CIPS — the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply — is an international professional body dedicated to developing knowledge and skills in procurement and supply. CIPS qualifications provide a structured learning pathway for those starting their careers and professionals seeking to advance their expertise.
SCM by BMS is a CIPS Approved Study Centre. We support learners in developing their knowledge through CIPS qualification programmes and preparing for their examinations.
About the Module
L2 – M4: Systems Technology introduces the role, uses and advantages of technology in improving procurement and supply activities.
Internet-based technologies and database information systems play a key role in helping organisations manage their expenditure on goods and services. This module explores how these technologies can support operational efficiency while maintaining quality.
Module Purpose
On completion of this module, learners will be able to explain the uses of systems technology and identify its advantages in improving procurement and supply activities while maintaining overall quality.
The module focuses on the capabilities of current technologies, including internet-based tools and database information systems. Learners will also develop an understanding of the importance of quality management when seeking efficiencies through continuous improvement in organisational performance.
Who Is This Module For?
Those starting a career in procurement and supply;
Employees involved in procurement and supply operations;
Individuals using digital tools and information systems in procurement activities;
Those wishing to develop a basic understanding of technology, quality management and continuous improvement.
This module develops essential knowledge of the application of systems technology in procurement and supply as part of the CIPS Level 2 Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations.
Exam Format
Objective Response Examination (OR)
This format allows you to select a response from a list of possible answers. Responses are marked by computer and then moderated by CIPS examiners.
Total Qualification Time (TQT)
Total Qualification Time indicates the overall time required for guided learning, additional self-study and assessment to achieve the qualification.
The following figures apply to the full Level 2 qualification.
Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
The Level 2 qualification includes 120 guided learning hours. These cover lectures, tutorials, practical sessions and supervised study.
Self-Study Requirement (SSR)
For the Level 2 qualification, an additional minimum of 54 hours of self-study is recommended. This includes wider reading of the subject areas and revision.
Total Examination Time for the Qualification: 6 Hours
All modules within the Level 2 qualification are assessed by examination. The combined examination time across all modules is 6 hours.
Module Learning Time
Learning time for L2 – M4: 30 hours.
CIPS Level 2 – M4 | Systems Technology
Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content
1.0 Understand the use of systems technology and databases and how they contribute to procurement and supply
1.1 Explain how to use systems technology and databases to contribute to effective procurement and supply
Inputting data into systems to perform key tasks for purchase ordering and other transactions
Capturing data on expenditures and updating systems
How to provide data to smooth demand and why demand management is important in procurement and supply
Data use in the forecasting process
Achieving functional targets
How to compare forecasts with actual outcomes to control expenditures
How to measure achieved savings on goods and services to recognise efficiencies
How to measure internal and external lead times for supplies of goods and services
1.2 Recognise how the use of the Internet, intranets and extranets leads to effective procurement and supply
The use of Internet search engines to locate details about suppliers and customers
The types of information presented by suppliers and customers on their websites
The e-marketplace
The use of social media to obtain feedback on supplier performance
1.3 Explain the role of e-sourcing and e-tendering systems in procurement and supply
E-invoicing, e-requisitioning, e-catalogues and e-ordering
Pre-qualifying suppliers
Receiving and evaluating quotations and tenders
Defining e-sourcing
2.0 Know types of systems for supplier selection, ordering and payment
2.1 Describe the use of electronic sourcing systems for supplier selection and profiling
Attracting quotations or tenders through an e-tendering or e-sourcing system
The publication of e-notices
The use of e-auctions
2.2 Identify systems used in procurement and supply
Systems for purchase ordering
Capturing data on expenditures
The use of portal sites to locate suppliers or customers
Examples of supplier database systems
2.3 Identify the use of P2P (purchase-to-pay) systems for ordering from suppliers and payment to suppliers
The P2P process, from the creation of requisitions to raising requests for quotations or tenders, receipt of quotations or tenders, delivery documentation, invoicing and payment
Examples of P2P systems
3.0 Know why quality management is important in procurement and supply
3.1 Identify components of quality management in procurement and supply
Definitions of quality, quality control, quality assurance and total quality management
Quality as a philosophy
Getting things right first time
3.2 Identify the costs of quality
Prevention and appraisal costs
The internal and external costs of quality
Organisational reputation
3.3 Identify techniques associated with quality assurance and quality management
How to assess the quality of supplies of goods and services to ensure that quality standards are achieved and maintained
From quality inspection to quality assurance
Quality circles
The use of control charts
Kaizen, continuous improvement, lean philosophy and associated techniques
