Dimension Data Direct

Dimension Data Direct is an eProcurement system that can operate as a stand-alone, web-enabled portal, or can be integrated with our clients’ own procurement systems.

Direct facilitates practices that improve productivity, operational efficiency and risk management. This is achieved by combining product configuration tools, custom catalogues and business rules enforcement into a single solution.

Direct is modular, so you can configure its functions to meet your specific requirements. That said, no matter how you apply the system, its philosophy remains the same: to provide a single solution that encompasses and complements the services and solutions provided to you by Dimension Data.

This site contains a high level overview of the features and benefits of the solution.

Essentially, Direct replaces laborious (often paper-based) manual procurement processes with an easy-to-use web-based system.

Direct has the flexibility to work cohesively with your own procurement process, whether that involves:

We recognise that every organisation's procurement process is different; you may simply order products online using a credit card, or your process may be more complex and involve the receipt of a quote, which must be reviewed by a technical staff member before it is passed to an approver and purchasing agent.

Whatever your organisation's requirements, it can be mirrored and applied in Direct.

Benefits of eProcurement

Dimension Data Direct is more than just an online ordering tool. The business benefits of eProcurement through Direct range from managing spend to standardising corporate buying practices. It cuts cost, reduces risk and improves strategic agility.

Direct can:

Direct enables you to harness the convenience and flexibility of an online system along with the knowledge and peace of mind that comes from working with our product and service experts.

This diagram shows the basic steps of a standard Direct procurement process, either fully, self service or collaborative.

What does Direct do?

Direct can be used to quote, procure and manage a range of hardware, software, licences and services offered by Dimension Data and our technology partners. (Please note: the specific functions available depend on your region).

Our intelligent catalogues offer more than just a price book; they contain specific information to ensure that users can only see products, services, and configurations that are relevant to them.

Correct product: Some catalogues are integrated with vendor configuration tools to ensure a correct and complete configuration or product set.

Correct service: Only those service level agreements (SLAs) available to the users’ geographic location or contracted arrangements are available.

Correct software: Direct makes available only the correct software items to reflect existing licensing contracts that you already have with vendors (for your requirement and contract obligation).

For instance, for orders containing a Cisco configuration, Direct is integrated with Cisco's configuration tool. Once a quote is completed, the system submits your proposed configuration to the Cisco configurator for validation, before the order can be completed.

For orders from major vendors such as Microsoft, standard configurations and product sets can be established and pre-populated (on request) to save you time and money, and ensure compliance with your procurement policies and infrastructure requirements.

We can customise Direct's catalogue options to speed up procurement and provide easier access to more detailed information.