- What is the difference between electronic and traditional tendering?

The difference between electronic and traditional tendering lies in the method through which procedures and the various stages of submission and bid evaluation are conducted. Below are the main differences between the two types:

1. Medium

• Electronic Tendering: Conducted via electronic platforms like the "Etimad" platform in Saudi Arabia, where government entities and suppliers can interact electronically by submitting bids and documents online.
• Traditional Tendering: Relies on submitting paper documents and direct correspondence or personal presence at the announcing authority's headquarters to submit bids.

2. Transparency and Efficiency

• Electronic: Provides high levels of transparency; government entities can display tender details and enable viewing of submitted bids, which helps reduce manipulation opportunities and increase trust in the system. It also speeds up the bid submission and evaluation process, enhancing efficiency.
• Traditional: Tends to be slower and less transparent; it relies on manual processes, which may increase the time and complications in the submission and review procedures.

3. Cost

• Electronic: Helps reduce costs associated with printing and correspondence, as bids are submitted and reviewed electronically, saving time and money for the announcing entities and suppliers.
• Traditional: Requires additional costs, such as printing, packaging, and mailing documents or delivering them in person.

4. Accessibility and Participation

• Electronic: Allows suppliers and contractors from anywhere to participate in the tender online, enabling access to a larger number of participants and providing a wider opportunity for competition.
• Traditional: Often requires personal presence or manual submission of documents, which may be inconvenient for suppliers from outside the region or other countries.

Conclusion

• Electronic tendering is more efficient, faster, less costly, and provides a high level of transparency and easy access. In contrast, traditional tendering is slower, more costly, less transparent, and requires manual procedures that may hinder effective participation.

Electronic tenders contribute to improving supplier experience and increasing competitiveness, which supports the success of government projects and achieves higher value for the participants.