LINK4 (NOE.0633). The benchmarks are automatically processed in Structured Query Language (SQL), with the results presented in an easy-to-follow Microsoft Power BI report.
“The tool has allowed users to understand the savings potential of frameworks through simple-to-read graphs and visuals and offers deeper analysis to help customers fully understand how these savings can be realised, such as by showing the detailed cost implications of individual services and items.
“Feedback we have received about the tool has highlighted how useful it has been in demonstrating the savings potential and cost breakdowns of utilising our frameworks. Colleagues and users have also offered ideas and areas for improvement, which I’ve incorporated to ensure the tool continues to evolve to meet everyone’s needs.
“As well as external facing tools, I also create internal tools such as our Onboarding App. Onboarding a new staff member can be a complex process, completed over many weeks, and it can be difficult to keep track of everything that's required. Through the app, the process is broken down into several easy-to-follow tasks, accompanied by all the necessary details and documentation. These tasks can then be ticked off as completed, so you know exactly where you are in the process.
“I’m also currently developing an internal AI-powered chatbot to help NOE CPC staff with any ICT issues they are facing. It has been trained to answer NOE CPC-specific questions, for example, how to use the office meeting room equipment or set up printers. It will also offer bespoke services, such as Atamis user administration, and we aim to expand these NOE CPC-centric areas based on user feedback.”
For further information about our Benchmarking Tool and how it can identify instant savings across multiple frameworks through an easy-to-use interface, click here to watch our step-by-step guide to using the tool.