Thank you for attending the Mercell Tendering launch webinar. Our team was delighted to introduce you to our next-generation tendering platform.
Following the event, we received a range of insightful questions from our valued customers. We’ve compiled this Q&A document to address your queries in detail, ensuring you have all the information needed about the platform’s capabilities, transition process, and what it means for you as an existing customer.
We currently use the Contract Management module. Will this module be integrated into the new platform, or is it a completely separate solution with a different fee structure?
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The CTM system you currently use will remain active for now. Mercell's upgraded Tendering Platform includes the ability to access upgraded Contract Management solution. This upgraded platform is distinct from the current CTM system and comes with its own pricing structure. For any new customers or new service agreements, this upgraded platform will be the standard offering.
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If you, as an existing customer, are interested in transitioning to the new platform, Mercell will provide a clear cost calculation and issue a new annual fee accordingly. Any payments you’ve already made for the current year will be credited on a pro-rata basis toward the new subscription to ensure a smooth and fair transition.
Where can we access the Planning module in Mercell? Is this a new module?
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The Planning module offers enhanced visibility and control over your entire procurement process, enabling more strategic planning, better compliance, and streamlined workflows from the very start of each tender.
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The Planning module is part of the upgraded Mercell Tendering Platform, separate from the current CTM system and with its own pricing. If you wish to transition, Mercell will provide a cost estimate and adjust your annual fee, crediting any payments already made on a pro-rata basis.
I see the system includes various modules. Do clients purchase the full package, or can they choose specific modules?
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Clients have the flexibility to choose the modules that best meet their needs and are not required to purchase the full package. For example, if you only need the Planning and Tendering modules, that’s completely possible.
Do we need multiple licenses when adding signatories?
- In the upgraded Mercell Tendering Platform, all users require a license, and eSignatures are priced as a separate module. For example, your package might include the Tendering module + eSignatures module + 10 user licenses. Once enabled, any licensed user can use the eSignature function.
Can we provide a link for document submissions instead of requiring uploads (e.g., www.example.co.uk/pdf)?
- Currently, the system allows suppliers to upload documents using the "Uploadable" option. You can request specific formats or provide links within your question, but if you want suppliers to submit a link rather than a document, you’ll need to set the answer type to a text field.
How is the CDP (Company Data Profile) linked in the system? Is it integrated or do we set it up manually?
- The link between supplier details in the CDP and the platform is handled manually. Users need to ask suppliers directly for their CDP PPON number and details by including this request in a question.
Does the platform support multiple languages for users in different regions?
- Yes, the system currently supports the following languages: English, Finnish, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, German, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian.
Can we customize parameters such as rules, laws, and questionnaires for different countries?
- Each country receives a version of the system tailored to its local regulations and requirements. However, these are provided as separate platform instances; for example, the UK platform follows UK regulations, while the Norwegian platform follows Norwegian rules. You may need multiple instances for cross-country operations.
Is the new platform integrated with eForms for OJEU procurements, and are eForms fully enabled?
- Yes, while the demo focused on the UK regulations, the same platform is provided in the Republic of Ireland and other EU regions with full eForms capability. These are fully enabled and implemented in the EU instance of the system.