University of Dayton Leverages Data to Save $40,000 on Microscopes
Customer Company Size
Large Corporate
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- GovSpend
- GovQuote
Tech Stack
- Online Database
- Keyword-based Search
- Digital Platform
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Cost Savings
- Productivity Improvements
- Digital Expertise
Technology Category
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Data Management Platforms
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Exchange & Integration
Applicable Industries
- Education
Applicable Functions
- Procurement
Services
- Data Science Services
- System Integration
About The Customer
The University of Dayton is a private, Catholic university located in Dayton, Ohio. It is known for its strong emphasis on research and education, particularly in the fields of science and engineering. The university has a diverse student body and a commitment to integrating technology and data-driven approaches into its operations. The procurement team, led by Sara Harrison, Executive Director of Procurement and Payable Services, is responsible for managing the university's purchasing needs, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimizing costs. The team has been utilizing advanced procurement technologies to enhance their processes and achieve significant cost savings.
The Challenge
The University of Dayton needed to purchase a very expensive confocal microscope for the biology department. The purchasing team faced the challenge of finding the most competitive pricing for this high-cost item. Traditional procurement methods were not yielding satisfactory results, and the team needed a more data-driven approach to ensure they were getting the best value for their money. The challenge was further compounded by the need to meet specific departmental requirements while staying within budget constraints.
The Solution
The University of Dayton's procurement team turned to GovSpend, an extensive online database of government purchase orders from over 24,000 local, state, and federal agencies. By leveraging GovSpend, the team was able to access a wealth of pricing data and vendor information. They conducted a keyword-based search to find detailed results, including specific line items and company contact information. This allowed them to compare prices from their usual vendors with other companies that sell the same product to US institutions. The data-driven approach enabled the team to tailor their specification requirements to the biology department's needs and negotiate better terms with suppliers. Additionally, the use of GovQuote, a web-based digital platform, facilitated seamless connections between government agencies and private companies, further streamlining the procurement process.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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